Tummy Tuck

Weight fluctuation, the effects of pregnancies, gravity, genetics and the aging process cause skin within the abdominal area to lose elasticity and the abdominal muscles to shift from their original position. An abdominoplasty, or more commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, removes excess and loose skin around the abdomen area while also tightening the abdominal wall. The result? A slimmer waistline and flatter abdomen!

And Liposuction?

If needed, to achieve the best results possible, our experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Moore may suggest liposuction to remove access fat and further sculpt and define the waistline. A liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are two of the most popular procedures to improve the appearance of the abdomen. The best way to determine if you should have one procedure over the other or both procedures combined, would be to discuss these concerns with Dr. Moore during a scheduled consultation.

Mini Tuck!

Not everyone needs a full tummy tuck; some patients may benefit from a “mini-tuck,” which is a procedure very similar to a tummy tuck, but it tightens the skin and removes excess skin and tissue below the umbilicus. This procedure is ideal for someone who is at a healthy weight but has a small “pooch” or FUPA (Fatty Upper Pelvic Area) from a c-section, pregnancy, certain abdominal surgeries, or rapid weight loss. Women in particular know this problem as the fold-over skin/fat pocket that is almost impossible to address with diet and exercise.

The incision for a mini tuck is smaller than a full tummy tuck and is typically very successful at removing the stubborn fold over pooch. Dr. Moore can talk to you about which procedure may be right for you and the risks and benefits of each one in your one-on-one consultation.

Like most all cosmetic surgeries, results vary from patient-to-patient. Some patients are better qualified due to different circumstances. The best candidates for a tummy tuck are generally patients who:

Are at or near their ideal weight, but struggle with extra skin despite their dieting and exercise efforts
Have undergone massive weight loss and wish to shred off the excess skin that remains
Are women who desire to restore their pre-pregnancy figure

A tummy tuck procedure begins by an incision made across the lower abdomen, between the bikini line and pubic area. An additional incision could also be made around the belly button. From here, the skin and fat between the belly button and pubic area are usually removed along with tightening of the abdominal wall. The final step is to create a new opening for the belly button at the proper position and place drains. The length of the procedure varies on the unique needs of the patient; however, a general tummy tuck procedure ranges from one and a half to three hours.

Surgery is performed in Azalea Center's outpatient surgery center in Valdosta, Georgia; patients may use our satellite office in Tifton, Georgia for post op visits.

Dr. Moore and her team at Azalea will provide detailed information about after-care instructions, approved activities, and what is normal for the healing process. The results of this surgery are highly dependent on the role you play post-surgery and throughout your recovery period. After your surgery, you will be placed in an abdominal binder and you will be provided with medication to alleviate soreness and discomfort. Generally, patients experience tightness, pain, and/or numbness following the surgery, but these symptoms should dissipate as the healing progresses. Patients are usually up walking around within a day or two of surgery; however, movement should remain limited to light activity. Most patients can expect to move around cautiously after about 7 - 10 days, but strenuous activity should be avoided for six weeks post-surgery. A scar from a tummy tuck may extend from hip to hip and will be placed low on the pubis. The scar placement is inconspicuous enough to be hidden by most types of underwear or bikini bottoms. Over time, scars and incision marks will fade; within three to six months, visible scarring should be less noticeable.

Receiving a tummy tuck before childbearing is possible from a medical standpoint, generally without a risk of harm to the mother or the child. However, most plastic surgeons recommend to women with such concerns to complete their families before considered a tummy tuck. If you were to become pregnant after receiving a tummy tuck, the repeated stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin that occurs during this process can reverse the outcome achieved when you first underwent the abdominoplasty. This typically recreates the aesthetic concerns you originally sought to resolve in the first place. To ensure lasting results, it is recommended to postpone a tummy tuck until after you have no future plans for pregnancy.

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