Nashville Tummy Tuck | Mini Tummy Tuck with Dr. Olivia MaDan | BEYOND Collective
Tummy Tuck At A Glance
Anesthesia: General | Procedure Time: 2 hours | Recovery Time: 7 – 14 days
Commitment to a healthy diet and routine exercise can be difficult when you aren’t seeing the desired results. Lack of visible progress may leave you feeling like you’re stuck on a plateau, running in circles, or treading water. The inability to see improvements in your body contour can be frustrating and affect your self-confidence. You are not alone. Factors like pregnancy, significant weight fluctuation, genetics, and aging contribute to abdominal wall laxity and weak abdominal muscles. These factors also contribute to loose, sagging skin and stubborn fat that does not respond to your hard work of diet and exercise. Lack of visible progress, poorly fitting clothes, and feeling self-conscious about your abdomen can affect your overall confidence and self-esteem.
Body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck can help restore the appearance of your abdomen, increasing your overall satisfaction with your appearance and renewing your body image. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty can eliminate excess fat and skin to help you achieve a firmer, flatter, tighter midsection, restoring your confidence and helping you achieve a more youthful-looking silhouette.
A tummy tuck can help you reclaim your body positivity by enhancing your overall figure and enriching your confidence. At BEYOND Collective, Dr. Oliva MaDan and our compassionate all-female team are dedicated to helping you achieve your cosmetic goals and feel more confident in your skin.
Are you interested in learning how a tummy tuck can restore your physique and boost your confidence? Contact us at (615) 327-0303 or request your consultation to begin your body contouring journey today! We are located in Nashville, TN, and proudly serve patients from the Nashville and Murfreesboro areas.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, medically known as an abdominoplasty, is a procedure that removes sagging, loose skin and fat while simultaneously strengthening the abdominal six-pack muscles. The vertical excess from the mons to the belly button is typically removed. By addressing the excess skin and fat, a tummy tuck can deliver remarkable results for women and men who are close to their ideal body weight but are uncomfortable with the shape and appearance of their abdomen.
At BEYOND Collective, Dr. MaDan takes many measures to restore natural-looking abdominal contours for patients with sagging abdominal skin or stubborn belly fat. One of the most common complaints about an abdominoplasty is the drainage tube required during recovery. Dr. MaDan sets herself apart from other Nashville plastic surgeons by offering a drainless tummy tuck. To achieve this, she places multiple internal stitches called progressive tension sutures that eliminate space within the wound, maximize the amount of tissue removed, and minimize scar tension. If these internal quilting stitches are not placed, a drainage tube is required. Placement of these internal stitches takes time in the operating room but is well worth it to improve your comfort during recovery.
A tummy tuck usually requires an incision extending from hip to hip. Scar placement should be low and easily concealable in clothing or swimsuits. Through this incision, Dr. MaDan may repair stretched or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis rectii), sculpt the region with liposuction, and excise excess skin and fat to create a slimmer, tighter abdominal appearance. Your belly button will remain in the same location with a new opening made through the tight abdominal skin.
An abdominoplasty restores the appearance of the abdomen for a more youthful figure and provides body-positive benefits, including:
- Firmer, more defined midsection
- Improved abdominal tone
- Reduction in lower back pain
- Elimination of hanging skin and excess fat
- More proportioned figure
- Healthy, natural-looking, long-lasting results
- Renewed self-image and increased confidence
An abdominoplasty is not a weight loss surgery, so the number of the scale is unlikely to change significantly. Tummy tuck surgery is a body contouring procedure used to sculpt and refine your figure. The ideal tummy tuck candidate is someone within 5 – 10 % of their goal body weight with a BMI of 30 or less. During your consultation, Dr. MaDan will learn about your desired results and educate you on realistic expectations.
View All Before and After Pictures
Mini Tummy Tuck in Nashville, TN
A mini tummy tuck can be an optimal solution for someone with minimal skin excess and good belly button position. The incision is typically shorter/smaller than the incision for a traditional or standard abdominoplasty. In certain cases, the abdominal muscles can still be tightened through this small incision. The belly button can be repositioned via an ‘umbilical float’ if needed. There are no external scars around the belly button and its position is usually within 2 cm of its original location.
