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Tummy Tuck in Knoxville

american society of plastic surgeons Fellow American college of surgeons American Board of Physician Specialties American College of Surgeons The Aesthetic Society American Society for Mass Spectrometry american cleft palate-craniofacial association International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
american society of plastic surgeons Fellow American college of surgeons American Board of Physician Specialties American College of Surgeons The Aesthetic Society American Society for Mass Spectrometry american cleft palate-craniofacial association american society of plastic surgeons Fellow American college of surgeons American Board of Physician Specialties American College of Surgeons american board of surgery The Aesthetic Society American Society for Mass Spectrometry american cleft palate-craniofacial association International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
knoxville tummy tuck patient model in navy blue sports bra and shorts

A flat stomach and a well-defined waist are two things just about every woman would love to have. Whether you have been trying diet and exercise or you have had children and can’t seem to get rid of the extra “pooch” from skin and fat left over after your pregnancy, our Knoxville tummy tuck can help you attain the figure you desire.

You may choose to have a tummy tuck to help boost your image if you are concerned about excess fat and skin around your belly or if you have a weak abdominal wall. Some of the factors that contribute to excess fat and poor elasticity of the skin around the abdomen or a weakened abdominal wall include;

  • Significant weight changes
  • Pregnancy
  • Aging
  • The patient’s body type
  • Abdominal surgeries such as C-sections

A tummy tuck is meant to get rid of loose, excess fat and skin below the belly button. A tummy tuck is also done to tighten weak connective tissue (fascia) and remove stretch marks. The result is a more toned and slimmer abdomen. This appearance can be long-lasting as long as the patient maintains a stable weight.

Everyone’s body is built differently, and Knoxville plastic surgeon, Dr. Jason Hall, makes sure to plan your surgery based on your body and your goals. A tummy tuck usually involves an incision from hip to hip, so tummy tuck patients will be asked to bring your favorite swimsuit on the morning of surgery to ensure the final incision is hidden in your bikini line.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

D uring a tummy tuck, extra skin and fat are removed, and the skin is then pulled downward and stitched into place with stitches that are hidden beneath the skin. Your belly button will need to be moved and placed in a more natural position, and a small amount of liposuction will be performed around the waist to provide a pleasing contour.

In most of Dr. Hall’s tummy tuck procedures, drain tubes are not needed. However, occasionally patients may go home with small drainage tubes to prevent fluid from collecting underneath your skin, but these drains are usually removed by Dr. Hall a few days after surgery. Our tummy tuck patients will have the procedure done in Dr. Hall’s outpatient surgery center and can expect the procedure to last about 2-3 hours. During the surgery, you will be under general anesthesia and completely unconscious so that you don't feel pain. You will wake up after your surgery in a light elastic garment, which will be worn for a few weeks under your clothes while you’re healing.

Am I A Candidate For A Tummy Tuck?

An abdominoplasty procedure may be right for you if you are in good health with no severe chronic health complications such as diabetes, do not smoke, and:

  • Have extra skin and/or fat in your abdomen that has not gone away with diet and exercise
  • Do not plan on losing a significant amount of weight
  • Do not plan to become pregnant
  • Have a body mass index lower than 30
tummy tuck patient model in a navy blue coat walking in the snow

Preparing For a Tummy Tuck Procedure

In preparation for your tummy tuck body contouring procedure, Dr. Hall will:

Discuss your expectations.

Because Dr. Hall strives to deliver the best tummy tuck Knoxville has to offer, he will want to understand your reasons for a tummy tuck surgery and your expectations after the procedure. Dr. Hall will also explain to you the benefits and risks involved, such as scarring and that any previous abdominal surgery might affect the results.

Review your medical history.

Dr. Hall will want to know about your past and present medical conditions including the medications you have taken recently or is currently taking, and any abdominal surgeries you have had. Dr. Hall will also ask if you are allergic to any medications and your history of weight gain and loss.

Carry out a physical exam.

Dr. Hall will examine and take pictures of your abdomen to determine the best treatment options for you.

Prior to your tummy tuck procedure, you will also be advised;

  • To stop smoking six weeks before your tummy tuck surgery and two weeks after. This is because smoking could slow down healing as it decreases blood flow in the skin. Smoking could also increase the risk of tissue damage.
  • To maintain a stable weight before the procedure. If overweight, it is recommended that you lose some of it before the surgery. Should you have a significant weight loss after the procedure, your tummy tuck results will be diminished. If you need help reaching your weight goals, let us know and we can help provide the resources you need to get there!
  • To eat a healthy and well-balanced diet before the surgery. A healthy diet helps promote faster, better healing.
  • To avoid medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory medicine, and herbal supplements. These medications can increase bleeding during and after the tummy tuck surgery

Shortly before the procedure, Dr. Hall will give you anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting and other medication to prevent complications. You will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you to the surgery center and back home, and someone to stay with you the first night after your surgery.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

T he cost for a tummy tuck can vary depending on how much skin and fat need to be removed and whether any other procedures are done concurrently. For more information on what is included in the total cost of the procedure, tummy tuck patients can visit our Plastic Surgery Pricing page.

There, you can select the procedures you’re considering and get a detailed estimate of what they will cost before you schedule your consultation. If you have any questions about your abdominoplasty & surgery or would like to meet with Dr. Hall to discuss your options: Call (865) 973-9500 or use our contact form and request an appointment. For out of town patients, feel free to request an online consult via Skype.

Knoxville Tummy Tuck patient model in a sports bra and shorts running

Tummy Tuck Surgery: Recovery Time And Restrictions

R ecovery from a tummy tuck procedure is slightly more prolonged than, for instance, breast augmentation or breast lift surgery. You won’t be able to stand fully upright for a few days following surgery while your body gets accustomed to your new, flat stomach.

Although you will be up and walking the day of your surgery, you should plan on taking 2 weeks off from work for recovery. If you work remotely, however, you would typically be able to resume working after the first week during recovery (and some patients return to virtual work even sooner!). You will be able to resume exercise and other aerobic activity approximately 6 weeks after surgery. Lifting anything over 10 pounds should also not be done until this time.

Additional information concerning abdominoplasty and recovery:

  • Liposuction of the waist is a part of almost every tummy tuck Dr. Hall performs
  • Your tummy tuck scar length depends on the amount of extra skin that is removed below the belly button
  • Pain comes from muscle repair, which is necessary to treat the “bulge” below the belly button or the muscle separation above it.
  • Social time off: 2-3 weeks
  • How long after surgery until ready for big events where photos will be taken: 3 months
  • Stitches: All internal, none to remove. Surgical tape covers all incisions.
  • Drains: Not typical
  • Shower: Day after surgery

KNOXVILLE, TN

Contact us today to schedule your appointment with renowned plastic surgeon and face, body & breast specialist Dr. Jason Hall. Take your first steps to a more confident and natural you.

9239 Park W Blvd #202, Knoxville, TN 37923