A healthy diet and consistent fitness routine can improve overall health and BMI, but stretch marks and excess skin can be an issue after weight loss or childbirth. In many cases, surgery is the only way to remove excess skin, repair abdominal muscles, and achieve a flatter, firmer abdomen.
Tummy tuck surgery is performed by our award-winning team of surgeons at our Metro Atlanta practice, including Dr. Joseph Bauer, Dr. Dean Fardo, and Dr. Cristen Catignani. Get the beautifully contoured abdomen you’ve always wanted at the Swan Center.
Achieving and maintaining a firm and flat tummy can be challenging. This is especially true for those who have gone through pregnancy, lost a significant amount of weight, or are dealing with the effects of aging. In some cases, even your genes may be working against you! If you’re concerned with stretch marks, excess skin, muscle separation, and persistent pockets of fat on your abdomen, you have choices.
Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most popular procedures our Atlanta plastic surgeons perform. By removing excess skin and fat, tightening the remaining skin, and repairing underlying muscles, a tummy tuck can safely restore a flat appearance to your lower abdomen. Additionally, it can strengthen your core and dramatically reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Why Choose The Swan Center for Your Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks can produce remarkable results, but choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon is essential to guarantee safety and success. Our award-winning surgeons are board-certified and have an impressive history of successful procedures while prioritizing patient satisfaction and safety. It’s not surprising that people from across the region trust our Alpharetta surgeons to achieve the best tummy tuck results in Metro Atlanta.
The Swan Center was awarded the title of “Best Plastic Surgery Center for the Tummy/Midsection” in 2022 for the standard of care and caliber of results that all three surgeons provide. Dr. Catignani was also recognized by Best Self Atlanta and My Alpharetta as the Best Plastic Surgeon for the Body.
Dr. Fardo, Dr. Cat, and Dr. Bauer are dedicated to providing their patients exceptional care and the latest proven abdominoplasty techniques to help them look and feel their best. With their combined expertise, they have developed specialized protocols to speed up and enhance your recovery. Your surgeon will personally follow up with you and take every precaution to help you return to your routine as quickly as possible.
Meet Your Tummy Tuck Specialists
Dr. Joseph Bauer
Board-Certified Plastic & General Surgeon
Dr. Bauer is a highly respected double board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His attentive bedside manner, commitment to patient safety, and exceptional, natural-looking results attract patients from all over the world.
A mom and a mommy makeover expert, “Dr. Cat” loves meeting with and empowering her female patients. Her meticulous skill and friendly, supportive personality have endeared her to patients and earned her multiple “Best Plastic Surgeon” awards for body contouring surgeries.
An 11-time Vitals’ Patient Choice award winner, Dr. Fardo treats every patient as if they were family. He ranks in the top 10% of RealSelf doctors for patient satisfaction and is known for his specialized body contouring techniques and minimally invasive approach.
Tummy tuck surgery is a great option for men and women who have loose or sagging skin concentrated around the abdomen but are at a relatively stable, healthy weight. You are likely a good candidate for a tummy tuck if:
You’re hoping to reduce a “pregnancy pouch”
You have loose or excess skin
Diet and exercise don’t produce the results you want
You have abdominal muscle separation
You are a non-smoker in general good health
The most reliable way to determine whether tummy tuck surgery is suitable for you is to seek advice from a board-certified plastic surgeon. Our team of highly skilled contouring experts is dedicated to addressing your concerns and helping you achieve your desired results.
We will work with you to personalize a surgical plan to your unique needs. You can trust that our team will provide you with the highest level of care and expertise throughout your journey toward a more confident you.
Your Tummy Tuck Options
There are various options available that may be suitable for you depending on your individual concerns and desired outcome. For instance, if you have a persistent fatty bulge on your lower abdomen, liposuction techniques may be the best option for you.
Alternatively, patients who are concerned about sagging skin would benefit most from a full tummy tuck, which addresses mild to moderate loose skin and little to no muscle damage. In rare cases, a patient may be eligible for a drain-less tummy tuck.
For patients with excessive or hanging skin after significant weight loss, we may recommend an extended tummy tuck or other body lift procedures to achieve a more comprehensive outcome. Our surgeons will help you determine which option will give you the best results during your personalized consultation.
I’m coming up to my 1 year anniversary for my BA and TT with Dr.Cat. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to move forward with “updating” my body. I had researched The Swan Center many years ago and last year when deciding to pull the trigger on a practice I’m so happy I chose Dr.Cat and her team. They have ALL been wonderful from day one. My results are mind blowing. It’s such an out of body experience to feel so awesome with my body again. I highly recommend this practice and Dr.Cat. I will be going back to her for other “updates” soon.
