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Body Contouring • Marietta, Georgia

Tummy Tuck in the Atlanta Metro Area

Restore a smoother, firmer abdominal profile by addressing loose skin, stubborn fat and weakened or separated abdominal muscles.

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Body Contouring

Tummy Tuck in the Atlanta Metro Area

Looking your best means reflecting health and vitality, and a flatter tummy is one of the top indicators of these qualities. Events such as pregnancy or significant weight changes can cause the skin and the underlying muscles to stretch, preventing them from returning to their original shape.

If you are tired of trying to tighten excess sagging skin or flatten a tummy bulge, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Corey Harkins can help you look your best by performing abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, near Atlanta in Marietta, Georgia.

Women and men considering a tummy tuck come from Roswell, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, and surrounding areas.

Real Patient Results

Explore featured abdominoplasty cases from Plastic Surgery Center of the South. Individual outcomes vary.

Abdominal Rejuvenation

What is tummy tuck surgery?

A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that tightens lax skin and can repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles.

A tummy tuck, technically called abdominoplasty, rejuvenates the midsection by removing loose skin, improving abdominal contours and repairing protruding abdominal muscles when needed.

Who is a good candidate?

The best candidates are generally healthy, at or near a stable weight and bothered by abdominal changes that do not respond to diet and exercise.

  • Loose skin or localized fat remains despite healthy habits.
  • Pregnancy has stretched the abdominal skin and muscles.
  • Aging or weight fluctuations have reduced skin tone and elasticity.
  • You have realistic expectations and can safely undergo surgery.

If you plan to lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, you may be advised to postpone surgery. Dr. Harkins can help you consider the timing and whether another procedure is more appropriate.

Featured Surgeon

Meet Dr. Corey Harkins

A Georgia native who has cared for patients at Plastic Surgery Center of the South since 2014, Dr. Harkins is known for his approachable nature, meticulous technique and commitment to natural, confident results.

He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has developed a strong reputation for post-pregnancy and body contouring procedures, including tummy tuck and liposuction.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Body Contouring Experience Personalized Surgical Planning
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Three-Part Improvement

What can a tummy tuck help with?

Performed under general anesthesia, abdominoplasty can address the three primary components of an abdomen changed by pregnancy, aging or weight fluctuation.

Loose Skin

Through a process called redraping, Dr. Harkins removes loose, stretched abdominal skin and draws the remaining skin taut for a smoother contour. Patients with an apron belly, or panniculus, may also experience improved comfort and movement.

Excess Fat

Selective tumescent liposuction may be used where needed to reduce stubborn fat, smooth bulges and better define the waist and midsection.

Weakened Muscles

Pregnancy and significant weight changes can weaken or separate the abdominal muscles. During a full tummy tuck, internal sutures can repair diastasis recti and create a firmer abdominal wall.

Together, skin removal, selective fat reduction and muscle repair can create a comprehensive improvement in abdominal contour. If concerns are limited below the bellybutton, a mini tummy tuck may be considered.

Personalized Technique

Full or mini tummy tuck: understanding your options

Dr. Harkins selects and adapts the surgical technique according to the location of excess skin, abdominal muscle condition and the extent of improvement needed.

Diagram comparing full and mini tummy tuck incision patterns

Full Tummy Tuck

The traditional full tummy tuck tightens lax abdominal skin above and below the bellybutton. An extended technique may be recommended when more complete skin removal is needed.

  • Incisions: A low horizontal incision, typically hip to hip, plus an incision around the navel
  • Bellybutton reshaping: Yes
  • Muscle repair: Yes, when needed
  • Liposuction: Commonly used to refine fat and contours

Mini Tummy Tuck

When loose skin is limited to the lower abdomen, a modified or mini tummy tuck may provide the desired improvement with a less extensive operation.

  • Incision: One low horizontal incision, usually shorter than a full tummy tuck incision
  • Bellybutton reshaping: No
  • Muscle repair: Not typical
  • Best suited for: Select patients with concerns confined below the bellybutton
Choosing the Right Procedure

Should I have liposuction or a tummy tuck?

Both procedures can improve abdominal contours, but they address different anatomical concerns. Some patients benefit from combining them.

Tummy Tuck

  • Tightens loose, stretched skin
  • Repairs separated abdominal muscles
  • Removes fat along with excised skin
  • Improves the abdominal contour comprehensively

Liposuction

  • Best suited to patients with good skin elasticity
  • Does not repair abdominal muscles
  • Targets specific areas of excess fat
  • Can complement a tummy tuck
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Procedure Comparison

Tummy tuck vs. liposuction patient cases

These real patient before-and-after images illustrate the different improvements possible with each procedure individually and when paired together. Results vary.

