Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that both tightens stomach muscles and removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal region. Tummy tuck surgery is considered a major body contouring surgery. As such, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. R. Morgan Davoudi performs the tummy tuck procedure in outpatient surgery centers attached to hospitals, for your ultimate safety.

If you are considering a tummy tuck to enhance your silhouette and boost your confidence, explore the possibilities with Dr. Davoudi at Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center. Experience the transformative benefits of abdominoplasty in Atlanta, where your journey to a more contoured and rejuvenated abdomen begins.

To book a personal consultation with Dr. Davoudi, call us at (770) 418-1234 or complete our online contact form.

About Abdominoplasty

The abdomen can undergo significant changes due to factors like pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging. These changes can result in excess skin, weakened abdominal muscles, and stubborn fat deposits that may not respond to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty is a surgical body enhancement procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. Through meticulous techniques tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy, Dr. Davoudi can help achieve a firmer, more toned midsection and improve overall body proportion.

During the tummy tuck procedure, an incision is strategically placed along the lower abdomen to allow for the removal of excess skin and fat. The abdominal muscles are then tightened to create a flatter, more sculpted abdominal profile.

Diastasis Recti Repair

Diastasis Recti, commonly known as abdominal separation, is a condition that affects the rectus abdominis muscles, causing them to stretch and separate. Up to 95% of women experience this condition in late pregnancy and up to 68% experience it postpartum. ⁽¹⁾ This separation can lead to a postpartum belly bulge, core muscle weakness, and even abdominal wall hernias if left untreated. Dr. Davoudi specializes in diastasis recti repair as part of the tummy tuck procedure, offering patients a holistic approach to restoring core strength and abdominal aesthetics.

Types of Tummy Tuck

Complete Tummy Tuck

In a complete tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Davoudi makes an incision from hip bone to hip bone along the lower pubic area so the resulting scar is hidden by bathing suits or undergarments. He then lifts the loose skin off the abdominal wall, then tightens the underlying rectus muscles, which give the abdomen strength. He pulls the skin down and removes excess skin. Dr. Davoudi disconnects the umbilicus or “belly button” from the abdomen, reconstructs it, and reattaches it after removing loose skin.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A partial or mini tummy tuck abdominoplasty is a skin-only tuck and is also an option for patients who want a less extensive procedure. No muscle plication is performed with these options. During mini abdominoplasty, Dr. Davoudi makes an incision that generally spans only the width of the pubic area and is similar to the incision associated with Cesarean delivery.

Benefits of Abdominoplasty

The culmination of physical improvements and increased confidence often results in a significant enhancement of self-esteem, empowering individuals to embrace a more positive self-image.

Ideal Candidates

The best candidates for an abdominoplasty procedure are healthy people who have stubborn fatty pockets ( fat deposits ) in the abdominal area that they would like eliminated to help change their appearance. A tummy tuck is not appropriate for people with serious health conditions or overweight or obese people who want to lose weight. Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss surgery, so patients should have a BMI of 30 or below, as the risk of blood clots increases for those with a higher BMI. Regarding pregnancy, women should no longer be considering additional pregnancies following a tummy tuck because they may need a second procedure to achieve the same result. ⁽²⁾

Personal Consultation

Dr. Davoudi devotes a considerable amount of time to patient education and communication to ensure that his patients are fully informed about their procedures. During your initial consultation, Dr. Davoudi will examine and take pictures of your body and then perform a 3D computer analysis of your abdomen. He will discuss the images with you, complete a goal analysis, review your options, and suggest recommendations. As the consultation ends, Dr. Davoudi will answer your questions and explain the risks of the procedures.

Online consultation is also available for out-of-state patients.

Why Choose Dr. Davoudi?

Atlanta’s own Dr. Davoudi has earned a reputation for excellence in plastic surgery procedures and outcomes, with many personal referrals from patients who have benefited from his care, artistry, and warmth. Dr. Davoudi has made it his mission to better the lives of all of his patients. Not all plastic surgeons are gifted with artistic ability and a sense of balance and harmony.

If you and Dr. Davoudi decide abdominoplasty is right for you, you will return for a preoperative visit two weeks before your scheduled procedure to receive instructions and discuss perioperative responsibilities.

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Preparation

Prior to your tummy tuck, it is essential to prioritize your health and well-being. Follow any preoperative instructions provided by Dr. Davoudi diligently. This may include discontinuing certain medications, supplements, or blood thinners to reduce the risk of complications during surgery. In the weeks leading up to your tummy tuck, it is advisable to make certain lifestyle adjustments to promote optimal healing. Cease smoking and nicotine use, as these can impair circulation and delay wound healing. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can also bolster your body’s resilience.

Recovery & Results

Immediately after your surgery, your abdomen will be wrapped in dressings and a compression binder to promote healing and manage swelling. It is common to experience swelling and bruising initially, but this is part of the body’s natural response to surgery. To aid in reducing swelling, we recommend keeping your upper body elevated by 45 degrees while resting. Dr. Davoudi may provide prescribed medication to help manage any discomfort during this initial phase.

Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Davoudi and his nursing staff are essential to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing. Most patients can resume work within two weeks post-surgery unless their job involves strenuous activities. Avoiding intense physical activities for 6 weeks following the procedure is crucial to support optimal healing and results.

People who undergo a tummy tuck can expect to end up with a tight and flat abdomen that looks much like the effect achieved by using an old-fashioned girdle. Because the abdomen is drawn way tighter, the waist will be narrower, and the thighs and buttocks become firmer and appear to have a more flattering curve. Tummy tucks can also eliminate stretch marks in many candidates because the procedure removes most of the “stretched-out” skin below the navel. You can also expect to have drains inserted into each side of your abdomen to remove excess fluid as it accumulates following surgery.

Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Atlanta

The investment in a tummy tuck procedure is as individual as you are, tailored to your unique needs and goals. Factors such as the specific techniques employed, the complexity of the surgery, anesthesia requirements, and post-operative care all play a role in determining the cost. Dr. Davoudi at Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center understands that achieving your desired aesthetic requires careful planning and consideration of various elements. The initial consult is $100, and at that visit at our practice, Dr. Davoudi will share exact costs with you based on the complexity of your tummy tuck surgery.

For more information, call our Atlanta office at (770) 418-1234 or complete our contact form.

FAQ

References

1. Weingerl I, Kozinc Ž, Šarabon N. The Effects of Conservative Interventions for treating Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Postpartum Women: a Review with Meta-analysis. SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine. 2022;5(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s42399-022-01353-4
2. Bhargava D. Abdominoplasty today. Indian journal of plastic surgery : official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. 2008;41(Suppl):S20-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2825125/