Getting A Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss Surgery
The weeks and months after a significant weight loss transformation can be exhilarating. Trying on new clothes, enjoying exciting physical activities, and even routine tasks like walking up the stairs comfortably can give you a new lease on life. Sometimes, though, this exciting time can be spoiled by the loose skin that often remains after weight loss surgery. Double board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Marisa Lawrence and her caring team at Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA understand the physical and emotional toll that excess skin after weight loss can take on patients and are proud to offer an effective solution in the form of a tummy tuck.
Dr. Lawrence, founder and sole surgeon of her private practice, has treated numerous patients with loose skin after weight loss surgery with dramatic results, and she is committed to providing the most exceptional and personal level of patient care. During your initial one-on-one consultation, Dr. Lawrence will thoroughly evaluate your case, discuss your goals, explain the procedure, answer your questions, and recommend a treatment plan to best meet your needs. The professional team at Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery understands the level of investment — physical, emotional, and financial — involved in undergoing a tummy tuck after weight loss and are dedicated to guiding you through the process as comfortably as possible.
To help determine if a tummy tuck after weight loss surgery is right for you, it is important to understand the basics about the procedure and what you can expect.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure designed to contour the midsection. By removing excess skin, tightening the abdominal muscles, and eliminating stubborn fat with liposuction, a skilled surgeon is able to give patients a dramatic and stunning new shape.
What can I expect during a tummy tuck?
As with any procedure, the details of the surgery can depend on a variety of factors including the patient’s health, the nature of the issues being treated, and the surgeon performing the treatment. In most cases, a tummy tuck procedure can last from 2 – 5 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the amount of excess skin present, your doctor will choose one or more techniques for incision placement. Dr. Lawrence is highly skilled and experienced in the complexities of a tummy tuck and makes every effort to perform the procedure with as little visible scarring as possible.
If there are stubborn pockets of fat present in addition to the loose skin, Dr. Lawrence may elect to perform liposuction as part of the procedure. For patients who need a significant amount of contouring and restructuring, the belly button may need to be moved to provide a more aesthetically pleasing outcome. Drains will be placed, and the incisions will be closed and dressed in preparation for your recovery.
What is tummy tuck recovery like?
Though it has become a fairly common procedure, a tummy tuck after weight loss is still a major surgery and requires ample healing time. Walking and moving around will be uncomfortable for several weeks, and patients may experience swelling and bruising. Your surgeon will give you written and oral instructions for your recovery period, including medications to take, compression garments to wear, and physical restrictions, and it is essential that you follow these instructions for an easier recovery and optimal results. Most patients choose to take two weeks off of work after their tummy tuck and can typically begin resuming their daily activities after 2 – 6 weeks.
Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck after weight loss surgery?
The best candidates for a tummy tuck after weight loss surgery have experienced a significant amount of weight loss and have a large amount of loose or excess skin. It is important that patients are within about 10 pounds of their goal weight and have maintained it for at least three months before undergoing a tummy tuck. While the timeline for each patient varies, this usually happens between 12 – 18 months after weight loss surgery. It is also advised that women considering a tummy tuck after weight loss are done having children, as a future pregnancy will affect the results.
Another consideration is the patient’s overall health. The best surgical candidates are in good health, are non-smokers, and have no contraindications to surgery. Dr. Lawrence and her medical team will evaluate your case carefully to determine if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck and address any concerns.
How do I get started with a tummy tuck after weight loss?
Once you have reached and maintained a healthy weight and have excess skin and fat that is unresponsive to diet and exercise, it may be time to consider a tummy tuck procedure. Arguably the most important step is to select a qualified, experienced surgeon to perform your surgery. Now into her 26th year as a plastic surgeon, Dr. Marisa Lawrence has been operating longer than any other female plastic surgeon in Atlanta. Call Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA today to learn more about how a tummy tuck by Dr. Marisa Lawrence can enhance your appearance, boost your confidence, and be the final step in your weight loss transformation!