Plastic surgeon, Dr. Craft, can greatly improve the appearance of the stomach where the loss of elasticity (due to pregnancy, excess weight loss, or genetics) has caused loose and sagging skin, with a tummy tuck in Phoenix.
Before & After Tummy Tuck in Phoenix
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Pregnancy or significant weight loss can cause the abdominal muscles to separate and become very weak. This can make it extremely difficult to correct this area with diet and exercise, which can be very frustrating—especially if you’re a new mother trying to restore your body, or if you’ve lost a lot of weight and want your new body to look its best. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) slims, contours, and flattens the belly, creating a more attractive and sculpted look.
Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure?
Abdominoplasty is an incredibly variable procedure that can be tailored to fit the needs of all patients. As with all cosmetic procedures, one should only undergo a tummy tuck for their own desired image, not one that other people have.
Some criteria to determine candidacy for a tummy tuck include the following:
- Being physically and mentally healthy
- Being able to maintain a stable weight
- Having realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure
- Being a nonsmoker
- Feeling unhappy about the appearance of one’s abdomen
- Be free of any life-altering medical conditions that could lead to complications during or after the procedure
What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
The benefits of a tummy tuck in Phoenix include:
- Gives your body the restoring boost it needs
- Improves loose excess skin from pregnancy or weight loss
- Addresses the “distended” stomach that can occur after childbirth
- Restores weakened or separated muscles
- Creates a smoother, firmer abdomen
- Addresses the bulge that a C-section scar can cause inside clothing
The health benefits of a tummy tuck
While a tummy tuck has the ability to cosmetically restore the abdomen, it also often provides health benefits as well. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Improvement for urinary incontinence
- Improvement for back pain
- Improvement for hernias
- Improvement for bloating
- Improvement for posture
- Can make workouts more effective
Types of tummy tuck procedures
Every patient has their own individual body types and concerns. As such, the tummy tuck comes in various forms to be able to meet the needs of everyone. During the private consultation, Dr. Craft will carry out a thorough assessment of the patient’s current condition as well as their medical history to determine the best course of action for them.
The biggest determining factor in deciding which iteration of abdominoplasty to employ is the amount of excess skin on the patient’s body. The portion of excess skin being removed will dictate the location and size of the incisions.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Unlike the standard tummy tuck which addresses both the upper and lower portions of the stomach, the mini tummy tuck is designed specifically to treat the lower portion of the belly, defined as the area from the navel and below.
Standard Tummy Tuck
The standard tummy tuck is designed to improve both the upper and lower abdomen at the same time. Patients who have weak abdominal muscles or a layer of excess skin around the belly can see great results from a standard tummy tuck, as it flattens out the regions both above and below the belly button while improving the contours.
Circumferential tummy tuck
This technique is the most wide-reaching, as it addresses both the lower and upper areas of the abdomen as well as the waistline, flanks, and back. Patients who have experienced a rather large amount of weight loss can benefit greatly from this approach.
An incision is made all the way around the waistline. Liposuction and other techniques are then used to remove excess fat from the targeted areas. While this is going on, loose skin is tightened and the belly button is repositioned. Once all changes have been made, the incisions are sutured closed.
Prepping for surgery
Most cosmetic practitioners will require their patients to complete the following steps before undergoing treatment:
- Undergo a full lab test (including blood panel) and evaluation from a licensed practitioner
- Cease any medications that could negatively impact the procedure
- Start taking certain medications and supplements that may be prescribed prior to the procedure
- Quit smoking
- Avoid all substances that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements
Abdominoplasty surgical details
A abdominoplasty in Phoenix is performed with the patient under general anesthesia, and takes between one and five hours to complete. The incision is made at the bikini line, where it will be covered by clothing and swimsuits.
During the surgery, the skin is detached from the underlying tissue, the abdominal tissue is sutured, and excess skin is cut away from the area. If the tummy tuck requires muscle repair, Dr. Craft will restore them to their anatomical position.
This addresses the stomach bulge and slims the waist. Dr. Craft will often utilize liposuction during the operation to contour the waist and love handles. Dr. Craft will discuss with you during your consultation whether or not you will need liposuction and muscle repair during your procedure.
What is the recovery process like?
Besides going over your recovery during your consultation with Dr. Craft, you will also be given thorough post-op instructions so your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
A tummy tuck is usually an outpatient procedure, but be aware that you will need someone to help you move around and take care of daily tasks for a week after your operation. You will be given a compression garment to wear for up to six weeks (this garment will be fitted for you before the surgery). You may also have a drain placed. This will also be discussed during your consultation.
Patients typically return to work within 10 to 14 days after their tummy tuck, as long as the work isn’t too physically demanding. You will also need to limit exercise for six weeks, and you should not lift anything over ten pounds for the first four to six weeks (including children). Our patients are usually fully recovered from a tummy tuck in Phoenix after six weeks.
How much does an abdominoplasty usually cost?
According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of abdominoplasty is around $6,000. This average only represents part of the total cost, as it does not factor in the price of anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other expenses. Surgeon fees must also be taken into account, which can vary greatly depending on their experience and where they are located.
While tummy tuck procedures are usually not covered by insurance plans, doctors typically provide financing options to their patients.
Some costs may include:
- The cost of anesthesia
- Facility costs
- Medical testing
- Garments to be worn following surgery
- Medical prescriptions
Why choose ACARA?
If you’re interested in undergoing a tummy tuck in Phoenix, please schedule a consultation with us. Dr. Randall O. Craft at the Arizona Center for Advanced Reconstruction and Aesthetics has the credentials, the experience, and the artistry to carry out safe tummy tuck operations that give his patients a new confidence and quality of life. As a double board-certified, Harvard-trained surgeon, Dr. Craft combines his distinctive training with a sense of artistry that provides better outcomes for his patients. To schedule a consultation, please call or contact us online.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
How long will the results last?
Results from this procedure are considered to be permanent.
Are tummy tuck procedures safe?
Yes. According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, approximately 95% of tummy tuck patients experienced zero complications.
Is it ok to have a tummy tuck after having children?
Is it ok to have a tummy tuck after having children?
What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
A liposuction procedure removes fat from the stomach and makes it flatter, while a tummy tuck creates a better-defined, more toned abdomen.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with other treatments?
Yes. A tummy tuck can be performed in tandem with procedures such as a thigh lift or lower body lift for enhanced results.
Is there any way to lower the likelihood of scarring?
Refraining from smoking and limiting tension on the treatment site are both great ways to decrease the likelihood of developing scars.