Liposuction
After the excess skin and fat below the belly button are removed, Dr. MaDan will sculpt and refine your final abdominal contour by performing liposuction. Some patients desire contour improvement in other areas of the body, like flanks or thighs. Liposuction of these areas can be performed at the same time to optimize your final shape. Combining these procedures helps patients efficiently achieve their aesthetic goals without two separate surgeries and recovery times, making it a more cost-effective choice.
Choosing Dr. Olivia MaDan and BEYOND as Your Nashville Tummy Tuck Provider
At BEYOND Collective, we view patient care as an honor and a privilege. Our mission is to provide patients with a broad range of effective aesthetic treatments and procedures with proven results. As such, we explore countless options to empower our patients with the information necessary to make educated decisions about their aesthetic choices. We also strive to understand our patients’ goals and motivations to deliver outcomes that exceed expectations and an outstanding experience from consultation, treatment, and beyond.
Dr. Olivia MaDan is one of Nashville’s premiere female plastic surgeons, specializing in breast and body contouring surgeries. For Dr. MaDan, one of the most rewarding aspects of plastic surgery is helping her patients restore their self-image, femininity, and confidence to improve their quality of life by resolving their most bothersome areas. She appreciates getting to know her patients and fostering meaningful connections.
When Dr. MaDan isn’t performing surgery, she enjoys projects that require her to work with her hands and engage her problem-solving skills. An avid sportswoman, Dr. MaDan participates in many sports like snowboarding, golf, fishing, and shooting sports. She also loves spending time with her two dogs, Blaze and Townes.
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
At BEYOND Collective, we understand that thorough patient consultations are essential to building a trusting relationship. During your consultation, Dr. MaDan aims to get to know you as a person—your family, hobbies, career, and day-to-day life—to understand your concerns and goals for your tummy tuck. Dr. MaDan encourages your input and listens to empower you to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results you’ll love.
During your tummy tuck consultation, Dr. MaDan will discuss the areas that bother you most and your:
- Health history, including GI distress like constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux
- Prior surgical history, including weight loss/bariatric surgery
- History of childbearing and whether your family is complete
- Current weight or weight loss plans
Consultations with Dr. MaDan always begin fully clothed. Once you are ready for the physical assessment, Dr. MaDan will lead you to our welcoming examination rooms, where you’ll change into one of our hand-dyed robes to ensure your comfort.
Nashville Tummy Tuck Before and After Results
View our gallery to see Dr. MaDan’s outstanding and natural-looking results of real patients’ tummy tuck before and after photos.
Am I an Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck in Nashville?
Good candidates for Tennessee tummy tucks are healthy men and women bothered by excess skin and stubborn fat in the abdominal region. They are looking to enhance the appearance of their overall figure and increase their body positivity.
Ideal candidates interested in a Nashville tummy tuck should have:
- A healthy, stable body weight for at least 6 months
- BMI of 30 or less
- Good overall health and living a healthy lifestyle
- No nicotine use or be willing to abstain from all nicotine products a minimum of 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery
- No plans for additional children or childbearing
- No medical conditions that may impair healing
- A positive outlook and realistic goals for the procedure
- An understanding of the surgical risks, benefits, and alternatives
Preparing for a Tummy Tuck
Before your Nashville tummy tuck, it’s essential to be in good overall health. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare.
- Stick to a consistent exercise program, and eat a healthy, well-rounded diet with plenty of protein to help you maintain your stable weight and avoid weight fluctuations.
- Stay well-hydrated before and after surgery.
- Visit your primary physician for an examination and appropriate testing to ensure you’re medically fit for surgery. For anyone aged 40 and over, we require routine labs, such as CBC, BMP/CMP, and EKG for anyone aged 50 or older.
- Stop taking medications, supplements, or vitamins that increase bleeding or bruising risks for at least two weeks before and after surgery. For example, avoid fish oil, garlic, ginseng, vitamin E, and ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications.