Before and after tummy tuck result

Tummy Tuck

Before and after a tummy tuck near Atlanta, Georgia.

Before and after liposuction result

Liposuction

Before and after liposuction near Atlanta, Georgia.

Before and after combined tummy tuck and liposuction result

Tummy Tuck + Liposuction

Before and after a combined tummy tuck and liposuction near Atlanta, Georgia.

Personalized Pricing

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Atlanta?

Tummy tuck pricing depends on factors including the selected technique, the surgeon’s expertise, anesthesia, operating-room or facility fees and whether other procedures are performed at the same time. After your one-on-one consultation, Dr. Harkins provides a personalized estimate based on your surgical plan.

Understand Tummy Tuck Pricing
One Personalized Surgical Plan

Combining tummy tuck with other procedures

A tummy tuck is often paired with liposuction, but other combinations may help address several concerns during one operation and one recovery period.

Breast Lift

Raise and reshape breasts affected by pregnancy, aging or weight changes.

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Liposuction

Refine the hips, waist or other localized areas to complement abdominal contouring.

Explore Liposuction

Whether you are considering a multi-procedure Mommy Makeover or post-weight-loss body contouring, Dr. Harkins can recommend a plan tailored to your needs.

Planning for Healing

How long does tummy tuck recovery take?

Most patients return home on the day of surgery and need an adult to drive them and assist during the first few days. Your exact timeline depends on the extent of surgery and how your body heals.

First Few Days Arrange help at home, take prescribed medications and prioritize rest and light walking.
1–2 Weeks Drains are commonly removed and some patients begin returning to nonstrenuous work.
4–6 Weeks Strenuous activity may gradually resume after clearance from Dr. Harkins.
3–6 Months Swelling continues to resolve and the final contour becomes more apparent.

Comfort after surgery

EXPAREL® may be injected into the surgical area to release medication gradually for approximately three days and may reduce the need for stronger pain medication. Suitability and pain-control options are discussed individually.

Review Tummy Tuck Recovery
Common Questions

Tummy tuck FAQ

Why can’t I improve my abdomen with exercise?

A healthy lifestyle should be the first step, but exercise cannot remove loose skin or directly repair significant abdominal muscle separation. After childbirth or substantial weight loss, stretched skin may not tighten to match the body’s new contours.

How much weight can I lose with a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss treatment. It is usually appropriate for people who are already near a stable, healthy weight and need to remove excess skin and refine the abdomen.

What happens to the bellybutton during a full tummy tuck?

The bellybutton remains attached to the abdominal wall while the surrounding skin is lifted and redraped. It is then brought through a carefully planned opening in the newly positioned skin.

Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

Stretch marks located on skin that is removed may also be removed. Remaining marks may shift position. Dr. Harkins can evaluate your abdomen and explain what is realistic during consultation.

Can a tummy tuck be performed with another procedure?

Yes. Tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction or breast enhancement as part of a Mommy Makeover. The safest combination depends on your health, goals and the expected length of surgery.

Why are surgical drains used?

Drains allow fluid to leave the surgical area while tissues begin healing, helping reduce the risk of a fluid collection called a seroma. The timing of removal depends on your output and Dr. Harkins’ instructions.

Are tummy tucks only for women?

No. Both women and men may benefit from removing excess abdominal skin and fat. The technique is personalized to each patient’s anatomy and desired contour.

How long should I wait after pregnancy?

Plastic Surgery Center of the South generally recommends waiting at least six months after delivery, allowing time for recovery and weight stabilization. Many patients also postpone surgery until they are finished having children because another pregnancy can change the result.

What will the scar look like?

A traditional tummy tuck uses a permanent low horizontal scar that often extends from hip to hip and is planned to sit beneath underwear or swimwear. Scars generally fade and flatten over time, but every patient heals differently.

How long do tummy tuck results last?

Results can be long-lasting when you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Aging continues, and future pregnancy or significant weight change can alter the abdominal contour.

Personalized Abdominal Contouring

Find the right tummy tuck approach for you

Meet personally with Dr. Harkins to discuss your abdomen, goals, surgical options, recovery and expected results.

Request a Consultation Call (770) 421-1242
This page is for general education and does not replace medical advice. Procedure selection, recovery and results vary by patient. No outcome is guaranteed.