Dr. Shell and his staff are respectful. The staff is awesome and kind. I love the welcome when you come in, and when you leave, they are very helpful. I love the staff and am joyous and happy when I come there. They know what they are doing and are not mean people at all. I recommend my family to go there.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a transformative surgical procedure that addresses loose abdominal skin, excess fat, and weakened muscles—common concerns following pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural aging process. At Shell Cosmetic Surgery Center in Memphis, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dan Shell III brings over five decades of experience to each procedure. His approach blends surgical precision with an artistic eye to help patients restore a flatter, more sculpted abdominal profile.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
This procedure involves removing stretched or sagging skin and unwanted fat from the abdomen while simultaneously tightening the underlying muscles. Ideal for individuals who find that diet and exercise alone no longer deliver the desired midsection tone, a tummy tuck offers both functional and aesthetic benefits. Dr. Shell tailors each surgery to the patient’s unique anatomy and goals, utilizing modern techniques to provide natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Benefits of Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck performed by Dr. Shell can significantly improve both appearance and comfort. By removing loose skin and repairing muscle separation, the procedure flattens and firms the abdominal area. Many patients also experience better posture and reduced back discomfort due to the internal support created by muscle tightening. As an added benefit, the procedure often eliminates stretch marks located on the excess skin that is removed. Dr. Shell is dedicated to achieving refined, balanced outcomes with well-placed incisions and minimal visible scarring, always with the goal of helping patients feel more confident in their bodies.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Candidates for this procedure are generally in good health, at or near their target weight, and looking to address concerns such as sagging skin or muscle laxity that cannot be resolved through non-surgical means. Women who are finished with childbearing and individuals who have experienced major weight loss often benefit most from this surgery. Dr. Shell performs a thorough evaluation during the consultation to make sure that each patient is an appropriate candidate and to develop a surgical plan that aligns with their expectations and lifestyle.
The Procedure and Recovery Process
Your experience begins with a comprehensive consultation, during which Dr. Shell will assess your abdominal structure, review your medical history, and listen carefully to your goals. Based on this evaluation, he will create a customized surgical approach designed to deliver optimal results with the least amount of disruption to your daily life.
Prior to surgery, you will receive detailed preoperative instructions to help you prepare, including any necessary lifestyle or medication adjustments. These guidelines are designed to minimize risk and promote a faster, smoother recovery.
The tummy tuck itself is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Shell removes the excess skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and may incorporate liposuction to sculpt the surrounding areas. The technique used by Dr. Shell allows the surgery to be performed without the need for drainage tubes. This combination allows for enhanced contouring and a more balanced silhouette.
Following surgery, patients are guided through the recovery process with ongoing support from Dr. Shell and his team. Wearing a compression garment, limiting physical activity, and adhering to aftercare instructions are important steps in the healing journey. Follow-up visits allow us to monitor your progress, address questions, and verify a comfortable recovery.
Once healing is complete, maintaining your results becomes a matter of lifestyle. Dr. Shell encourages patients to adopt healthy habits, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to preserve their outcomes for years to come.
What to Expect from Your Results
Patients can anticipate a dramatic improvement in abdominal shape and firmness. As swelling subsides and healing progresses, the full results become increasingly visible. Scars are typically placed low on the abdomen, below the level of a c-section scar, often hidden by undergarments or swimwear, and tend to fade with time and proper care. The outcome is a more youthful, toned midsection that complements your natural body proportions and supports overall body confidence.
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Why Choose Dr. Dan Shell III?
Choose Dr. Shell for trusted, personalized cosmetic surgery. His highly regarded clinic specializes in body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and breast enhancement. Discover expert cosmetic solutions that put your beauty and wellness first. Schedule your consultation today!
Professional Credentials:
- MD from University of Mississippi School of Medicine
- Board Certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Member, Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- Over 50 years of surgical experience
- Outstanding Resident Award recipient (1981)
Dr. Shell and his entire staff will forever hold a place in my heart for their kindness, patience, and ability to handle a patient like myself!
