February 17, 2017

The Biggest Reasons to Have a Tummy Tuck

For abdominal improvement, tummy tuck truly stands alone in terms of what it can accomplish. Abdominoplasty improves both the shape and contour of the abdomen, allowing patients to wear different types of clothing and forget about trying to dress in a way that hides that unwanted belly bulge. The people who visit us for tummy tuck surgery from Roswell, Atlanta, Woodstock, and other cities near Marietta, GA, love the versatility of the procedure — and more importantly, its long-term results.

Most of my tummy tuck patients have experienced one or both of the following life events, which contributed to the excess skin that the procedure removes:

Extreme Weight Loss

Your skin is quite resilient, but it’s not invincible. Significant weight loss, especially within a short period of time (as in patients who undergo bariatric surgery, for instance) can leave loose, hanging skin behind. Improving your diet and exercise habits will shed pounds and shrink excess fat, but it won’t do a thing for unwanted loose skin.

This result of weight loss can lead to an incongruent, disjointed feeling in patients: They’ve finally committed to making a major change that has a positive effect on their health, but the results are hidden, in a sense, behind the skin that’s left behind. Only surgical excision can truly smooth away this skin for good, which is why many people turn to tummy tuck surgery.

Multiple Pregnancies

Pregnancy changes a woman’s body in lots of ways, of course, and some of those physical changes linger even after giving birth. The womb stretches both the skin and the muscles around the abdomen, and it seldom retracts to the exact same shape as it was prior to pregnancy. Tummy tuck, then, is exceedingly popular with women who have had children because of its ability to deeply improve the abdomen, far beyond simple cosmetic improvements. Many choose to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction and breast enhancement for a more complete rejuvenation (learn more in this blog post ).

Women who have had multiple pregnancies are especially susceptible to a condition called diastasis recti, or a separating of the fascia between the abdominal muscles. This can cause a ridge or lump on the abdomen that no amount of crunches can undo. During a tummy tuck, your surgeon can suture the abdominal wall back into place and repair the muscles and fascia, leaving behind a smoother contour and improved core strength.

Our online gallery of tummy tuck patient photos includes patients who have undergone major weight loss and those who have had multiple pregnancies. Take a look at the impressive changes.

Whatever the cause of your unhappiness with your midsection, a full consult can help answer your questions and make sense of the whole process. Other choices for improvement can be discussed as well. If you’d like to learn more, please contact us  using our online form to schedule an appointment.

