Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck Phoenix AZ

Tummy tuck – also referred to as abdominoplasty – is a cosmetic surgery procedure for men and women who are looking to achieve a flatter and firmer belly. While exercise and diet are a great way to tone your body, they do not always lead to the shapely abdominal contour that you so desire. Tummy tuck plastic surgery focuses on getting rid of unresponsive fat and excess skin, as well as tightening stretched abdominal muscles in order to suit your aesthetic goals. This happens to be one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the United States. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports there were more than 123,000 abdominoplasty procedures in 2019 alone. More so, a study carried out by the ASPS shows that tummy tucks performed along with liposuction had a satisfaction rate of over 99%, with patients reporting significant improvements in self-esteem and quality of life.

The first official tummy tuck was performed in 1890 by Dr. Marx and Dr. Demars in France. Later on, in 1899, a gynecologic surgeon from Baltimore, Maryland, performed a similar procedure in the United States. Both of these surgeries focused on removing excess skin and tissue from the abdominal region without sparing the belly button, but as the years progressed and plastic surgery advanced as a field, more efficient and safer methods were discovered. In 1905, French doctors were finally able to perform a tummy tuck while preserving the belly button. While earlier abdominoplasty surgeries were performed in order to treat wounds, developments over the decades have made it possible for us to perform these surgeries for cosmetic purposes.

Phoenix plastic surgeon DDr. Tessler and Dr. Turin perform abdominoplasty to help men and women achieve a well-contoured abdominal profile. Dr. Tessler has helped numerous individuals from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and surrounding AZ cities boost their self-esteem and quality of life with this procedure. The surgeon understands that the needs of different patients are unique and works diligently to create a highly customized tummy tuck/abdominoplasty treatment plan to suit the needs of each patient.

Who is a candidate for abdominoplasty?

Tummy tuck plastic surgery aims to create a firmer, smoother abdominal profile by removing excess fat and skin, and restoring weakened muscles. You may be a good candidate for this cosmetic treatment if:

  • You are in good physical and emotional health
  • You have nearly achieved your target weight goal but are struggling with a loose, flabby tummy
  • Your stomach has never assumed it’s original tight, firm and fit condition following pregnancy and childbearing
  • You have saggy abdominal skin after dramatic weight loss
  • You have realistic expectations about the outcome of this treatment

Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin will reserve your first visit to his office for understanding your needs and goals. The surgeon will listen to your concerns, ask questions, and learn about your medical history before letting you know whether this treatment is for you. If you have just come from pregnancy and childbearing, Your surgeon may recommend that you combine your tummy tuck with other procedures in what is known as a mommy makeover. Abdominoplasty is a highly individualized cosmetic treatment. For this reason, Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin emphasize that each patient ensures they are having this surgery out of their own volition, not because someone else asked this of them.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

Dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, or aging can leave you with loose skin and stretched muscles. Excess loose skin or poor skin elasticity may prevent you from achieving your body contouring goals. Furthermore, the stretched muscles in your belly may be so that no amount of exercise will return their firmness. A tummy tuck is the procedure of choice for patients who are not getting the well-contoured abdominal profile that they would normally achieve from exercise and diet. Many individuals who receive this treatment experience multiple benefits:

  • A slimmer and better-contoured tummy
  • Reduced pockets of fat in the abdominal area and a better-defined waist
  • Tightened abdominal muscles
  • Reduced post-pregnancy stretch marks
  • Elimination of excess loose and hanging skin due to pregnancy or dramatic weight loss
  • Improved self-esteem and quality of life
  • Possible increase core strength – Due to repositioning muscles to their optimal operating position
  • Decreased Bloating – Patients may benefit from reduced bloating from the restoration of their abdominal muscle cylinder that counteracts intra-abdominal pressure.

Of course, how long the results of your tummy tuck last will depend on your lifestyle following this surgery. Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin recommend that you maintain a healthy exercise and diet regimen in order to maintain the shapely outcome of your procedure. Keep in mind that gaining weight may make it necessary to have another abdominoplasty down the line.

DIFFERENCE

Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Depending on the needs of the patients and the goals of the procedure, Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin can perform one of the following tummy tuck procedures:

  • Full tummy tuck – This is the best tummy tuck procedure for men and women who have an extra-large midsection or weakened abdominal muscles. A full/total tummy tuck focuses on flattening the abdomen below and above the belly button. The surgeon will make a horizontal cut between your hips and around the belly button. He will then get rid of excess skin and tissue from the abdominal region, as well as tighten the loosened abdominal muscles. Once the desired outcome is achieved, your surgeon will close the incisions and bandage the treatment area.
  • Full tummy tuck – This is the best tummy tuck procedure for men and women who have an extra-large midsection or weakened abdominal muscles. A full/total tummy tuck focuses on flattening the abdomen below and above the belly button. The surgeon will make a horizontal cut between your hips and around the belly button. He will then get rid of excess skin and tissue from the abdominal region, as well as tighten the loosened abdominal muscles. Once the desired outcome is achieved, your surgeon will close the incisions and bandage the treatment area.
  • Mini tummy tuck – A mini tummy tuck is a minimalistic procedure that is commonly performed on slender patients who have a ‘belly pooch’. The surgeon will focus on getting rid of excess skin and tissue below the belly button. During surgery, your surgeon will create a small horizontal incision right below the belly button and use it to tighten the abdominal muscles and get rid of excess skin. Once the desired changes have been achieved, the surgeon will close the incisions and bandage the treatment area.
  • Extended tummy tuck – This procedure is also referred to as a circumferential lower body lift because it targets the entire abdomen, lower back, and hips. This type of tummy tuck surgery is a great option for healthy individuals who wish to completely recontour their midsection. The surgeon will create a long horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, as well as a vertical incision going via the belly button. Once this is done, excess tissue will be removed through and the abdominal muscles tightened. The surgeon will also use liposuction to remove excess tissue from the hip and lower back regions. The final step in this extensive cosmetic treatment is to reposition the belly button. Incisions sites will finally be closed, and the treatment area bandaged appropriately.

