If patients have been dieting and exercising but can’t seem to get rid of excess skin and stubborn fat on their stomach, then an abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, may be the right option for them. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight or women who have finished childbearing are able to achieve the trim waistline they’ve been wanting with a tummy tuck. The tummy tuck procedure, performed by our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. G. Robert Meger, is designed to flatten a sagging stomach by tightening and removing excess skin or fat around the abdominal region. Patients often undergo the procedure to reduce the appearance of stretch marks as well. If patients are considering this procedure, then we invite them to schedule a consult at G. Robert Meger, M.D. P.C. in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Meger will thoroughly discuss their options and how to maximize their results.

Tummy tuck surgery is life changing for most of our patients who have had the procedure. The ideal candidates for this dramatic transformation are:

• Women who have C-section scars and/or extra skin and fat deposits in the lower abdomen
• Men and women who have stretch marks and loose skin on their abdomen
• Men and women who have had weight loss surgery and have maintained their goal weight for at least 1 year and desire removal of the excess skin and remaining fat deposits

Generally, the tummy tuck procedure lasts 3 or more hours depending on the need for liposuction and the quantity of excess tissue to be removed. The first step is for the anesthesiologist to administer a light anesthetic. Next, Dr. Meger will create an incision from one hipbone to the other along the pubic line. The length of the cut relies on the extent of the procedure. A second incision is made to the navel from the surrounding tissue. In a mini tummy tuck, the incision is much shorter. This also means that the navel will not be moved but may be pulled into a smaller-sized shape. Once the incision is made, Dr. Meger will lift the skin to tighten the stomach muscles by suturing them closer together. After trimming the excess skin, Dr. Meger stretches the skin downward and sutures it into place. If needed, a new navel can be created and stitched into the proper position. Liposuction may be needed during this procedure to remove excess hip fat. Lastly, a drain may be positioned to help remove fluid buildup as the patient heals.

After surgery, patients will be placed in a compression garment and will be discharged to rest at home. Tummy tuck surgery requires a slow approach to recovery, and it’s important to note that a complete recovery may take up to 6 weeks or longer. The results following a tummy tuck procedure equate to a tighter, more toned abdominal appearance. Scarring is a part of this procedure; however, our skillfully trained plastic surgeon creates the incisions with care, placing them in inconspicuous areas so that undergarments can hide them. Patients often feel that the skin removal and flat appearance of their stomach far outweigh any scarring that resides after surgery.

If you want a slimmer, more flattering figure and have noticed that no matter how hard you work, a pooch still resides in your abdominal area, a tummy tuck may help you reach your goals. We also welcome weight loss patients who are seeking skin removal surgery to finalize their weight loss transformation journey. Schedule a consultation with our Phoenix, AZ office today and learn how a tummy tuck can revamp your appearance and self-confidence.