From the initial consultation to almost a year later, they all have been a dream! Dr. Shell and his entire staff will forever hold a place in my heart for their kindness, patience, and ability to handle a patient like myself! If no one has said this to you all lately, thank you for everything! My life has forever changed!
Dr. Shell did an abdomen revision for me several years ago. He did such an excellent job and I recommended him to other friends as well
Dr. Shell did an abdomen revision for me several years ago. He did such an excellent job and I recommended him to other friends as well. Thank you again Dr. Shell and staff!
The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the doctor is very experienced and caring
I received a drainless tummy tuck. I am happy with my results so far. I am only 2 months postoperation. I am so happy I chose to stay close to my home rather than travel somewhere farther. I am able to get all the postoperation care that I need. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the doctor is very experienced and caring. I love my belly button, lol.
I love Dr. Dan Shell and his entire crew! Very professional and knowledgeable about his job
I love Dr. Dan Shell and his entire crew! Very professional and knowledgeable about his job. Whatever he tells you, believe it and follow it, and he’s going to make it happen. I am 6 days post abdominalplasty, and I am in love with my results! Dr. Dan is this BEST!!
Dr. Shell & his staff welcomed me in with open arms
After being turned down by multiple surgeons here in Memphis for a simple removal, Dr. Shell & his staff welcomed me in with open arms. The environment is clean & professional. I felt comfortable and feel like I made a great decision reaching out to him & his staff. I’m soooo happy & relieved right now. Thanks a lot, Dr. Shell & nurse!
Dr. Shell was incredible, and I went from consult to operation in just a little over 24 hours
I had piercings that were embedded in my face and had to be cut out. Dr. Shell was incredible, and I went from consult to operation in just a little over 24 hours. I am very grateful for him and the entire staff at the surgery center. Thank you so much, Dr. Shell.
DR. SHELL YOU ARE THE BEST!!
I love Dr. Shell I had surgery and I was so terrified but in true Dr. Shell fashion he came in made me laugh and the next thing I knew he was done. I’m loving what I see so far still swollen but excited to see the end result. Brandi is great she is always willing to answer questions and to put your mind at ease. No need to go to other states or over seas when we have and outstanding plastic surgeon right in Memphis, TN. DR. SHELL YOU ARE THE BEST!!
Dan Shell did an INCREDIBLE job with my plastic surgery
Dan Shell did an INCREDIBLE job with my plastic surgery. I was super nervous the day of surgery, but everything he said and did made the experience one of the easiest things I had done. He is very knowledgeable and experienced, and has a reason for the ways he does things. It was a bit of a leap of faith to trust him but 10/10 I would do it again. He and his staff have been so helpful and given me all kinds of advice and support. I read complaints of people have to wait to see him – I never once have had this issue.
My healing process has been so, so easy, and the scarring is minimal – not even a factor. I am beyond happy with the work Dan Shell did and would recommend him to anyone.
If you want a place to go where people care about you and look out for your best interests, and best health, go see Dr. Shell
Dr. Shell, and his staff are absolutely amazing. Brandi is hands down the best ever! His nurse is amazing too! Every staff member exceeded my expectations. They sealed the deal in my decision to chose Dr. Shell as my doctor. If you want a place to go where people care about you and look out for your best interests, and best health, go see Dr. Shell.
Love Love Love Dr. Shell & Staff!
Complimentary Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles. The best candidates are individuals in good health who struggle with loose skin or a weakened abdominal wall, often due to pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Most patients are able to resume light activities within two weeks, with a gradual return to normal exercise and strenuous activity around four to six weeks postoperatively. Dr. Shell provides personalized guidance throughout the recovery process to support healing.
Scars are a natural part of this procedure, but Dr. Shell carefully places incisions low on the abdomen so they can be easily concealed beneath clothing. Over time, scars generally fade and flatten with proper care.
While a tummy tuck is not specifically designed to remove stretch marks, it can eliminate those located on the excess skin that is removed. Any remaining marks can be discussed during the consultation, and complementary treatments may be recommended if desired.
Tummy tuck results are long-lasting, especially when maintained through a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Future pregnancies or significant weight changes can alter the outcome, so Dr. Shell works closely with patients to guide them on preserving their results for years to come.
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