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In the high-stakes professional environments of Atlanta—from the boardrooms of Buckhead to the innovative hubs of Midtown—presence is often defined by confidence. For many women, physical proportion plays a significant role in how they carry themselves and how their professional attire fits. However, the modern approach to breast augmentation has shifted away from the pursuit of maximum volume. Today, the focus is on "proportional harmony"—a strategic alignment between your surgical goals and your unique physical frames. At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we view breast augmentation not as a standalone procedure, but as a corrective and enhancing measure designed to bring the body into balance. Understanding that "size" is a subjective metric is the first step toward achieving a result that looks natural, feels comfortable, and enhances your professional silhouette. Beyond the CC: Understanding the Mechanics of Proportion Many patients begin their journey by researching a specific volume, often measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). However, focusing solely on a numeric value is a common pitfall. A "300cc" implant will look radically different on a tall, athletic frame than it will on a petite, narrow-shouldered individual. As your dedicated partner in aesthetic health, our approach prioritizes your specific anatomy. We evaluate several critical factors: Chest Wall Width: The diameter of your breast tissue and the width of your ribcage dictate the "footprint" of the implant. An implant that is too wide can lead to unnatural contours, while one that is too narrow may not provide the desired cleavage. Existing Breast Tissue: The amount of natural tissue available to cover the implant affects the final aesthetic. This is a critical consideration when discussing the nuances of silicone vs saline options. Torso Length: A longer torso can often accommodate more projection without appearing "top-heavy," whereas a shorter torso requires a more subtle profile to maintain a balanced midsection. Selecting the Right Catalyst: Silicone vs. Saline The choice of material is often a matter of tactile preference and long-term maintenance. Both silicone and saline implants have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall proportion and feel of the breast. Silicone Gel Implants - Silicone is frequently the preferred choice for patients seeking the most natural mimicry of human fat and breast tissue. Modern "form-stable" or cohesive gel implants maintain their shape exceptionally well, which is vital for maintaining a consistent profile under professional garments. They are particularly beneficial for patients with less natural breast tissue, as they are less prone to "rippling." Saline Implants - Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and offer the benefit of a smaller incision, as they are filled after insertion. While they can feel slightly firmer than silicone, they allow for precise, intraoperative adjustments to volume, ensuring that symmetry is achieved to the milliliter. During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we provide a comprehensive breast augmentation size guide through physical "sizers" and expert assessment, helping you feel the weight and see the projection of each option before your procedure. The Professional Silhouette: Symmetry and Clothing Fit For many of our patients in the business community, the primary motivation for surgery is the "proportional fit" of professional attire. When the bust is out of proportion with the hips and shoulders, blazers, sheath dresses, and tailored button-downs rarely fit off-the-rack. A successful augmentation achieves "The Balanced Profile": Shoulder Alignment: The bust should complement the width of the shoulders, creating a classic hourglass or athletic V-taper. The Lateral View: Proper projection ensures that the profile is feminine yet understated, avoiding an aggressive appearance that may feel out of place in a conservative corporate setting. Upper Pole Fullness: We focus on a natural slope rather than an artificial roundness, ensuring the results are indistinguishable from natural anatomy. Establishing Expertise: Why Local Specialization Matters At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, Dr. Corey Harkins, MD, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon in greater Atlanta is committed to his core values of ethics, integrity, honesty and education. His practice draws patients from Atlanta and across the U.S. The geographic context of his practice allows him to understand the lifestyle of his patients. Whether you are prepping for a keynote presentation or maintaining an active lifestyle your results must be durable, comfortable, and visually seamless. Long-Term Considerations for the Executive Lifestyle Breast augmentation is a long-term investment in your self-image. It is important to consider how your results will evolve over time. Longevity: While implants are not lifetime devices, choosing the right size and weight initially can prevent premature sagging or the need for a lift (mastopexy) later in life. Overly large implants can strain the skin envelope over time; choosing a proportional size ensures longevity. Recovery Management: For the busy professional, we utilize recovery protocols designed to minimize downtime, allowing you to return to your leadership role with minimal disruption. Health and Wellness: We prioritize your systemic health, ensuring that your implants do not interfere with mammographies or physical fitness routines. Actionable Takeaways for Your Transformation If you are considering breast augmentation, keep these strategic points in mind: Prioritize Dimensions Over CCs: Focus on how the breast will look in relation to your shoulder and hip width. Test Your Wardrobe: Bring a favorite professional blazer or dress to your consultation to see how different "sizer" volumes change the garment's fit. Consult the Experts: Avoid "template" surgeries. Ensure your surgeon provides a customized plan based on your unique chest wall measurements. Understand the Material: Weigh the benefits of silicone's natural feel against saline's adjustable volume and smaller incision. Your Path to Proportional Balance At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we believe that aesthetic procedures should empower you to feel more like yourself. By moving beyond the simple metric of size and embracing the philosophy of proportion, you can achieve a result that enhances your confidence both in your personal life and your professional career. Our practice is dedicated to providing an executive-grade experience, from your initial private consultation to your final post-operative milestone. We invite you to explore how a tailored approach to breast augmentation can refine your silhouette and bolster your professional presence. To schedule an expert consultation and develop your personalized surgical plan, contact Plastic Surgery Center of The South today. Call us at (770) 421-1242 and let us help you find the perfect balance for your frame!
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