Having a midsection that looks flabby isn’t always about weight. An abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, available in Knoxville, is designed to remove some fat or skin and repair weakened muscles that can keep your abdomen from looking sleek and flat. The problem may be genetic or the result of substantial weight loss, whether through diet and exercise or after a pregnancy.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Do?
A tummy tuck is not intended to be a weight loss procedure, but it is a popular way to eliminate skin and fat—and the impression of fat—at your midsection. There are several reasons a patient might want to choose a tummy tuck, including:
- too much abdominal skin or skin that hangs down
- a disproportionate belly that sticks out
- weakened abdominal muscles
- unwanted fat in the belly area
Dr. Ed Breazeale will examine your abdomen from different angles to get an idea of how much loose skin and fat you have at your midsection, as well as the state of your abdominal muscles. From there, he will determine how much skin needs to be removed, and from where, and other details related to a complete tummy tuck surgery.
Before and After Images
See the results of previous procedures and view before and after images in our Tummy Tuck Gallery.
What Can You Expect From a Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Breazeale bases his decision on the incisions for a tummy tuck on a variety of factors: He considers how much skin needs to be removed, a patient’s unique anatomy, and even preferred swimsuit and underwear styles. He aims to hide the incisions as effectively as possible. Generally, though, you can expect a tummy tuck incision to run horizontally across your body below your navel.
In cases of a small amount of loose skin and excess fat, this single incision may be all that’s needed; this is known as a partial or mini tummy tuck. A second incision may be necessary, however, depending on how far up your abdomen he finds loose skin. If there is a good deal of skin to be pulled down, Dr. Breazeale may make a circular incision around your belly button to preserve it as the skin around it is stretched lower and tighter. He will then make a hole in the newly stretched skin through which your navel can appear.
In addition to removing excess skin and tightening the skin that is left, Dr. Breazeale may suture together muscles and tissues that have grown loose beneath the fat. The overall effect will be one of a taut, flat belly with no drooping overhang or flab.
Dr. Edward Breazeale, Jr. MD
Dr. Ed Breazeale, Jr., an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, works to give his patients the looks they want in a safe and professional environment. He is a trusted source for quality plastic surgery using state-of-the-art technology
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Down time after a tummy tuck varies from person to person, depending on physical fitness prior to the surgery, the extent of the particular procedure, and an individual’s healing ability. In general, it takes two to three weeks for your body to heal enough for you to be able to return to a basic level of physical activity.
It is important to follow Dr. Breazeale’s instructions for post-operative care to ensure the best possible results after your tummy tuck.
Tummy tuck complications don’t happen often, but any surgery carries with it some risk. Dr. Breazeale will discuss the specific potential side effects and other issues associated with this procedure in person at your consultation. The meeting is a good time to ask any questions you might have about tummy tuck surgery or other plastic surgery procedures, including cost, recovery, after-care, and more.
The results of a tummy tuck surgery are permanent, and will last as long as you maintain your healthy weight and body shape. If you are expecting any significant changes to your weight after your procedure—such as losing a large amount of weight or getting pregnant—plan to discuss this with Dr. Breazeale so you can determine whether the timing and the tummy tuck procedure are the best option at the moment to get the results you are looking for.
Learn More About Tummy Tuck in Knoxville
Some patients who want a tummy tuck also choose liposuction, since that procedure focuses on fat removal. The two procedures combined can quickly take a flabby stomach to a flat one, giving you a thinner, sleeker profile—and the confidence to go with it.
Dr. Breazeale will discuss with you the surgery or methods he recommends for achieving the best result in your particular case.
Call or text The Breazeale Clinic today to learn more about a Tummy Tuck including before and after possibilites, cost and more.
Request a consultation at our Knoxville office at 865-342-0300.
