Tummy Tuck in Phoenix, AZ
Most men and women strive to achieve a firm, slender midsection that complements their figure, yet they are often frustrated because this body region resists change even after dedicated exercise and strict diet regimens. Pregnancy, extreme weight loss, and aging frequently lead to sagging or excess abdominal skin, weakened rectus muscles, and stubborn fat deposits. Some individuals are lucky enough to have their skin snap back into place with intense and relentless fitness routines, but these methods do not work for everyone.
Additionally, pregnancy or significant weight gain can cause the abdominal muscles to separate, causing diastasis recti, which leads to central abdomen protuberance (a stomach that sticks out) despite regular exercise. Only surgery can put the abdominal muscles back together and tighten them once they are separated. Dr. Boll performs tummy tuck surgery in Phoenix, AZ, to help patients achieve their desired abdominal contours and boost their confidence.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as tummy tuck surgery, targets abdominal imperfections to improve the appearance of the midsection and restore a patient’s youthful body contours from the inside out. The procedure involves removing excess skin and stubborn fat, tightening the abdominal muscles, and tightening the remaining skin for a smoother, well-defined stomach.
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
A Smoother Stomach
Pregnancy, aging, and weight loss can lead to bothersome abdominal skin laxity. Excess belly skin can damage your self-confidence and make finding clothing that fits properly difficult. Patients who opt for tummy tuck surgery can restore their pre-pregnancy figure and enjoy a smoother, tighter tummy.
Stronger Muscles
Pregnancy and weight fluctuations can lead to a condition called diastasis recti, which is characterized by separated abdominal muscles that contribute to belly protrusion and core weakness. During tummy tuck surgery, these muscles are repaired and tightened, which cannot be achieved with exercise.
Slender Contours
Struggling with body fat resistance to diet and exercise can be frustrating. Several lifestyle and genetic factors can cause the body to store fat in certain areas, making it harder to achieve the figure you desire. Tummy tuck surgery revamps the midsection and sides by removing unwanted body fat, along with excess skin, to create a slimmer silhouette.
Am I a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Men and women looking to improve the appearance of their stomachs may be good candidates for a tummy tuck. Other factors that might make you a candidate for this procedure include:
- Having good overall health
- Being able to maintain a stable weight
- Wanting to remove excess skin and stubborn fat
- Wanting to correct diastasis recti
- Having realistic goals for surgery
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Boll to determine if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck. During your consultation, you’ll discuss your medical history, surgery goals, and any concerns you may have about the procedure. If you and Dr. Boll decide you’re a good fit for the procedure, a surgical plan will be created detailing the techniques used to achieve your desired goals.
What Are My Tummy Tuck Options in Phoenix, AZ?
Traditional Tummy Tuck
Patients who have substantial abdominal skin laxity and weakened rectus muscles can benefit most from choosing the conventional approach to tummy tuck surgery. A traditional tummy tuck involves creating a hip-to-hip incision along the bikini line in addition to a circumferential incision around the navel. With this surgery, all of the loose skin below the belly button is removed, fat is liposuctioned from the sides, and the rectus muscles are tightened.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Patients who have abdominal skin laxity and bulging below the navel may qualify for a mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck is less invasive than a traditional tummy tuck in that it requires a smaller incision and less tissue excision. This option is less common but works well for some people who are very thin or haven’t had kids. Less skin is removed, and the recovery is usually quicker.
Combining Procedures
Liposuction: Liposuction is a procedure designed to remove localized, stubborn pockets of unwanted fat from target areas of the body. To produce optimal results, liposuction is commonly performed in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery. Liposuction can be performed on the back, sides, and inner and outer thighs. However, only very limited liposuction can be performed on the central abdominal area at the same time as a tummy tuck.
Mommy Makeover: Many patients with compound cosmetic concerns such as deflated, sagging breasts, and abdominal laxity can benefit from combining procedures. A Mommy Makeover can include breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, and tummy tuck to provide a patient with comprehensive enhancement.
What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?
Patients commonly experience some bruising, swelling, and discomfort after surgery. It is important to walk as soon as possible to avoid blood clots. A compression garment must be worn after surgery, typically for around six weeks, to manage swelling. Patients may resume work and some activities within two to three weeks but must avoid vigorous exercise for six weeks.
Every patient’s body will heal at its own rate, so it is essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too far too soon. Dr. Boll will give you specific aftercare instructions to help ensure a safe recovery, so make sure to follow these instructions thoroughly.
What Results Can I Expect After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
There will be a noticeable difference immediately following surgery, but any residual swelling can take three to six months to subside. At that point, you will see the full effects of your tummy tuck surgery.
Tummy tuck results are considered permanent as long as there are no pregnancies or drastic weight fluctuations after the procedure. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and waiting until you no longer plan on having more children will help you maintain the effects of your tummy tuck surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks associated with tummy tuck surgery?
Severe complications from tummy tuck surgery are uncommon. However, the tummy tuck procedure has some risks associated with many other surgeries. The possible risks may include:
- Abnormal reaction to anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Loss of sensation
- Hematoma
- Scarring
- Complications healing
Is a tummy tuck painful?
Most patients experience the most post-op pain during the first 48 to 72 hours following surgery, but it should dissipate over the next few days. Any discomfort can be managed with medication prescribed by Dr. Boll.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Phoenix, AZ?
The cost of tummy tuck surgery depends on several factors, including your surgeon’s fee, surgical facility fees, geographical location, and surgical technique. We will give you an accurate price estimate during your personal tummy tuck consultation.
Is it important to quit smoking before tummy tuck surgery?
Yes. Any tobacco use interferes with the healing process, which can lead to infection, poor healing, or unsatisfactory results. It is required to quit smoking at least six weeks before surgery and wait at least another three weeks after surgery to smoke again if you cannot quit altogether.
Will a tummy tuck correct loose skin and fat around my thighs and buttocks?
A tummy tuck only targets loose skin in the abdominal area. Patients who experience substantial skin laxity due to significant weight loss may want to consider body lift surgery. This procedure addresses folds of excess skin and fat in the abdomen, outer thighs, and buttocks.
Do tummy tuck scars go away?
Dr. Boll carefully places tummy tuck incisions in discreet locations so they may be hidden by clothing. However, any scarring that results from tummy tuck surgery tends to fade over time.
Want to Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Phoenix, AZ?
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery and your options in Phoenix, AZ, call our office at (480) 833-5200 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule your consultation.
Kind Words From Our Patients
“Thank you all for your professional compassion and kindness while I was your patient. I feel good and appreciate all that you all have done for me. You are the best!”
“I could not have asked for better care. Dr.Boll, along with her staff, are the consummate professionals. I made a consultation appointment with Dr. Boll to discuss a facelift. She discussed, in depth, every aspect of the procedure including what I could expect for an outcome. Her kindness and compassion are genuine. Her knowledge unparalleled. I left that consultation knowing I had made the right decision.”
“Post- surgery attention was outstanding, I felt completely comfortable in Dr. Boll’s care; and I am 68, never having surgery before.”
“Thank you all for your professional compassion and kindness while I was your patient. I feel good and appreciate all that you all have done for me. You are the best!”
“I could not have asked for better care. Dr.Boll, along with her staff, are the consummate professionals. I made a consultation appointment with Dr. Boll to discuss a facelift. She discussed, in depth, every aspect of the procedure including what I could expect for an outcome. Her kindness and compassion are genuine. Her knowledge unparalleled. I left that consultation knowing I had made the right decision.”
“Post- surgery attention was outstanding, I felt completely comfortable in Dr. Boll’s care; and I am 68, never having surgery before.”