Tummy Tuck in Phoenix, AZ

Many find a flat stomach mere impossible to achieve. No matter how many crunches you do, you still end up with extra skin and fat in the abdomen area. Located in Phoenix and serving Chandler, Ahwatukee, Glendale, Maricopa County, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, and surrounding areas, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Larry C. Leverett of Body By Leverett can help give you a flatter and more toned stomach with a tummy tuck.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Dr. Leverett is a highly educated, accomplished tummy tuck surgeon. He performs this procedure for patients who desire to achieve a flat, aesthetically pleasing stomach appearance. While some people can achieve their ideal torso contours through diet and exercise, many individuals have a certain amount of excess abdominal skin that does not respond to healthy lifestyle changes. For these patients, undergoing a tummy tuck can help them realize their dreams of a more beautiful body and enhanced self-confidence.

Dr. Leverett and Body By Leverett has been featured on Channel 3 “Your Life A to Z” Restore Your Curves After Pregnancy!

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The cost of a tummy tuck will vary depending on the extent of surgery. Dr. Leverett offers financing through CareCredit® and Prosper Healthcare Lending. Our office also accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, cash and cashier’s checks.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck can offer several benefits to patients wanting to remove excess fat and skin from their abdomen. Tummy tucks are ideal for patients who have recently lost a significant amount of weight and are left with loose and sagging skin in the stomach area. Some of the benefits of a tummy tuck include:

Improves overall appearance
Creates a tight and flat stomach
Improves self-esteem and self-confidence
Removes excess skin and tightens weakened abdominal muscles due to pregnancy or weight loss
Improves posture and eliminates back pain

Dr. Leverett is an awesome doctor. He did an amazing job on my tummy tuck and liposuction. I am beyond impressed. And Doc has a sense of humor that just makes you smile. And the staff and nurses are awesome too. They are always there to answer questions and make you feel comfortable. I just love going into their office for my follow ups. I highly recommend Dr. Leverett and his staff. -JG

At the age of 55 I decided to follow through with a 25 year desire to have a tummy tuck. I have always taken care of myself physically but after 3 children my body was far from what I desired. Dr. Leverett and his team gave me the fulfillment of this personal goal and dream. My tummy tuck resulted in a stomach similar to that of my teenage self. Additionally, Dr. Leverett is personable and he and his staff put me at ease during this potentially vulnerable time. I give Dr. Leverett 6 star out of 5! – TE

How Do I Know If I’m A Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

The ideal tummy tuck candidate is at a stable weight and does not intend to become pregnant. Among the most common abdominoplasty patients are women who have experienced pregnancy and individuals who have lost a large amount of weight.

Combination with Liposuction

Dr. Leverett performs liposuction when it is necessary to remove excess fat from the patient’s flanks and/or midsection. Liposuction can provide the patient with a flatter abdominal profile and full contouring of the torso when necessary. Our objective is to enhance the overall appearance of the torso and that entails addressing any areas that may become more prominent once the abdomen is flat and tight, most commonly the flanks (love handles).

Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis. Should a patient need assistance with post-surgical home care we have LPN’s and nurses that our patients have contracted over the years for assistance that are familiar with our procedures and recovery.

Incisions and Scarring

A tummy tuck leaves a horizontal scar across the lower abdomen, but Dr. Leverett positions the incision in an area that is hidden by an underwear or bikini line. Most tummy tuck patients typically agree that the appearance of the abdomen after surgery is well worth the scar. Dr. Leverett has done extensive work with post-surgical scar management. To ensure that your incision is minimal, he uses dissolvable sutures and post-surgical scar management protocols for various skin types.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Patients will need to wear surgical compression garments during the recovery period as advised by Dr. Leverett. These help to minimize swelling and provide support while the body heals. Patients may also have drainage tubes inserted under the skin to alleviate any fluid accumulation near the incision sites. Dr. Leverett will remove these a week or two following surgery. Most patients are up and walking around the day after surgery to use the restroom but due to the muscle tightening, they will find themselves slightly hunched over for approximately five days. You will be provided with medications prior to your surgery to have at home. Pain medication, muscle relaxers, antibiotics, anti-nausea medication, and Lovenox® are given to patients to assist in their post-surgical care. Most patients return to work within two to three weeks depending on the physical requirements of their job. Six to eight weeks post-surgery many patients have returned to their regular exercise routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Healing Time for a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The tummy tuck procedure involves extensive surgical techniques, which means that the treatment is associated with a longer recovery period than other cosmetic procedures. In most cases, patients can expect to take a few weeks off of work and other activities while they heal. The body will not be fully healed for a couple of months after your procedure, but you will be able to return to a normal lifestyle before then.

Can a Tummy Tuck Correct Stretch Marks?

A tummy tuck can help fix stretch marks, but it depends on their location. Typically, only the area below the belly button can be manipulated enough to eliminate stretch marks. If you are pursuing treatment to get rid of stretch marks elsewhere, you may want to consider other options.

Are Tummy Tucks Safe?

With modern surgical techniques and technology, tummy tucks can be a very safe procedure. Like any surgery, however, there will be a risk involved if you choose the wrong surgeon for the job. You should always do your research and make sure that your surgeon is well experienced in tummy tuck surgeries.

Does Fat Come Back After a Tummy Tuck?

The results from a tummy tuck can be incredibly long-lasting. However, if you fail to maintain healthy diet and exercise habits, fat can return to the stomach after your tummy tuck. For this reason, we encourage patients to make the appropriate lifestyle changes alongside their tummy tuck to achieve and maintain the best results.

If you are a resident of Ahwatukee, Chandler, Glendale, Maricopa County, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert or the surrounding areas of Phoenix, and you’re looking for a way to firm and enhance the contours of your stomach, consider a tummy tuck from board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Larry C. Leverett. Contact us today!