A slim, contoured midsection is generally viewed as a physical ideal for men and women alike, but this can be an unattainable goal for many people who have experienced changes to their abdomen due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. A tummy tuck addresses the concerns that even the best diet and exercise routines just can’t help. Sagging or hanging skin, stubborn pockets of fat, and separated abdominal muscles are all treated for a more pleasing waistline.
Model
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the most commonly requested body contouring procedures performed today. This remarkable procedure focuses on slimming the patient’s midsection, from the ribcage to the lower abdomen, through the removal of excess skin and pockets of fat. Patients seeking this procedure often have stretched skin and abdominal muscles due to weight fluctuations, aging, or previous pregnancies.
Our bodies are designed to adjust to change, but when that change is too sudden or aging has taken its toll, fluctuations can result in permanent issues like stretched skin, separated abdominal muscles, or fat pockets that won’t budge. A tummy tuck directly deals with these issues when even our best efforts at dieting and exercise offer too little help. The benefits of a tummy tuck include:
Candidates for tummy tucks are men or women who have an excess of skin and fat around their abdomen that is resistant to diet and exercise. You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck if you have previously lost a significant amount of weight and are now experiencing sagging skin that won’t budge or if you have had children and have separated abdominal muscles that stop you from effectively exercising to lose your “belly pouch.” Candidates should:
Dr. Prichard is a master of creating individualized results for each of his tummy tuck patients to their great satisfaction. View our before and after gallery to see some of Dr. Prichard’s amazing tummy tuck transformations.
Model
Dr. Prichard has decades of experience in all tummy tuck and abdominal contouring procedures. From the mini tummy tuck to the circumferential lower body lift, the correct procedure for each individual is thoughtfully analyzed and customized to the patient’s body, ensuring optimal reshaping and results. Additionally, Dr. Prichard often combines tummy tucks with other procedures, such as breast augmentation, as part of a Mommy Makeover or simply to create a more cohesive profile from the abdomen to the rest of the body.
This is what many people consider a traditional or standard tummy tuck, during which Dr. Prichard will treat the area from the rib cage to the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone. When we talk about tummy tucks, we’re usually referencing a full tummy tuck. This is the most popular option, as it incorporates revision of the entire abdomen: sagging skin, pockets of fat, separated abdominal muscles, and a drooping or misshapen navel. The incision for a full tummy tuck usually runs horizontally across the lower abdomen/bikini line, with a secondary, smaller incision around the belly button. The details, however, are what differentiates a great result from an ‘ok’ result. For instance, how natural the belly button looks, the incision being inside the belly button vs. outside, the blending of the abdomen with the pubic area, etc.
Dr. Prichard also performs an extensive high-definition tummy tuck in which the upper abdominal tissue deep fat is removed prior to using this tissue over the abdomen. This is a tedious dissection in which the fat below a connective tissue layer called ‘Scarpa’s Fascia’ is completely removed over the entire abdomen. This creates much better definition over the ab muscles vs. leaving the deep fat in place, covering the muscles. In a regular full tummy tuck, the deep tissue is not removed.
A mini tummy tuck is considered less invasive than a traditional or full tummy tuck, as it treats only the lower abdominal area below the navel. This procedure may be best for postpartum women with a localized area of excess fat and skin. While a mini tummy tuck only allows for minimal revision, some patients find it beneficial for their specific needs, and Dr. Prichard can place the incision in the same spot as a cesarean scar, which eliminates the risk of an additional visible scar. If you have loose skin below the belly button, but tight skin above the belly button, the mini tummy tuck may be best for you.
Combining your tummy tuck with liposuction allows Dr. Prichard to create a more slimming and cohesive silhouette, improving results beyond what these procedures can accomplish alone. While Dr. Prichard can remove some pockets of fat from the abdomen during the tummy tuck procedure, liposuction around adjacent areas, like the hips, buttocks, thighs, or back, results in a more streamlined, natural-looking result.
A Mommy Makeover is a combination of procedures aimed at restoring a woman’s body after changes caused by childbirth, pregnancy, or the natural aging process. Every Mommy Makeover is individualized to the needs of the patient, but in most cases, patients choose to include some form of abdominoplasty to address loose skin and fat pockets. Other popular procedures include liposuction and some form of breast enhancement, such as a breast lift or breast lift with augmentation.
Generally, a tummy tuck is performed as an outpatient surgery using IV sedation or general anesthesia, which is delivered under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist. A standard tummy tuck surgery takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Of course, it will be longer if the tummy tuck is an element of a Mommy Makeover procedure. On the day of surgery, Dr. Prichard will check in with you to go over your surgical plan once more, answer any of your last-minute questions, and mark the incision location on your abdomen.
