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.
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 and Body By Leverett has been featured on Channel 3 “Your Life A to Z” Restore Your Curves After Pregnancy!
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?
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?
Does Fat Come Back After a Tummy Tuck?
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!
Dr Levertt uses embrace® Active Scar Defense. Ask for more details.