- If you currently smoke, vape, or use nicotine products, you should quit. As smoking is detrimental to your overall health and recovery, Dr. MaDan requires that patients stop smoking at least 6 weeks before and after surgery. A urine nicotine test will be performed on the morning of your procedure.
- Prepare your home and allow time in your schedule for recovery. Take adequate time off work, complete necessary chores and activities before surgery, and create a comfortable place to recover. It’s also helpful to freeze meals or set up a food delivery service. All necessary medications, supplies, and garments will be provided at your pre-operative appointment.
- Arrange for assistance. First, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home after your procedure and stay with you for at least 24 hours. You may also need help with household management or childcare for a few weeks following surgery.
Nashville Abdominoplasty Procedure Overview
On the night before surgery, don’t eat or drink anything after midnight; however, take necessary medications with small sips of water. Avoid wearing makeup, lotions, or deodorants, and remove all jewelry. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to put on after your procedure.
Review your paperwork to ensure your surgery location and arrival time. At check-in, you may need to provide identification and emergency contact information.
- Anesthesia. On the day of your procedure, you’ll meet with Dr. MaDan and your anesthesia provider to review the details of your surgery and answer any final questions. General anesthesia is required for an abdominoplasty.
- Incisions. According to the procedural plan developed during your consultation, Dr. MaDan will begin your tummy tuck by making an incision from one hip bone to the other. Through this incision, she will repair and tighten the abdominal muscles, remove excess skin, redrape the remaining skin, and reposition the navel, creating smooth abdominal contours.
- Liposuction. Typically, Dr. MaDan will perform liposuction of the mons area and sculpt the remaining abdominal tissue for a more refined, athletic look.
- Sutures. Dr. MaDan will place multiple internal stitches called progressive tension sutures. The incision is meticulously closed in multiple layers of absorbable sutures. She will cover the incisions with steri-strips that will remain in place until your first post-operative appointment. You will be dressed in your compression garment before you are awakened from anesthesia.
Tummy tuck surgery typically takes 2 hours, depending on the individual characteristics of the procedure.
Nashville Tummy Tuck Recovery
A tummy tuck is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you will go home the same day after surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home from your procedure and help you with household tasks, including childcare or pet care, for a few days.
For the first few days following your tummy tuck, you will experience mild to moderate pain and feel tired and sore. You should expect bruising, swelling, numbness, and muscle tightness. Swelling will peak in 48 to 72 hours but will gradually improve. Your necessary prescriptions are provided for you at your pre-operative appointment.
After your tummy tuck, your incisions will be covered, and you will be fitted in a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your tissues during recovery. You must wear your support garment at all times, except when showering, for at least 6 weeks.
To protect your sutures and allow tissues to heal properly, avoid strenuous activities like intense exercise and heavy lifting for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Patients can resume light exercises like walking or riding a stationary bike after 2 weeks to promote circulation and healing.
Tummy tuck recovery length depends upon the extent of the procedure and the body’s healing abilities. Lymphatic massage can be instrumental in the healing process after an abdominoplasty. Ensure your lymphatic massage therapist has experience with postoperative tummy tuck patients. Most lymphatic therapy is recommended to start within 3 to 5 days after your surgery. Most patients need 7 – 14 days for their initial recovery. Depending on your occupation, you may feel well enough to resume working at this time. Essentially, when you no longer need pain medications and can abide by Dr. MaDan’s restrictions, you can return to work.
How Soon Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results?
Following an abdominoplasty, most patients notice immediate changes to their overall figure. However, it’s important to be prepared for the expected swelling and bruising that may obscure your final outcome. Depending on the extent of your tummy tuck, most swelling will resolve within 3 months, revealing your full aesthetic results. Minor, residual swelling may take a year to subside.
While scarring is most pronounced in the first few months, your incisions will begin healing and form a pinkish scar. It may take a year or more for the scar to mature and match your skin tone. The scar will never disappear entirely. Dr. MaDan will provide you with her medical-grade scar therapy regimen at your follow-up appointment to optimize the appearance of your scars.
