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Tummy Tuck at Southern Surgical Arts

Dr. Nease and Dr. Deal are the experts for cosmetic surgery procedures in the Southeast. Together, they have performed more than 5,000 major cosmetic surgical procedures over the past 10 years and are highly skilled at performing both minimally invasive and full cosmetic surgery procedures. They offer the latest techniques and technology for cosmetic surgery including abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, liposuction, SmartLipo and fat transfer for buttock augmentation.

As a Board Certified and fellowship-trained surgeons, Dr. Nease and Dr. Deal specialize in naturally youthful results, minimal, well-hidden scars and quick recovery. Procedures are all done in a AAAHC state-of-the-art surgery center in a comfortable, pampering, and private environment with an experienced, compassionate staff. Dr. Nease and Dr. Deal are on staff at several area hospitals and focus on not only your aesthetic outcome but also on your safety and well-being.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy Tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the lower abdominal area and strengthens the muscle wall resulting in a flat stomach and narrowed waistline. The Tummy Tuck procedure is usually done in an outpatient setting in our AAAHC accredited surgery center. Recovery time for is 7-10 days based on the specific procedure performed, which often includes Smartlipo body sculpting for enhanced results, particularly on the flanks and low back. This results in a tighter waist line, sculpted low back and assurance that the "love handles" are no more!

The tummy tuck is an operation that is designed to remove excess skin from the abdomen and at the same time, tightening the abdominal muscles. It is indicated in cases where there is laxity of the abdomen resulting in bulging due to abnormal stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin. Unlike liposuction surgery, which just removes fat, this operation involves removal of skin and fat, with tightening of the abdominal muscles. For this reason, it is more extensive than liposuction. The actual extent of surgery will depend on the amount of excess skin and the laxity of the abdominal muscles.

Prior to a tummy tuck surgery, the amount of skin that is to be removed is carefully marked. The operation is usually carried out under general anesthesia. An incision is made in the bikini line and the excess skin is pulled down and inward, and is removed along with underlying fatty tissue. The weakened muscles are repaired and tightened as required, the skin is carefully re-draped and the incision closed with several layers of suture.

Carey Nease, MD and Dr. Deal at Southern Surgical Arts use an artistic approach to helping women regain a more youthful figure with the Tummy Tuck procedure. Dr. Nease uses techniques to make scars minimally small compared to the traditional tummy tuck procedure and encourages liposculpture with Smartlipo laser technology to give his patients the best results possible.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

· Women and Men

· Age 25 to 55

· Excess skin & weakened abdominal muscle tone

· Non-smoker

· Generally in good health

· Desires a flatter stomach, stronger abdominal muscles & sculpted waistline

What Makes Southern Surgical Arts’ Tummy Tucks different?

Women come to Southern Surgical Arts for Dr. Nease and Dr. Deal’s tummy tuck procedure because of the minimal scarring, less downtime, and cosmetic excellent results they provide. The procedure and the incision point are tailored to the patient, their goals, and their lifestyle.

At Southern Surgical Arts, we perform a low bikini scar. This scar is as short as possible. The benefit of this is that the scar is hidden better due to it being lower than most other surgeons, and typically allows for most patients to wear a 2-piece bikini without visible scars!

Dr. Nease and Dr. Deal perform tummy tucks with liposuction in order for us to sculpt and contour the waist, lower back, and to flatten the abdomen. Particulary having liposuction of the abdomen with a tummy tuck is not common with many surgeons, but we nearly always recommend it in combination. If liposuction is performed with the tummy tuck, it also allows for more contoured abdomen overall and significantly increases patient satisfaction. Most surgeons do not offer this advanced procedure of liposuction of the abdomen with tummy tucks, but we do at Southern Surgical Arts!

