Tummy Tuck in Phoenix, AZ

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The Body Sculpting Center offers tummy tucks to residents of Scottsdale, Phoenix and the surrounding areas in Arizona.

A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen, and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But, bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip. Dr. Philpott places the incision inconspicuously so that the scar is easily concealed or hidden beneath underwear or a bikini bottom. Your goals will be discussed with you during your consultation.

If you are considering a tummy tuck, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure; when it can help, how it is performed, and what results you can expect. As a potential patient, it is critical that you are educated about the advantages concerning a surgical procedure such as a tummy tuck. With any surgery though, the most important step you can take as a candidate is talking with your selected surgeon. Qualified cosmetic surgeons will be able to articulate all the steps of a tummy tuck and answer any question you may have. Those surgeons who are most experienced can easily speak to any of your unique patient circumstances.

The best candidates for a tummy tuck are men or women who are in relatively good shape, but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that will not respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

A tummy tuck is not for everyone. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against a tummy tuck or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.

Like other cosmetic surgeries such as breast augmentation and liposuction, a tummy tuck can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it will not necessarily change your appearance to match your ideal look, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

Tummy tucks, whether lower abdomen or full, produce excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. In most cases, the results are long lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you are realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a recovery period, a tummy tuck may be just the answer for you, and you should be confident that The Body Sculpting Center will provide the best tummy tuck offered.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Position:

Because the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty involves removal of the extra abdominal skin and (usually) tightening of the abdominal muscles, you will experience some difficulty standing up straight for a few days to two weeks, or even longer. During this period, you may find it more comfortable to place a pillow or two under your knees while in bed. The tightness will gradually disappear as you heal and progressively use your body muscles for the activities of daily living. Please make no special attempts to stretch or pull the abdomen straight during the first two to three days of healing. You must change your position and walk around the house every two hours to reduce the danger of blood clots.

Dressings:

We may place an elastic abdominal binder around your tummy after surgery, in some cases to provide some gentle pressure, to give you stability and reduce swelling. If it feels too tight or causes pain, take it off. We do not want the binder to interfere with circulation to the skin, which could cause blistering or skin loss. You may also remove it temporarily for laundering. Many tummy tuck patients wear the binder for several weeks after surgery, and some choose to wear it for several months. Let your own comfort and the amount of swelling you experience guide you. We want you as comfortable as possible, without swelling.

Drains:

On certain patients, your surgeon may place one or two drains into the surgical area at the time of surgery and will bring them out through small incisions made in the pubic area. These drains evacuate the fluid that accumulates after surgery and enable you to heal faster. When the drain is first put in place, the bulb at the end of each tube will be compressed to create gentle suction. As the fluid collects in the bulb, it will expand.

Drain Care:

Secure the bulb of the drain to your clothing or the abdominal binder with a safety pin. Whenever the bulb fills or expands 50% or more, empty the bulb by opening the plug at the top and pouring out the contents. Do not attempt to remove the bulb from the tubing. Squeeze the bulb to recompress it, and put the plug back into the hole at the top in order to maintain the vacuum. If the bulb fills rapidly after emptying it, or if you need to empty it more than five times a day, please call us at 602-639-4338 . Your surgeon or a nurse will remove the drains anywhere from three to ten days after surgery, when the fluid begins to turn a clear straw color and/or the amount of drainage diminishes. You may shower with the drains in place, but be careful not to pull them out inadvertently.

Activities:

Tummy tucks are a comfortable operation. You will experience some pain for 10 to 20 days and will not feel like resuming sports or heavy exercise for at least two to three weeks. After the first week, you may resume moderate walks for as long as is tolerable. Too much initial activity can prolong swelling.

Exposure To Sunlight:

A tummy tuck presents some unique challenges. We recommend that you protect your scars from the sun for a year after surgery. Even through a bathing suit, a good deal of sunlight can reach the skin and cause damage. Wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 when out in sunny weather.

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Specific “As You Heal” Instructions

Tightness:

Your abdomen will feel tight for a month or longer. If you have had a muscle repair as well (the usual case), you will feel the most tightness down the center of your tummy where your surgeon has actually repaired your muscles. This hurts more than any other part of the procedure.

Healing Of Sensory Nerves:

Usually, the skin of the abdomen remains partially or completely numb for several months or longer. Tingling, burning, or shooting pains indicate regeneration of the small sensory nerves. This feeling will disappear with time and is not cause for alarm. It may take as long as two years for sensation in your abdomen to be restored completely.

Feeling Of Fullness:

You may pleasantly find that you feel full sooner than normal when you begin to eat regular meals.

Activities:

If your job keeps you sedentary, you may plan on returning to work in 7 to 14 days, with the understanding that you will still have discomfort with motion. Please discuss this with your surgeon and the nursing staff. Here again, swelling may indicate too much activity. Do not plan on resuming aerobic or strenuous exercise after your tummy tuck for about four weeks after surgery. Let your body tell you what it can do.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Phoenix, AZ?

The Body Sculpting Center offers patients the option to finance their procedure through Prosper Healthcare Lending, and CareCredit®.  Within a few hours of applying, you can be pre-approved for your cosmetic procedures. We also accept the following major credit cards: Visa®, MasterCard® and Discover®, as well as Cash, Checks, Money Orders and Cashier Checks.

The Body Sculpting Center specializes in cosmetic and plastic surgery and performs the following body contouring procedures for residents of Scottsdale, Phoenix and the surrounding areas in Arizona:

 

Tummy Tuck FAQs

On average, our patients can lose up to five pounds of skin during their tummy tuck procedure. It’s important to remember that a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss treatment and should not be viewed as such. Instead, your tummy tuck should be used as a supplement to an already healthy and active lifestyle. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are within 20lbs of their ideal weight and have realistic expectations of their results.
The results of a tummy tuck have the potential to last a lifetime. It’s important to remember the results of your tummy tuck may be disrupted by weight gain or pregnancy. For this reason, we typically recommend patients wait until their done having children and lead a healthy and active lifestyle to maintain their results for the long run.
Following your tummy tuck procedure, you will experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness around your treated areas. These side effects are normal and typically resolve on their own within a few weeks of treatment. Dr. Philpott and his team will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to help you manage your discomfort throughout your recovery.
The average recovery time for a tummy tuck is about eight weeks. During this time, Dr. Philpott and his team will ask that you refrain from high-intensity exercise and heavy lifting. Most patients are able to return to work and most of their daily activities about seven to 10 days after their tummy tuck surgery.
We believe there is no “ideal age” for a tummy tuck. Dr. Philpott has successfully treated patients of various ages, ranging from 21-year-old women who have just had a baby to 55-year-old men who have undergone a significant weight loss. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are in good general health, are within 20lbs of their ideal weight, and do not plan to have any more children. If you believe you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck, we encourage you to come in for a private consultation with Dr. Philpott and his team.

If you are a resident of Scottsdale, Phoenix or one of the surrounding areas in Arizona, contact The Body Sculpting Center for more information about tummy tucks. Schedule a consultation either online or by calling 602-639-4338.

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