While a tummy tuck permanently removes excess skin, weight fluctuations can affect the remaining tissues, impacting your results. Following all post-operative instructions and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine will help you maintain long-lasting results from your Nashville tummy tuck.
Partner with Nashville’s Premier Female Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Oliva MaDan
Dr. Olivia MaDan, one of Nashville’s premiere female plastic surgeons, understands how challenging navigating body contouring procedures can be. As experts in body contouring, Dr. MaDan and her experienced team strive to help you enhance your overall appearance and increase your confidence and body positivity.
Learn about tummy tuck near me options in Nashville by calling (615) 327-0303 or completing our online form to schedule your consultation today!
Nashville Tummy Tuck FAQs
How should I prepare for my tummy tuck consultation?
During your consultation, Dr. MaDan will review your health history, including GI distress like constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux; and your prior surgical history (C-section or weight loss surgery, for example). Ideal candidates for tummy tucks will have completed their family and be at a healthy, stable weight with a BMI of 30 or less.
Dr. MaDan will review your history of childbearing and discuss whether your family is complete, or if you desire more children. She will discuss the areas that bother you and listen to your goals and desired outcomes. She will also review your current weight and weight loss plans. It is important to be at a stable weight at the time of surgery to ensure long-lasting results.
After meeting with you in person and building rapport, you will change into a robe so Dr. MaDan can examine your abdomen. She will examine any prior scars and assess your abdominal wall for diastasis, laxity, and hernia. You will then change back into your clothing and return to Dr. MaDan’s office to discuss the surgical details, including describing and illustrating the main steps of the surgical procedure, discussing risks/complications and reviewing before and after photos. Dr. MaDan will educate you on what to expect in the postoperative period, including risks, complications, pain, restrictions, and recovery. She will ensure all of your concerns and questions are answered.
Following the discussion of surgical details, Dr. MaDan will bring you to meet with her patient care coordinator, Maddie. Maddie will walk you through an itemized cost estimate and review possible surgery dates. Typically, a 20% deposit is required to secure your desired date. You will return for a pre-operative appointment about 2 weeks before your surgery date.
At that appointment, we will review the specifics of your arrival time at the surgery center, and prescriptions and permission forms will be completed. We will review the surgical plan and recovery course, then take pre-operative photos to follow your transformation.
What should I expect on the day of my tummy tuck procedure?
On the day of your tummy tuck procedure, you will likely be nervous and excited. You will have had nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your surgery. Typically, you will arrive 1 to 2 hours before your surgery time. You will take medication for nausea and anxiety before your arrival. When you check in, you may be asked to present identification. You will be taken to the pre-operative area to change into a surgical gown. All jewelry and metal piercings should be removed. An IV will be placed and a urine pregnancy test will be performed. A urine nicotine test may be performed. You will meet your entire surgical team including the anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist, circulating nurse, and pre-operative and recovery nurses. You will see Dr. MaDan before your surgery to review the surgical plan and surgical markings on your abdomen. At this time, Dr. MaDan will answer any additional questions or concerns.
Dr. MaDan will accompany you to the operating room where she will be with you the entire time. You will be put to sleep by the anesthesiologist and a tube will be placed to help you breathe. The surgical procedure usually takes around 2 hours. All of your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures and covered with steri-strips. You will be dressed in a compression garment before you wake up. The breathing tube will be removed, and you will be taken to the recovery area to wake up.
Most patients need 30 to 45 minutes of recovery. It is normal for your throat to feel slightly dry or sore. After you are awake, you will receive assistance in putting your clothes on and will be taken to your transportation in a wheelchair. The nursing staff will review post-operative instructions with your caretaker. Upon your arrival at home, you will need assistance with mobility for the first 24 hours after your surgery. It is normal to feel sleepy and groggy for the first 24 hours. Your caretaker will help you keep your medications on schedule. Dr. MaDan will always contact you on the night of your surgery to check in with you. Our office phone number connects with Dr. MaDan’s cell phone after hours for emergent questions or concerns.
Will I have drains after the surgery? How long will they stay?
