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Ask Dr. Elliott: Common Tummy Tuck Questions Answered

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Dr. Franklyn Elliott at Atlanta Plastic SurgeryWhile it may not be as performed quite as common as liposuction or breast augmentation, tummy tuck remains one of the most consistently popular cosmetic surgery procedures year in and year out. And for good reason. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like myself, tummy tuck surgery can be an excellent way for patients to achieve a trimmer, healthier-looking midsection. To elaborate on the many ways this body contouring surgery can help my patients, I wanted to answer a few commonly asked questions about tummy tucks.

Question #1: How do I choose the right plastic surgeon to perform my tummy tuck?

There are a few important things to look out for when selecting a plastic surgeon to perform a tummy tuck procedure. The first thing is making sure they are board-certified as a plastic surgeon. The next step is making sure you find someone with considerable experience performing tummy tucks. I also strongly suggest asking to see before and after photos from their past tummy tuck patients to confirm if you and this surgeon share a similar aesthetic sensibility.

Question #2: Is there a way I can speed up my recovery following a tummy tuck?

Every patient wants to reap the rewards of their new appearance as soon as possible, but it’s important not to cut any corners during your tummy tuck recovery period. Wearing a compression garment during the recovery period can help aid recovery by reducing post-surgical swelling. The best way to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery is to closely follow your plastic surgeon’s post-surgery instructions.

Question #3: When does it make sense to consider an extended tummy tuck?

An extended tummy tuck is a type of tummy tuck procedure where I make a horizontal incision to help address the sides (or flanks) in addition to the abdominal area. I often recommend this type of tummy tuck procedure to patients with considerable excess skin in these areas after significant weight loss.

Tummy tuck surgery can help both men and women look and feel their very best. If you think that you might be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery, the first step is scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like myself to learn more. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget to follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and much more.

 

Commonly Asked Questions Before Breast Reconstruction Surgery

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In addition to the many cosmetic surgery procedures that I perform, I also often perform reconstructive plastic surgery like breast reconstruction. I take great pride in being able to help my patients restore their breasts following breast cancer surgery. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience performing breast reconstruction, I am well versed in the physical, mental, and emotional concerns that patients may experience in the lead up to this procedure. That’s why I wanted to take some time to provide some helpful information on breast reconstruction and the basics every patient should know before their pre-surgery consultation appointment.

While I make sure to take the time needed to address each of my patients unique questions and concerns, there are some basic factors that every woman should consider before making any final decisions regarding breast reconstruction. This includes deciding between immediate and delayed breast reconstruction and the procedure method that will be most helpful for your specific needs. I have different methods for performing this procedure including some that use a breast implant and/or device known as a tissue expander or others that use the patient’s own tissue to reconstruct the breast including the TRAM Flap technique.

In the following video, I discuss common questions that all patients should consider before undergoing a breast reconstruction surgery.

The thing I love most about performing breast reconstruction is having the opportunity to help women feel whole again following their battle with breast cancer. I understand that there is a lot to know and many decisions to make, but no matter which type of breast reconstruction the patient undergoes, I am confident in the power of this procedure and the long-term benefits that it can provide. For more information on breast reconstruction or to schedule a consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, at Atlanta Plastic Surgery. You can also follow along with me on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, news, videos, and much more.

How I Address Common Plastic Surgery Concerns

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dr-looks-at-graph-of-concernsIt’s perfectly natural for patients to feel uncertain or anxious before their plastic surgery. After all, plastic surgery is still surgery and not something that should be taken lightly. However, it’s important not to let this fear get the best of you. I can’t tell you how many patients I have spoken with over the years who have told me that they wish they had overcome their anxiety and undergone their cosmetic procedure sooner. To help quell this uncertainty for future patients, I wanted to address a few of the most common concerns that patients have before their procedures.

The goal of any cosmetic procedure is to help the patient look their very best following surgery. However, some people are anxious before their procedure about the possibility of post-surgery scarring and potential complications. Though in my personal experience, these concerns are often inflated. While scarring is a natural and unavoidable part of any surgery, visible scarring following cosmetic surgery is often minimal and will fade over time with proper care. Additionally, even the most common plastic surgery complications are very rare.

No one wants to be laid up in the hospital or deal with a timely, difficult recovery following their plastic surgery. However, the recovery period following a cosmetic procedure is typically less arduous than many patients realize. Although every patient heals differently and some procedures require more intensive recovery periods than others, as long as the patient follows their plastic surgeon’s post-surgery instructions and does not try to push themselves too hard too fast, recovery following plastic surgery is often fairly straightforward.

Lastly, I have spoken with some patients over the years who are concerned that cosmetic surgery may not be able to help them achieve the aesthetic results that they desire. However, when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like myself, patient satisfaction following cosmetic surgery is typically extremely high. The results of a plastic surgery procedure can provide a genuinely life-changing boost in self-confidence.

If you’re experiencing some nerves about plastic surgery, you’re not alone. However, I hope reading this helped illustrate how safe and successful cosmetic surgery procedures typically are. One of the best ways to feel more at ease about undergoing plastic surgery is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in order to address your specific questions and concerns. For more information on plastic surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. And follow along with me on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, news, practice updates, and more.

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