Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Performed in Atlanta, GA by Dr. John L. LeRoy.
For a variety of reasons, excess fat in the abdomen can sometimes be difficult to get rid of through traditional diet and exercise. Weight loss, pregnancy, and other factors can cause loose, overhanging skin to develop in the abdominal region, and lax abdominal muscles can make the area appear more prominent. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery from Dr. John L. LeRoy can address these issues and give you a firmer, flatter-looking midsection. This popular procedure can give you a more athletic and toned appearance in the abdomen, and help you eliminate stubborn, excess fat and skin.
Contact our tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgeon in Atlanta, Georgia for a consultation.
Introduction to the Tummy Tuck – “What we will see is the patients who have lost weight or have had children and have had the muscles and the tissues stretched along the abdominal area. No matter how much they do in terms of exercise and diet, they just cannot get rid of the extra skin and fat.”
The Procedure
A tummy tuck surgery involves an incision made along the bikini-line, traditionally from hip-to-hip. Once the incision is made, the skin is lifted and the abdominal muscles tightened. Excess skin and fat from the area is removed, and the remaining skin is pulled taut, creating a smoother, more toned appearance to the midsection. There will be scarring from a tummy tuck procedure; however, the scar can often be easily hidden with clothing or swimwear, and Dr. LeRoy will work to make any visible scarring as minimal as possible.
An abdominoplasty typically takes about two to four hours to complete under general anesthesia, and can be performed as an outpatient.
Recovery from tummy tuck usually takes about one to two weeks at home. Any pain or discomfort while the abdominal region is healing can be managed with medication. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise or potential strain to the abdominal area for at least six weeks after surgery. Dr. LeRoy often asks patients to take short walks soon after surgery to prevent blood clots.
Types of Abdominoplasty
Dr. LeRoy performs a variety of abdominoplasty procedures here in the Atlanta, Georgia area, some of them less invasive than others. A consultation with our plastic surgeon will give you a better idea of which type of tummy tuck surgery will be best for your needs.
Mini Abdominoplasty
Mini-abdominoplasty is designed to remove smaller amounts of excess skin in the midsection. The procedure is also beneficial for those who simply want to recontour already-slim abdominal regions. The mini-abdominoplasty is less invasive than the traditional version, and involves less scarring. Unlike a full abdominoplasty, this procedure does not involve cutting and then repositioning the navel.
Circumferential Abdominoplasty
A circumferential abdominoplasty is for patients who have large amounts of excess skin and fat in the middle part of the body, often after losing large amounts of weight after bariatric surgery or other weight loss methods. Also referred to as a lower body lift, this procedure is more extensive than a full abdominoplasty and involves an incision made around the entire waistline. The abdominal muscles are tightened, the navel repositioned, and excess skin is removed. In a circumferential abdominoplasty, excess fat from the ribs to the knees is eliminated with liposuction.
Extended Abdominoplasty
An extended abdominoplasty can be helpful to those who have lost large amounts of weight and are experiencing excess fat and loose skin in the abdomen and sides of the body. This procedure not only tightens the abdominal muscles and pulls the skin of the stomach region taut, it also focuses on the love handle areas to create a more v-shaped contour.
Endoscopic Abdominoplasty
Endoscopic abdominoplasty involves using small instruments and tiny incisions to remove excess fat in the abdomen by liposuction. Skin is not removed during this procedure. The abdominal muscles are tightened using an instrument called an endoscope, which makes it possible for Dr. LeRoy to visualize the surgical field on a monitor and perform the surgery without making large incisions. This technique is less invasive than other tummy tuck procedures and can result in significantly less scarring.
Contact Us
Please contact John L. LeRoy, MD, FACS to schedule a tummy tuck consultation here in Atlanta, Georgia.