Dr. MaDan sets herself apart from other plastic surgeons by offering a drainless tummy tuck. She places multiple internal stitches called progressive tension sutures. These stitches eliminate space within the wound for fluid to collect. They also maximize the amount of tissue that can be removed and minimize tension on the scar. If your surgeon does not take the time to place these internal stitches, then a drainage tube is required.
If a drain is placed, there are specific output measures that must be met before a drain can be removed. Typically, the output should be less than 30 mL total in 24 hours for 2 consecutive days. This usually occurs within the first week after surgery.
Do you always repair the abdominal muscles?
In certain cases, muscle repair may not be indicated or desired. The patient may not have diastasis recti or separation of the abdominal muscles. The patient may be looking for skin removal with the easiest possible recovery. Dr. MaDan believes the best cosmetic outcomes usually require abdominal muscle tightening to create the flattest, tightest contour. The majority of Dr. MaDan’s tummy tuck and mommy makeover patients undergo abdominal wall tightening (rectus plication).
Will my “abs” show?
Seeing someone’s “abs” or “six-pack” is usually due to a low body fat percentile. Dr. MaDan is fond of saying, “Abs are made in the kitchen.” She performs liposuction as part of the tummy tuck to give a more toned, athletic look to the abdominal wall.
Will this operation help me lose weight?
Do not expect the number on the scale to change significantly after a tummy tuck. This procedure is for body contouring rather than weight loss. The tissue that is removed does account for some weight, but it’s never as much as you’d think—typically it weighs less than 2 lbs. Dr. MaDan recommends being within 5 to 10 % of your goal weight at the time of your surgery. Ideal tummy tuck candidates have a BMI of 30 or less. Significant weight loss after your tummy tuck can negatively affect your cosmetic outcome leaving you with undesirable, hanging skin.
Will sutures need to be removed after surgery?
Dr. MaDan typically uses all absorbable stitches in tummy tuck surgeries. She avoids all skin glues, like Dermabond, and uses steri-strips to protect the incisions. At your first post-op appointment, Dr. MaDan will remove your steri-strips and educate you on her medical-grade scar therapy regimen.
What are 3 things to look for in a great tummy tuck result?
A great tummy tuck always has three characteristics:
- a tight, hooded, athletic-looking belly button
- low, symmetrical, straight scar placement
- a smooth contour on both sides of the incision—no shelves, no extra skin or bulging fat, and no dog ears.
What is post-treatment abdominal swelling like?
The swelling after an abdominoplasty can be significant. It will typically peak 48 to 72 hours after your procedure and improve on every subsequent day. You will wake up in your compression garment after surgery. This garment is instrumental in minimizing swelling and supporting the tissues as they heal. It should be worn at all times except when showering for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Swelling may initially mask the shape of your belly button. The shape will improve as swelling decreases and a soft, silicone shaper may be used to speed up this process. The majority of swelling will have resolved 3 months after your procedure. Minor, residual swelling may be present after certain activities but should be completely resolved 12 months after your surgery.
Lymphatic massage can greatly decrease postoperative swelling and improve lymphatic drainage. It is ideal to find a skilled lymphatic massage therapist in your area with post-surgical experience. Usually your first session is recommended 3 to 5 days after surgery.
How long does tummy tuck recovery take?
You will have an initial recovery of 2 weeks off from any intense activities or heavy lifting, as this time is critical to minimize the risk of complications like bleeding or hematoma. Most patients will feel 98% back to themselves 2 to 3 weeks post-surgery. After your initial downtime, you will have lifting restrictions limited to 10 lbs for the first month after surgery. After the first month, lifting restrictions increase to 30 lbs. Your recovery compression garments should be worn at all times for a minimum of 6 weeks.
What are the most common tummy tuck complications?
The most common major complications after a tummy tuck are bleeding (hematoma) and fluid collection (seroma). The risk of bleeding is most significant in the first 2 weeks after your procedure. Dr. MaDan will never leave the operating room if something is bleeding. However, non-compliance with restrictions, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, can cause a blood vessel to open up and start bleeding. This can be a life-threatening medical emergency requiring emergent surgery and hospitalization.
