A tummy tuck, also known as a abdominoplasty, is used to smoothen the appearance of the abdominal area. This can be done by removing extra skin and fat, and by tightening the abdominal muscles. If you or a friend have been thinking about getting a tummy tuck, then the surgeons at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona are ready to give you the professional insights you want to know.

Everything To Know About Tummy Tuck

Why would I want a tummy tuck and do I qualify? 

Tummy tucks are used to remove extra fat and/or skin in order to sculpt the midsection. Some of our patients come to us looking to slim their abdominal area by removing excess fat and skin and by tightening abdominal muscles. Others have experienced extreme weight loss and now need excess skin removed. We also get many new mothers as patients who want to remove excess skin and fat and tighten weakened muscles, leftover from their pregnancy. Postpartum patients often opt-in for a tummy tuck as a part of a Mommy Makeover.|

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the qualities of a good candidate include: 

• You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen
• You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
• You have realistic expectations
• You are a nonsmoker

If you are unsure if you qualify as a good candidate for a tummy tuck, we recommend speaking with one of our surgeons by booking a tummy tuck consultation.

Cost

The average cost of a tummy tuck at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona is $8,000 – $10,000.

While most insurances will not cover tummy tuck, Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona offers financing options that will assist in the payment of this procedure. Our financing option, Care Credit, provides six- and twelve-month interest-free financing options. 

Want more information about financing? Call our office, 928-774-2300, or fill out a contact form.

Is it safe? 

At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, we have a specially built ambulatory surgery center, Northern Arizona SurgiCenter, which is located in our building so that we can have complete control over the surgical environment and thus reduce the chance of infection or other standard risk factors.

If you are concerned about specific medical risks, please make sure to consult your plastic surgeon. All procedures are preceded by a consultation with our plastic surgeons.

How does one prepare for a tummy tuck?

The first step to preparing for a tummy tuck is scheduling a consultation with a surgeon at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona. During your consultation, be sure to disclose all necessary health history information and ask any questions you may have. During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss any possible risks, the desired outcome, how the procedure will be carried out, what you can expect the recovery to be like, and the next steps. 

After your consultation, you will meet Nikki Bonderud, our Cosmetic Patient Coordinator, to schedule a date for the tummy tuck and receive all the information for pre-surgery preparation and any suggested adjustment of current medication.

How is the recovery? 

Once your tummy tuck is complete, your incision will be dressed and you will be placed in a recovery room. Most patients are cleared to leave a few hours after the procedure.

Before leaving the care of your surgeon, our staff will provide you with guidelines on how to properly dress your incision. You will be prescribed and instructed on all the necessary antibiotics, pain medication, and care for the incision area to assist in healing.

For about the next six weeks, you will wear an abdominal binder to support your abdomen and assist in recovery. You will also need to be mindful of your movement, to prevent reopening the incision. Our staff will provide you with recommendations on how to avoid any potentially problematic movement and the best resting positions. 

Regular check-ups with your surgeon are standard. Our surgeons will be available to you in case of an emergency and you may call at any time necessary.

After a full recovery, you can expect a tighter abdomen and a permanent scar across your abdomen that will become less noticeable over time.

Summary

Interested in having a tighter midsection? A tummy tuck might just be your answer. Schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons to start on the path of a happier, more confident you.

Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona provides state-of-the-art surgical and skincare to all residents in Northern Arizona, with locations in Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, and Kingman. Feeling confident in yourself is important for everyone in all stages of life, every day. Learn more about the procedures we provide by visiting our website. Schedule a tummy tuck consultation by calling us at (928) 774-2300 or filling out our form.