During your initial consultation with our Scottsdale tummy tuck expert, Dr. Prichard, you will be able to discuss the details of your unique procedure, including the risks and benefits of a tummy tuck, where your incision will be, and how long your operation is estimated to last.
Here, we have provided you with a “Before and After” gallery. We encourage you to peruse through the photos, allowing you to get a better idea of the amazing results Dr. Prichard consistently delivers to each of his patients in his Scottsdale office.
After your tummy tuck surgery, you will return home with your abdomen securely wrapped in an abdominal binder or compression garment to minimize swelling. This garment must be consistently worn for the first several weeks, as per Dr. Prichard’s instructions. Most patients are sent home with surgical drains to empty fluid from the surgical area. We will remove these drains several days after surgery at your follow-up appointment.
Recovery after a tummy tuck can vary depending on the type of procedure performed. Typically, tummy tuck patients should expect to take a week or two off from work for recovery. Resuming light activity as soon as possible will help facilitate the healing process. Notwithstanding, you should avoid any arduous activity and any heavy lifting for about six weeks.
If you’d like to further explore your options for tummy tuck in scottsdale, request a consultation online. Or if you’d rather, you can call the office directly at 480-752-7874 and one of our staff members can assist you.
The cost of a tummy tuck in Scottsdale varies depending on several factors, including the type of abdominoplasty, whether there are any other combined procedures to account for, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and the level of necessary revision. After your consultation with Dr. Prichard, he will be happy to provide you with a cost estimate.
Tummy tucks and liposuction are both considered body contouring procedures, as they alter the shape of the body by removing fat, skin, or tissues–but the similarities stop there.
Liposuction is a procedure specifically for removing fat. Through a thin tube, your surgeon vacuums out the fat and smoothes the surrounding tissues for a slimming result. Fat is permanently removed with liposuction; however, the remaining fat can (and will) expand unless the patient maintains a consistent weight.
As we know, tummy tucks are more complex. They often involve skin, muscles, and tissues rather than only fat pockets, although those can also be eliminated. The results, like liposuction, are intended to be permanent, although weight fluctuations and subsequent pregnancies can (and will) alter the results of a tummy tuck.
Tummy tucks are limited to the specific area of the abdomen or midsection, while liposuction is a more versatile procedure in terms of location, as surgeons can treat nearly the entire body (within reason).
Also, it is important to note that liposuction is a deflationary process. Similar to losing weight in a specific area, the skin can become looser. If you gain weight in an area, the skin gets tighter as it is holding more fat. Thus, as you remove this fat, the skin gets looser. So, if you already have somewhat loose skin in the abdomen and are thinking of performing liposuction instead of a tummy tuck, you may have even more loose skin after the liposuction procedure. Thus, tummy tuck may have been a better option.
Under the care of a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon and with a carefully screened, vetted, and prepared patient, tummy tucks are considered safe.
However, there is always a risk when undergoing surgery of any kind. That’s why we take as much time as necessary to confidently determine our patient’s candidacy, minimizing as much risk as possible to ensure a safe and effective procedure. During your consultation with Dr. Prichard, he will explain in depth all of the risks and possible complications of your procedure and listen to all of your questions and concerns so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Any time an incision is made on the body, there is a risk of visible scarring. However, you and Dr. Prichard have a lot of control over how visible your scars end up. For his part, Dr. Prichard is an expert surgeon, with thousands of hours performing the most minute techniques of surgery, including sutures. He will make every effort to minimize your scarring by making every incision and suture as precise, even, and discreet as possible.
You also have a role in optimal scar healing. Patients who follow aftercare instructions, protect their scars from sun exposure, tension, and practice good scar care usually have thinner, lighter scars than those who don’t.
Abdominoplasty surgery itself is not painful at all–patients are fully asleep under general anesthesia or IV sedation, so there is no pain during the procedure.
Tummy tuck recovery can be painful, especially in the first week or so, when pain and swelling are at their peak. However, pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter medications or pain medication prescribed by Dr. Prichard.
Your abdominal muscles will be surgically tightened, and any sagging or excess skin and fat will be excised, which are all permanent processes. However, if you gain more weight, become pregnant again, or experience extreme weight fluctuations, the results of your tummy tuck may regress. For this reason, we recommend that you maintain a consistent weight prior to your procedure and are reasonably confident that you won’t have subsequent pregnancies to ensure the success of your procedure.
Please take a moment to rate your experience
with our team.