Southern Surgical Arts also offers a mini tummy tuck! This is ideal for when a patient has a low “pooch” of skin, or loose skin, in the lower abdomen area below the belly button only. Liposuction is done to remove the excess fat, and then the excess skin is removed. The difference between a mini tummy tuck and a normal tummy tuck is that a mini does not need to stitch up the muscle wall and re-create the belly button; only removal of the excess skin, or “pooch,” in combination with a small amount of liposuction.

Our ultimate goal is for your satisfaction and improved, natural appearance without any obvious signs of surgery. Whether that be wearing a two piece bikini in confidence or showing off your new belly button, Southern Surgical Arts is here to help you along that journey.

Expertise of Carey Nease, MD and Chad Deal, MD

Dr. Nease and Dr. Deal are both fellowship trained, Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeons that specialize in cosmetic surgery with an artistic approach and the latest laser technology.

Dr. Deal completed his fellowship in cosmetic surgery and performed over 800 surgical cases while in training. He is Board-Certified by the following:

Dr. Deal has trained surgeons from around the world in a facial rejuvenation course sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery in March of 2011. He has been selected to present at the 2011 American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery's Fall Symposium.

Dr. Nease was recently selected as Best of the Best Cosmetic Surgeon 2010 in Chattanooga and two years in a row in Dalton. Dr. Nease is highly respected in both communities and considered the leading expert in cosmetic surgical procedures of the face and body. Dr. Nease is Board-Certified by the following:

American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Nease is a Fellowship Director of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and trains surgeons from around the country the latest techniques in cosmetic surgery. It is a one-year training program open to current ABMS certified general surgeons, plastic surgeons and head and neck surgeons. He is also a Board-Examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

The Goal of Tummy Tuck

After careful consideration of your desires and Dr. Nease or Dr. Deals observations, a recommendation for the surgical and non-surgical treatment options will be presented to help you obtain your goals. The ultimate goal is your satisfaction and improved, natural appearance without any obvious signs of surgery. Through meticulous attention to detail all scars are well hidden, and minimally invasive techniques are performed whenever possible to give you the best result with the least amount of down time.

New Technology at Southern Surgical Arts

The newest technology available for cellulite treatment is at Southern Surgical Arts. Dr. Nease and Dr. Deal are pleased to announce the Triactive Anti-Cellulite Laser. Laser diodes penetrate skin tissue and together with the massaging action it smoothes out the cellulite-affected area and improves microcirculation. This in turn increases skin elasticity and promotes a tighter appearance.

Average Fees for Tummy Tuck at Southern Surgical Arts

When comparing prices at different cosmetic or plastic surgery centers, know that the total cost of your surgery will include the surgeon's fee, anesthesia costs and the facility fee for the operating room. Some surgery centers bundle the price of the procedure into one total fee and others may only quote you their surgeon's fee so that their prices seem less.

Southern Surgical Arts' average total charges for a Tummy Tuck is $7,500 to $9,000.

Commitment to Surgical Artistry

Dr. Nease and Dr. Deal specialize in artistic cosmetic surgery, natural enhancements with minimal downtime and minimal scarring using the latest technology available in the following procedures: Face & Neck Lifts, Laser Assisted Face Lifts, Eye & Brow Lifts, Rhinoplasty & Nose Reshaping, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lifts & Reductions, SmartLipo, Liposculpture & Laser Body Sculpting, Tummy Tucks, Brazilian Butt Lifts, and Mommy Makeovers.

State-of-the-Art Surgery Center

Southern Surgical Arts is a fully accredited (AAAHC) and the most advanced cosmetic surgery center in North Georgia and the Chattanooga area. We offer two convenient locations in Calhoun and Chattanooga with a state-of-the-art surgery center coming soon to the historic Southside district of Chattanooga.

Tummy Tuck Consultations

Tummy Tuck Consultations at Southern Surgical Arts are complimentary. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 706-629-8622 or 423-266-3331.

Be sure to visit Dr. Nease's Before & After Photo Gallery. Click Here or the pictures below!

Featured Videos

Patient Testimonial: Tummy Tuck

Dr. Deal talks about Tummy Tuck