Recovering from a tummy tuck is a gradual process, but with the right care and guidance, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a smoother, flatter abdomen. Below is a general timeline to help you understand what to expect during your recovery:
Day 1
You’ll likely be discharged a few hours after surgery to recover at home.
Wear the provided compression garment to minimize swelling and protect your results.
Rest is essential, but begin light walking to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
Days 2 to 7
Swelling and discomfort are normal but manageable with prescribed pain medication.
Most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relievers within a few days.
Continue short, frequent walks to aid in healing.
Avoid strenuous activities and follow all aftercare instructions carefully.
Week 2
Many patients feel well enough to resume light, nonstrenuous daily activities.
You may still experience some swelling and tightness in the abdomen.
Continue wearing your compression garment as directed by your surgeon.
Week 4 to 6
Swelling gradually decreases, and you’ll notice improvements in mobility and comfort.
Depending on your surgeon’s instructions, you may resume light exercise, avoiding any core-focused movements or heavy lifting.
3 Months
Most patients are cleared for moderate exercise and more active routines.
Swelling should be minimal, though some residual swelling may linger.
Your scar will begin to soften and fade.
6 Months to 1 Year
You’ll likely achieve your final results by this time.
Scars continue to fade, and your abdominal contour will appear more refined and natural.
It’s important to listen to your body and follow your surgeon’s personalized recovery plan to ensure the best possible outcome. If you have any concerns or questions at any point during your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
What Are My Other Body Contouring Options?
Our board-certified plastic surgeons are known for creating beautifully proportioned curves. We offer surgical and non-surgical body contouring to enhance your waist shape and reduce excess skin and fat in your midsection.
Looking to enhance your tummy tuck with a full-body makeover? A combination of surgical procedures designed to address the effects of childbearing is commonly called a ‘mommy makeover,’ though you don’t need to have had children to benefit from it!
Mommy makeover patients can choose the procedures that meet their personal aesthetic goals, such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift, breast augmentation, arm lift, or labiaplasty. In most cases, a mommy makeover is performed as a single operation, saving you recovery time in the long run and allowing you to make all your desired changes at once. Dr. Cat, Dr. Bauer, and Dr. Fardo can help you determine your unique makeover plan in your complimentary consultation.
Not ready for surgery? Consider a non-invasive procedure such as CoolSculpting® or minimally invasive semaglutide injections for weight loss to achieve beautiful results and boost your confidence with less downtime.
Beautiful & Natural Tummy Tuck Results Await
If excess fat and skin around your stomach are bringing you down, then a tummy tuck procedure may be right for you. To learn more about your tummy tuck options, check out our informational blog, browse our before-and-after results, or contact us to schedule a personalized consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons!
The team at The Swan Center for Plastic Surgery in Alpharetta are experts in surgical procedures for the face, breast, and body. Serving patients from North Atlanta, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, John’s Creek, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and from out of town, our surgeons will listen to all of your concerns and work closely with you to design an abdominoplasty treatment plan that gives you a waistline you’ll love.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
How do I know if I need an abdominoplasty or just liposuction?
Abdominoplasty is ideal for removing excess skin and tightening weakened abdominal muscles. Liposuction, meanwhile, targets localized fat deposits only. If you have loose skin or muscle separation, a tummy tuck is likely the better option, though both procedures can be combined for best results.
How much weight will a tummy tuck take off?
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. While you may lose a few pounds from excess skin and fat removal, the primary benefit is improved abdominal contour, rather than significant weight reduction.
Are there BMI limits for tummy tuck surgery?
Many surgeons recommend a BMI of 30 or lower for optimal results and reduced risks, but exceptions can be made depending on your health and goals. Your surgeon will assess your candidacy during your consultation and may recommend semaglutide weight loss injections to help you reach your target size before surgery.
How many pant sizes do you go down with a tummy tuck?
On average, patients may drop 1 to 2 pant sizes after a tummy tuck, but this varies based on the amount of excess skin removed and your individual body composition.
Is a compression garment post-surgery really necessary?
Yes, wearing a compression garment is essential for minimizing swelling, supporting healing tissues, and enhancing your results. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for how long to wear it.
What’s the best sleeping position after getting a tummy tuck?
Sleeping on your back with your upper body elevated and knees slightly bent is best after a tummy tuck. This position reduces tension on the incision and promotes a comfortable recovery.
