Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The Swan Center performs standard and extended abdominoplasty to address loose abdominal skin, weakened or separated rectus muscles, and diet-resistant lower belly fat that do not respond to exercise. Dr. Bauer and the Swan Center surgical team tighten the underlying abdominal wall musculature, excise excess skin and fat, and reposition the navel for a flatter, firmer contour. The procedure is frequently combined with liposuction as part of a mommy makeover. Patients typically return to desk work within two weeks and full activity within six to eight weeks.

Abdominoplasty at the Swan Center for Plastic Surgery in Alpharetta, Georgia is offered in standard and extended configurations to address the full spectrum of abdominal laxity, from mild lower-abdominal skin excess following weight loss or pregnancy to circumferential loose skin requiring an extended lateral incision. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. During a standard tummy tuck, Dr. Bauer makes a low horizontal incision from hip to hip, positioned to fall within the bikini line and remain concealed beneath underwear or swimwear. Through this incision, the abdominal skin is elevated off the underlying fascia and the rectus abdominis muscles are accessed. In patients with diastasis recti — the midline separation of the paired rectus muscles that commonly results from pregnancy — the muscles are drawn back to the midline and secured with permanent sutures, restoring core stability and flattening the abdominal profile. Excess skin and subcutaneous fat are excised, and the remaining skin is re-draped under tension over the repaired abdominal wall. The umbilicus is repositioned through a new incision to maintain natural navel placement relative to the new abdominal skin position. Extended abdominoplasty adds lateral extensions to the standard incision to address excess skin around the flanks and lower back — appropriate for patients with significant lateral redundancy following major weight loss. Liposuction of the flanks and waist is frequently performed in conjunction with abdominoplasty to enhance the overall waist-to-hip ratio and contour; this combination is a core component of the Swan Center's mommy makeover package. Post-operative recovery at the Swan Center includes surgical drains for two to five days, a compression garment worn for six weeks, and a structured return-to-activity plan. Light walking is encouraged from day one to support circulation; desk work is typically resumed within two weeks; and full exercise, including core training, is cleared at six to eight weeks following muscle repair healing.