What is a Tummy Tuck?
A "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. 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. A Tummy Tuck often includes Smartlipo body sculpting for enhanced results, particularly on the flanks and low back. This results in a tighter waistline and sculpted lower back that reduces the "love handles!"
The Tummy Tuck is usually done in an outpatient setting in Southern Surgical Arts’ AAAHC-accredited surgery center in Calhoun or in Chattanooga at the Physician’s Surgery Center, accredited by the Joint Commission. Recovery time for the Tummy Tuck is 7-10 days based on the specific procedure performed. The actual extent of surgery will depend a variety of factors including the amount of excess skin, the laxity of the abdominal muscles and the amount of fatty tissue removed during liposuction.
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 absorbable suture.
Carey Nease, MD and Chad Deal, MD take an artistic approach to helping patients regain a more youthful figure with the Tummy Tuck procedure. They use refined techniques to create the significantly smaller scars compared to the traditional Tummy Tuck. They also encourage liposculpture with Smartlipo laser technology to give his patients the best results possible.
What Makes a Southern Surgical Arts’ Tummy Tuck different?
Dr. Nease and Dr. Deal perform Tummy Tucks with liposuction in order to sculpt and contour the waist, lower back, and to flatten the abdomen. Most surgeons don’t combine abdominal liposuction with a Tummy Tuck but we usually recommend it. The combination allows for a more contoured abdomen and significantly increases patient satisfaction.
At Southern Surgical Arts, we perform the Tummy Tuck with a low bikini scar, the shortest scar possible. With this procedure, the scar is lower and well hidden allowing most patients to wear a two-piece bikini without visible scars. The procedure and the incision point are tailored to each patient’s goals and lifestyle.
Southern Surgical Arts also offers a unique procedure we call the "Mini Tummy Tuck"! This procedure is ideal for a patient who has a low “pooch” of loose skin below the belly button. We use liposuction to remove the excess fat, and then remove the excess skin. With a Mini Tummy Tuck, there is no need to stitch up the muscle wall and re-create the belly button. We only remove the excess skin, or “pooch” and often in combination with a small amount of liposuction. Dr. Nease or Dr. Deal will determine if you are a candidate for the Mini Tummy Tuck or if you need the standard Tummy Tuck procedure.
Our ultimate goal is for your satisfaction and an improved, natural appearance without any obvious signs of surgery. Whether you want to wear a two-piece bikini in confidence or to show off your new belly button, Southern Surgical Arts is here to help you along that journey.
The Goal of Tummy Tuck
Let's talk about your goals
and how to reach them
At Southern Surgical Arts, we will listen to your goals and desires and only then will we make surgical or non-surgical recommendations to help you achieve those goals. Our ultimate goal is your satisfaction. We want to improve your natural appearance, without any obvious signs of surgery. Through meticulous attention to detail, we’ll hide all scars and use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to give you the best result with the least amount of down time possible.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
- Women and Men
- Ages 25 to 65
- Non-smokers
- Generally in good health
- Desire a flatter stomach, stronger abdominal muscles & sculpted waistline
What does a Tummy Tuck cost in Chattanooga, North Georgia and North Alabama?
The average cost for a Tummy Tuck at Southern Surgical Arts is about $8,000. A Mini Tummy Tuck begins at $6,995. Your specific quote will depend on a variety of factors.
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.