Fluid collection can occur with non-compliance in wearing the compression garment for 6 weeks post-procedure. A fluid collection may require surgical drainage to avoid infection. More common minor complications include wound breakdown or delayed wound healing in a small part of the abdominoplasty incision.
Can I have a full body sculpting at the same time?
Liposuction can be performed at the same time as abdominoplasty. However, there are limitations to the amount of liposuction that can be safely performed at the same time.
How long before I can exercise?
Typically, you can resume light activities like walking 2 weeks after tummy tuck surgery. It is essential to let your body heal and recover after your procedure. Do not expect to return to high-impact, intense activities immediately after your procedure. It is important to allow your body the time it needs to recover and gradually return to normal activities.
When can I pick up my baby or toddler after a tummy tuck?
We can teach you to make modifications to assist you during your tummy tuck recovery. However, it is ideal to have help at home for the first 2 weeks of recovery, especially if you have young children. Lifting restrictions are limited to 10 lbs or less for the first month after surgery.
My abdomen feels tight after surgery. Will I hurt something if I move?
Dr. MaDan believes the majority of the pain from a tummy tuck results from abdominal muscle tightening. You will quickly realize how much your core is used for every daily action and activity. We provide muscle spasm medications that will alleviate some of the tight feelings after surgery. Your compression garment will also provide essential support to the abdominal wall as it heals. Techniques like holding a pillow against your abdomen while coughing, sneezing, or laughing can provide additional support. It is also important to listen to your body and not overdo it during your recovery.
Can I become pregnant after an abdominoplasty? What happens if I do?
Yes. From a functional standpoint, pregnancy after a tummy tuck is possible. An abdominoplasty does not alter your ability to conceive or become pregnant. However, Dr. MaDan recommends delaying your tummy tuck until you are certain you have completed your family. Abdominoplasty is a significant investment and should be deferred until your family has been completed. The physical changes associated with pregnancy would likely reverse the surgical changes made during a tummy tuck, resulting in recurrent diastasis, abdominal wall laxity, and excess skin.
Is a tummy tuck painful?
While you will not experience any pain during the surgical procedure, you will experience pain during the recovery after your tummy tuck. The majority of the pain can be attributed to muscle plication. Pain is treated with our multimodal oral regimen to address pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation. Most patients need oral medications for 5 to 7 days after the procedure.
Will you use my own belly button?
Yes, your belly button will remain the same. A new opening will be made for it in the tighter, flatter abdomen. Dr. MaDan will place specific contouring sutures to create the tight, hooded athletic appearing belly button. During the healing process, the swelling around the belly button will slowly decrease. A soft silicone shaper will be provided to reinforce the ideal belly button contour and appearance.
How do you recreate the belly button?
In certain cases, a new belly button has to be made using the surrounding abdominal tissue. A “neo-umbilicus” can have a very natural appearance. The contouring sutures are essential in creating a natural, athletic shape for the belly button. The belly button will go through many changes secondary to swelling and healing. A soft silicone shaper is often used to help reinforce the desired appearance.
How long does it take to plan a tummy tuck procedure?
Optimization before an abdominoplasty entirely depends on your baseline. The ideal tummy tuck candidate has completed their family, is in good health, and has a BMI of 30 or less. Medical conditions like obesity or diabetes may exclude you from being a tummy tuck candidate. Certain risk factors like nicotine use can be optimized (abstaining from all nicotine for at least 6 weeks before and after your procedure) to make you a better surgical candidate.
How long does the tummy tuck procedure take?
A tummy tuck is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes approximately 2 hours. It can be combined with other procedures like liposuction or breast surgery to consolidate your recovery period.
How do I choose a tummy tuck surgeon?
Choose a tummy tuck surgeon who understands your goals, prioritizes your safety, and has good results/outcomes. It’s important to feel comfortable with your surgeon as this is a journey you will embark on together. Your surgeon should be forthcoming about risks, complications, hospital admitting privileges and be open to discussing complication management. A tummy tuck is a significant investment in yourself, and your surgeon should ensure your safety and optimal results. Your surgeon should identify factors that may affect your outcome and safety and develop a plan for optimization before scheduling surgery.