During one of your pre-op visits to Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin’s office, the surgeon will discuss these procedure options and help you choose the best one to suit your aesthetic needs.

COST

Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin’s Approach

Abdominoplasty is typically considered to be an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will perform the best abdominoplasty procedure to address your concerns. Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin use advanced surgical methods in order to achieve an optimal procedure outcome while minimizing the risk of scarring and other side effects. Once the surgery is complete, Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin will allow you to go home to continue with recovery. In some cases, the patient may need to stay overnight so that the surgeon’s team can monitor your progress.

Recovery

Recovery After Tummy Tuck Surgery

Following your tummy tuck surgery, you will need to rest for the first 48 hours. Your surgeon will ask you to take a light walk around the house as soon as you are able to in order to encourage proper blood circulation. The surgeon will let you know how to take care of your incision sites and drains (if they are inserted). You will be asked to avoid any form of heavy lifting or strenuous activities until after you get the green light from your surgeon. It is not uncommon to experience mild swelling, bruising, and pain over the first few days following your abdominoplasty. Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate medication to protect your treatment area from infection and increase your comfort level throughout the recovery duration. How long it takes for you to fully recover will be determined by the type of tummy tuck surgery you had, as well as your body’s unique healing ability. Patients can expect to take at least 1 week before they can resume normal activities after a mini tummy tuck, 2-4 weeks after a full tummy tuck, and 3-6 weeks after an extended tummy tuck. Make sure to strictly adhere to your surgeon’s post-op instructions in order to ensure a speedy and uninterrupted recovery.

Expected Cost of Tummy Tuck Surgery in Phoenix

The cost of tummy tuck procedure varies greatly depending on the extensiveness of the treatment, facility and medication fees, and the plastic surgeon’s fees. On average, most of Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin’s tummy tuck patients in Scottsdale, Gilbert, and nearby AZ areas can expect to pay between $7,000 and $12,500 for this treatment. Tummy tuck surgery is considered to be an elective cosmetic procedure. For this reason, health insurers do not pay for this procedure. During your initial abdominoplasty consultation at Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin’s office, the surgeon’s team will provide an initial cost estimate so you can make arrangements for financing.

Average Cost

$7,000 – $12,500

Recovery Time

2-6 Weeks

Procedure Time

Same Day

Insurance

Does not cover

F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tummy Tuck FAQ

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Will my stomach look worse than before if I gain weight?

The goal of this treatment is to improve the abdominal contour by tightening loose skin and muscle. Liposuction may also be included in this treatment in order to remove stubborn fat deposits. Should you undergo weight gain or weight loss after this surgery, there is nothing about your tummy tuck that will look unusual. Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin recommend that you maintain a stable weight along with a heavy lifestyle in order to maintain the result of your tummy tuck procedure.
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Will there be scarring?

Scarring is inevitable after abdominoplasty procedure. Working with a highly qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon is the best safeguard patients can take to minimize the risk of scarring and other side effects of this procedure. Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin utilize advanced surgical procedures and a rigorous post-op scar care regimen to make sure that scars are a minimal – if any – concern for his patients.
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How do I prepare for my tummy tuck?

Your surgeon will let you know how to prepare for a successful tummy tuck following your initial consultation visit at his office. You may be asked to quit taking certain medications (e.g. blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs). It is important to have someone to drive you home after the procedure, as well as set time aside for recovery. Smoking can impair healing and put you at risk after surgery. It is extremely important that candidates for this treatment stop smoking at least 4 weeks before the date of the surgery. As with any procedure, Dr. Tessler and Dr. Turin alway strives to deliver the best tummy tuck Phoenix AZ has to offer.

Dr. Oren Tessler’s Credentials

Oren Tessler, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Phoenix area. Dr. Tessler is highly proficient in multiple plastic surgery techniques, including abdominoplasty, breast procedures, body contouring, and maxillofacial surgery. He was appointed as an assistant and associate professor of Plastic Surgery at Louisiana State University and Tulane University. Dr. Tessler earned his MD – MBA at McGill University. His plastic and reconstructive surgical training was concluded at McGill University followed by his fellowship training at Harvard University, both of which are the best and top ranked medical programs throughout the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Tessler has also served as Director of Plastic Surgery at University Medical Center, as well as contributed research and trained dozens of the best upcoming tummy tuck surgeons. Dr. Tessler’s passion lies in restoring form and function while improving the quality of life of his patients. He brings a friendly and personalized approach to plastic surgery while working with highly qualified anesthesiologists and other support staff who strive to deliver the best tummy tuck Phoenix, AZ has to offer.