Below you will find the body contouring procedures we perform at our office. To learn more about our cosmetic surgery services, schedule a consultation today.
Tummy Tuck
Objective: To have a tighter, more toned abdomen.
Some of us just can't seem to tighten up the abdomen, no matter how many sit-ups we do! Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes, and is sagging or loose. Many women experience this also after childbirth. A tummy tuck can help you achieve your goals for a tighter and well-toned abdomen, which will enhance your body image and confidence. Areas to be treated may include the center of the abdomen, or may extend to the entire area between the lower rib cage and pubic bone, as well as to the back and sides.
During Tummy Tuck Surgery
Depending on the particular needs of the patient, abdominal surgery can be performed with a variety of techniques. If the concern is about localized fat, liposuction might be indicated. When excess fat is combined with loose and sagging skin, a tummy tuck removes these unwanted areas by excision. Incision size depends on the amount of excess skin to be removed. If the area to be corrected is limited to below the navel a mini tummy tuck, with or without liposuction, could be recommended. If the abdominal muscles are loose, the doctor can also tighten these muscles during the operation.
Anesthesia
A tummy tuck is normally performed using general anesthesia and sedation.
Recovery
The length of time it takes to recuperate after a tummy tuck may vary depending on your individual health. To assure a successful outcome, it is important for the patient to follow all the instructions given by the surgeon. As long as you do not engage in heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, you can go back to work and normal activity after a few weeks. A compression garment or girdle is worn for at least two weeks. Heavy lifting or any other activity which would strain the abdominal muscles is restricted for six to eight weeks. The scar takes about a year to mature and to form an inconspicuous and pale line.
We're Affordable!
It is our goal to make our procedures affordable for everyone. In general, abdominoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. However, in some cases, when it is considered to be a medical necessity, a predetermination will be done to determine if this might be a covered expense under the patient's insurance. We accept most major health insurance carriers, and we offer a variety of financing plans to fit your budget.
Brazilian Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Dr. Franklin now offers the Brazilian abdominoplasty procedure to provide patients with exquisite results and a faster healing time. Using revolutionary tummy tuck techniques developed by surgeons in Brazil, our expert plastic surgeon enhances curves by tightening muscles on the sides as well as over the abdomen. The result is a more contoured and shapely torso. The Brazilian abdominoplasty procedure has the added advantage of a faster healing time complemented by less need for drains following surgery. The period that drains must be used is also reduced. This means that recovery is much quicker and less troublesome. Contact our office today to learn more about the innovative Brazilian abdominoplasty procedure or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Franklin to find out how you can benefit from this exceptional solution for achieving the look you desire.
Thigh Lift
Objective: To tighten loose, sagging skin in the thigh areas after weight loss.
After weight loss, most patients experience loose and sagging skin in the thigh areas. A thigh lift or thighplasty removes the excess fat and skin from the inner and outer thighs and/or buttock, with the objective to create a tighter and firmer appearance in these areas.
During Thigh Lift Surgery
Your doctor will strategically design the placement of incisions, depending on your personal needs. Inner thigh lifts are performed with incisions in the inner thigh, extending upward and hidden in the groin crease. Outer thigh and buttock lifts are done with incisions extending from the groin over the hip area towards the back. The skin of your thigh is stretched and the excess is removed. Sometimes your doctor may use liposuction to smooth the edges and reduce the volume of your thigh. Scars are permanent, but will fade in time and normally are well hidden when wearing a bathing suit.
Anesthesia
A thighplasty is normally performed using general or local anesthesia with sedation.
Recovery
After surgery, discomfort may be mildly felt and is easily controlled with oral pain medication. Patients return home with a compression garment to assist with swelling and skin tightening. You will be advised to wear the light support garment for six to eight weeks. Most patients are comfortable returning to work in about one to two weeks. Strenuous activity such as exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for about four to six weeks following surgery
We're Affordable!
It is our goal to make our procedures affordable for everyone. In general, thigh lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. However, in some cases, when it is considered to be a medical necessity, a predetermination will be done to determine if this might be a covered expense under the patient's insurance. We accept most major health insurance carriers, and we offer a variety of financing plans to fit your budget.
Arm Lift
Objective: Reduction or elimination of excess skin from the upper arms.
Arm lift, or brachioplasty, is used to remove excess skin and fat from underneath the upper arms. In certain cases, liposuction is used to remove fat before excess skin is cut out. If you have sagging or loose skin on your inner upper arms due to weight loss, aging or genetics, you may be a good candidate for arm lift surgery. After brachioplasty, your arms appear significantly more trim, firm, and smooth.
During Arm Lift Surgery
The incisions are made on the inner arms and may run from the armpit all the way down to the elbow. The excess skin and fat is removed. In some cases liposuction is used in addition to this.
Anesthesia
An arm lift is normally performed using general or local anesthesia with sedation.
Recovery
After surgery, the upper arms are either wrapped or placed in an elastic sleeve to reduce swelling. Initial healing usually occurs in 10 to 14 days. Sutures are usually removed within the first two to three weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually disappear over three to four weeks, and all swelling is gone in three to six months. The scars are permanent but will fade in six to 24 months, depending on your skin type.
We're Affordable!
It is our goal to make our procedures affordable for everyone. In general, arm lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. However, in some cases, when it is considered to be a medical necessity, a predetermination will be done to determine if this might be a covered expense under the patient's insurance. We accept most major health insurance carriers, and we offer financing with Wells Fargo and Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union.
To schedule a consultation or to ask us a question about a cosmetic surgery procedure, contact our office today.
To learn more about how our affordable body procedures can give you the look you seek, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. John Franklin.
Specialists in Plastic Surgery, P.C.
979 East Third Street,
Suite A-0445
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
(Our office is at 979 East Third Street, Suite A-0445 in Chattanooga. Located inside Erlanger's Medical Mall, take the "A" elevators to the 4th Floor and meet our medical team at Suite A-0445.)
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Ph.866-492-6554
Fx. 423-778-7450