Tummy Tuck
Premier Female Plastic Surgeon in Atlanta
Premier Female Plastic Surgeon in Atlanta
Pregnancy, significant weight loss, and aging can leave behind excess skin, stubborn fat, and separated abdominal muscles, making it impossible to achieve a smooth, toned midsection through diet and exercise alone. Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a transformative cosmetic procedure that removes loose skin, tightens abdominal muscles, and contours the stomach area for a flatter, firmer look.
At Lovell Plastic Surgery, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sabine Lovell specializes in advanced tummy tuck techniques. Dr. Lovell's drainless tummy tucks provide elegant results with a focus on safety, precision, and long-term aesthetic outcomes. Whether you need a mini tummy tuck, an extended tummy tuck, or other abdominoplasty, Dr. Lovell customizes each procedure to match your unique anatomy and goals.
The tummy tuck procedure is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat while tightening loose abdominal (rectus diastasis) muscles.
It is ideal for individuals with sagging skin, weakened stomach muscles, or stubborn fat in the abdomen that does not respond to traditional weight loss methods.
Dr. Lovell incorporates liposuction into the tummy tuck procedure for additional fat removal and body contouring, and all of her tummy tucks are drainless. Many patients also choose to combine their tummy tuck with fat grafting to the buttocks [Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)] for a balanced, curvier silhouette.
Types of tummy tuck surgery include:
Mini Tummy Tuck: Focuses on the lower abdomen, ideal for patients with mild skin laxity and muscle separation below the belly button.
Full (Complete) Abdominoplasty: Removes excess fat and skin on the abdomen, tightens the entire abdominal wall, and repositions the belly button.
Extended Tummy Tuck: Addresses the lower abdomen and flanks, removing more skin on the sides than a traditional tummy tuck.
Circumferential Abdominoplasty: Also known as a lower body lift, this technique is often helpful for massive weight loss patients, reshaping the stomach, flanks, outer thighs, and lower back for a comprehensive contouring effect.
Dr. Lovell performs tummy tuck surgery using the latest surgical techniques to remove excess fat and skin, tighten muscles, and contour the abdomen with precision.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of a Typical Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck procedure is ideal for patients with:
A tummy tuck primarily targets the abdominal area, but it can also improve skin laxity and contouring in:
Beyond the aesthetic transformation, a tummy tuck helps restore core strength, enhancing both your confidence and your comfort.
Many women experience weakened abdominal muscles due to pregnancy or weight fluctuations, leading to a bulging midsection that diet and exercise can’t fix. By tightening the abdominal wall and removing extra skin, Dr. Lovell sculpts a sleek, toned silhouette that enhances both posture and comfort. Clothes fit better, movement feels more effortless, and patients often experience a renewed sense of self-assurance. Whether you're reclaiming your body after pregnancy or redefining your contours after losing weight, Dr. Lovell tailors every tummy tuck to create natural, elegant results that align with your unique shape.
You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you:
Recovery from tummy tuck surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Most patients return to light activities in 2-3 weeks, but strenuous exercise must be avoided for 6-8 weeks. Compression garments are worn to support healing and reduce swelling. Dr. Lovell always uses Exparel local anesthetic during the surgery and will also prescribe pain medicine and a muscle relaxant to help patients manage discomfort during early recovery. As post-surgical swelling gradually subsides over 3-6 months, your final, refined results are revealed.
Initial improvements are visible immediately, but swelling takes 3-6 months to fully subside at which point you will see your final results. In the areas where you had liposuction final results are often evident at 9-12 months once the swelling has completely subsided.
Results are long-lasting when maintained with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. Future pregnancies or significant weight gain may alter results, so it is important to do your tummy tuck at the right time in your life to ensure lasting benefits. Dr. Lovell also advises her patients to have a BMI below 30 and be within 15 pounds of their goal weight when they get their tummy tuck to minimize the risk of complications and improve cosmetic outcomes.
At Lovell Plastic Surgery, we offer more than transformation—we curate an experience defined by refinement, intention, and exquisite care.
Under the direction of Dr. Sabine Lovell, a double board-certified plastic surgeon known for her precision and elevated aesthetic, every treatment is a bespoke expression of your vision. Each procedure is artfully tailored to celebrate the feminine form with results that feel effortless, graceful, and entirely your own. Our practice is intentionally boutique—intimate, discreet, and designed with you at the center. From the moment you arrive, you’ll step into a space where luxury meets sincerity, and every detail reflects our commitment to thoughtful, high-touch care. In partnership with Balanced Aesthetics + Wellness, we extend your journey beyond the surface, blending aesthetic artistry with inner balance for a result that is as radiant as it is refined.
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure but rather a body contouring surgery designed to remove excess skin and fat and tighten abdominal muscles. Most patients lose a few pounds from the removed tissue, but the main goal is to create a flatter, firmer abdomen rather than reduce overall body weight.
A full (complete) tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the entire abdominal area, tightens separated abdominal muscles, and repositions the belly button for a smooth, natural appearance. A mini abdominoplasty is a less invasive cosmetic surgery that only addresses the lower abdomen and is ideal for patients with minimal sagging below the belly button.
Recovery involves moderate discomfort, especially in the first week after surgery. Patients may experience tightness, swelling, and soreness, which can be managed with prescribed pain medicine and proper post-surgical care. Most patients return to light activities within 2-3 weeks and feel fully recovered within 6-8 weeks.
Yes! Many patients combine a tummy tuck with liposuction to target stubborn fat and enhance contouring. It is also commonly included in a mommy makeover or paired with a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) for comprehensive body reshaping. Dr. Lovell customizes each surgical plan to meet the unique goals of every patient.
No! Dr. Lovell specializes in drainless tummy tuck techniques
Tummy tuck results are long-lasting, especially when maintained with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. While natural aging and future pregnancies may affect results over time, most patients enjoy a smoother, firmer abdomen for years after surgery.
Yes, a tummy tuck can help reduce stretch marks, but only in certain areas. Since the procedure removes excess skin from the lower portion of the abdomen, any stretch marks located below the naval are often removed along with it. Stretch marks above the belly button may become less noticeable as the remaining skin is pulled tighter. While a tummy tuck isn’t specifically designed to treat stretch marks, many patients see a significant improvement in skin smoothness and tone as part of their overall transformation.
Yes, a tummy tuck scar is inevitable, but Dr. Sabine Lovell takes great care to place the incision low along the bikini line, making it easy to conceal under clothing and swimwear. She also goes over specific scar care instructions at the one-month post-operative appointment. Over time, the scar fades significantly with proper aftercare, and treatments like microneedling and laser therapy can further improve its appearance. While some tummy tuck scars may remain slightly visible, most patients feel the benefits of a firmer, flatter abdomen far outweigh the scar. Dr. Lovell customizes incision placement to ensure the most discreet, refined results possible.
