Tummy Tuck procedures by Dr. Jeffrey Ptak, M.D., certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ, serving Maricopa County and Phoenix, Arizona areas.

Tummy Tuck

Dr. Ptak feels that recontouring of the abdomen is one of the most truly “reconstructive” of all the cosmetic procedures. Not only is skin and fat usually removed, but the muscle layer is tightened as well. The result is a tighter abdomen and waistline, allowing for a better fit for clothing and improved self image and self esteem.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Despite what you eat or the hours you spend at the gym, your midsection is just not as toned as you’d like it to be.

At Silhouette Surgical Spa, we are here to help you reach your cosmetic goals.

A common frustration among people is their weakened abdominal muscles or muffin top, some of the more common causes being age, previous pregnancies, or simply genetics. If you’ve lost a large amount of weight, no extra amount of working out will make excess skin go away. A Tummy Tuck will smooth your midsection and slim your waist, instilling you with a sense of confidence as your jeans fit perfectly.

Abdominoplasty, or more commonly referred to as a Tummy Tuck, is a surgical procedure that flattens and firms the abdominal wall. This is done through the removal of excess skin and fat and tightening of the muscles. There are different types of Tummy Tuck procedures, and depending on your specific case, Dr. Jeffrey Ptak will help you choose the procedure that will give you the best possible results.

Who is a Candidate?

The best candidates for a Tummy Tuck are men and women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by fat deposits, loose abdominal skin, or lack of muscle tone. These patients are close to their ideal weight, but diet and exercising are not producing ideal results. This surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through one or more pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can naturally return to normal.

It is best to consider a Tummy Tuck if you are not planning on becoming pregnant again. Loss of skin elasticity in older men or women can also be improved through this procedure. People who have lost a large amount of weight and have excess skin can benefit as well.

No matter the cause, a Tummy Tuck procedure at Silhouette Surgical Spa can slim your abdominal area and give you a new-found confidence.

Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Ptak will listen to all of your concerns about your midsection and what your ideal contour and body weight is. You should also share any medical history or past surgeries. He will show you before and after photos of previous patients with your body type to show you the results of the different methods, although results will slightly vary between patients. The doctor will perform a thorough examination to assess your physical concerns, and your cosmetic goals which will allow Dr. Ptak to determine the best procedure for you. Exercising and healthy diet plans post-surgery will be explained to ensure long-lasting results. Pricing inquiries can be addressed at this time as well.

Preparation

Generally, you will be advised to quit smoking 2 weeks prior to your surgery. Anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided the week before, and hydration is key for a smooth recovery. You may have to fill prescriptions for pain medications prior to your surgery so you have them immediately after the procedure as most patients now prefer to recover at home. Dr. Ptak will also give you additional preparation advice during your consultation for your specific Tummy Tuck case.

You should make sure you are able to take a minimum of two weeks off from work in order to get ample rest. It will be very important to take it easy for a while to ensure optimal results. Make sure you have everything you may need during your recovery within reach of your bed, including entertainment material. You will also need pillows to keep yourself in a reclining position. Additionally make sure you arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time.

Procedure Information

The 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. Dr. Jeffrey Ptak performs the procedure in an outpatient surgery setting. Local or general anesthetic may be used depending on the extent and complexity of the procedure. The length of your surgery will depend on the method of Tummy Tuck performed as well as if you are getting additional procedures at the same time. Any Tummy Tuck procedure can be a part of a Mommy Makeover (a combined breast and torso shaping procedure performed simultaneously.)

Tummy Tuck

A standard Tummy Tuck tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles which leaves a standard hip to hip scar, which will fade over time. Since the whole abdominal wall is addressed, an incision around the belly button may be necessary to re-drape both the upper and lower abdominal skin evenly, resulting in a beautifully smoothed abdomen. This procedure can be augmented with minimal Liposuction of the abdomen at no additional fee.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Mini Tummy Tuck tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only which will leave the shortest scar. A small incision will be made above the pubic line. Fat that lies above the muscles is lifted in order to reach the abdominal muscles and suture them together. The outcome, although not drastic, is a slimmer waist and flatter abdomen wall. Shorter downtime is required for this smaller procedure.

Modified Tummy Tuck

Modified Tummy Tuck addresses conditions where just the muscle wall or just the abdominal skin requires repair. This leaves minimal scarring, and is good for patients who only need minimal assistance in contouring their abdominal wall.

Extended Tummy Tuck

Extended Tummy Tuck tightens the both the abdomen and the flanks. This will leave the longest scar as it extends around the sides onto the lower hip area. The scar will be hidden with low-rise clothing or even a thong type undergarment or bathing suit. This procedure will slim the love handles and waist while firming the abdomen.

High Tension Tummy Tuck

High Tension Tummy Tuck is good for women who desire that “corset” look. This is performed similarly to a Standard Tummy Tuck, but rather than just tightening the muscles vertically, they are cinched in horizontally as well. This gives the waist a dramatically slimmer contour while your abdominal wall will lay flat and firm.

Alternative Options

Vaser Lipo

Vaser Lipo uses ultrasound technology to reshape the body’s contour. Vaser Lipo is specially designed to solely target fat, and does not injure important tissues like blood vessels or nerves. This technique first liquefies the fat and then removes it, leaving you with a smooth abdomen. There is only minimal pain and bruising associated with Vaser Lipo.

Body Lift

If you need to address a large amount of weight and a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction aren’t enough on their own, a Body Lift may be a good alternative procedure. This involves the combination of a Tummy Tuck, Buttock Lift, Thigh Lift, and Liposuction, all performed during the same sitting. A Body Lift is not meant for people who only have specific fat deposits they need removed, it is meant for excess sagging fat and significant skin removal.

Postoperative Healing

The procedure usually takes 2 - 4 hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial or Mini Tummy Tuck may take an hour or two. A Tummy Tuck can be one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures and probably requires more time off and activity-limiting recovery. You will be encouraged to move and walk regularly within 1 - 2 days as this will prevent blood clots. Light activity is comfortable in 10 - 20 days. Sports will not be comfortable or recommended for about 4-6 weeks. Dr. Ptak will schedule you at least three follow-up appointments to assess your recovery progress.

Drains are typically removed within a week and there are rarely skin sutures as a skin glue system is used along with dissolving sutures. Swelling should subside in a few weeks, but icing can help speed the process along. Anti-inflammatory medications and smoking are some things you should continually refrain from for an allotted amount of time post-surgery. Consumption of alcohol during the healing process will increase any amount of bruising.

You are to either remain in a seated position while awake or on your back while sleeping until you are fully recovered. Pillows can be used to keep you in a “recliner” position. Some items you will need during your recovery consist of compression garments, bandages, and pain medication. In addition, your house should be stocked with healthy snacks and food.

It is recommended to have someone stay the first few nights with you to aid with drainage tubes, bandaging, and general household tasks. This procedure does not ward against sagging due to aging, but it will significantly lessen it. The results of your Tummy Tuck will last permanently, given you do not become pregnant or gain a large amount of weight. Good eating habits and exercise will also solidify years of a beautiful, smooth abdomen.

Pricing

The price of your procedure will depend on the method and extent of your Tummy Tuck. It will also depend on if you are undergoing any other procedures at the same setting. The cost can be discussed in detail during your consultation. Dr. Ptak’s patient coordinator will also discuss multiple financing options available to his patients.