Tummy Tuck in Tucson, AZ
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Tucson
A Flatter, Firmer Abdomen. A More Defined Contour.
Pregnancy, significant weight loss, aging, and genetics can change the abdomen in ways that diet and exercise alone cannot always correct. Stretched skin may remain, and the abdominal wall can become weakened or separated.
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is designed to remove excess abdominal skin and improve the underlying abdominal wall to create a smoother, firmer contour.
At Maloney Plastic Surgery in Tucson, Dr. Christopher Maloney customizes tummy tuck surgery around each patient’s anatomy, concerns, and desired outcome.
Creating a Flatter, Firmer Abdominal Contour
A tummy tuck addresses concerns that cannot always be improved through weight loss or exercise alone.
The procedure removes excess abdominal skin and can repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Some excess fatty tissue may also be removed, and liposuction may be incorporated when additional contouring is appropriate.
This makes tummy tuck surgery particularly helpful for patients who have experienced pregnancy or significant weight changes and are left with loose skin, changes to the abdominal wall, or both.
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. Its purpose is to improve abdominal contour in patients who are generally at or near their desired weight.
Tummy Tuck Before & After Gallery
What Can a Tummy Tuck Improve?
Tummy tuck surgery may improve:
- Loose or hanging abdominal skin
- Stretched skin following pregnancy
- Excess skin following significant weight loss
- Weakened or separated abdominal muscles
- A protruding abdomen related to abdominal wall laxity
- Localized fatty tissue when addressed as part of the surgical plan
- Certain stretch marks located within skin that is removed
A tummy tuck cannot prevent future weight gain or the changes associated with aging. It also cannot remove every stretch mark. Stretch marks may improve when they are located within the excess skin being removed.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
Although the procedures are often discussed together, they address different concerns.
Liposuction primarily removes localized fat. It does not remove significant loose skin or repair abdominal muscle separation.
A tummy tuck addresses excess skin and the abdominal wall. Liposuction may be added when localized fat also needs to be addressed to create the desired contour.
Benefits and Considerations
A tummy tuck can create a flatter, firmer abdominal profile and improve contour after pregnancy or weight loss.
However, it is important to understand that the procedure requires a lower abdominal incision and therefore creates a permanent scar. Dr. Maloney carefully plans the incision based on your anatomy and the amount of skin that needs to be removed.
Neither a tummy tuck nor liposuction can remove/improve visceral fat. Visceral fat is fat that accumulated deep inside the abdomen, surrounding the internal organs. It typically presents in the upper abdomen and may cause the abdomen to feel firm and appear more rounded or protruding. The only way to reduce visceral fat is through a healthy diet and exercise.
As with any surgical procedure, tummy tuck surgery also carries risks. These may include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, changes in sensation, poor wound healing, blood clots, unfavorable scarring, and anesthesia-related complications. Dr. Maloney will discuss your individual risks before surgery.
Consultation and Candidacy
During your consultation, Dr. Maloney will examine your abdomen and evaluate the skin, underlying abdominal wall, fatty tissue, and overall contour.
He will discuss what you would like to improve, what tummy tuck surgery can realistically accomplish, and whether liposuction or another procedure may complement your results.
Good candidates are generally healthy, at or near their desired weight, nonsmokers, and able to follow the necessary recovery restrictions.
If you are planning a future pregnancy or significant additional weight loss, Dr. Maloney may recommend postponing tummy tuck surgery because these changes can affect the abdominal skin and surgical results.
Meet Dr Maloney
Expertise and Approach
Successful tummy tuck surgery involves more than simply removing loose skin. The abdominal wall, waist, skin tension, incision placement, belly button, and surrounding body proportions all contribute to the final result.
Dr. Christopher Maloney is a Harvard-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon who has practiced in Tucson since 2002.
His approach is individualized around the patient’s anatomy and goals, with attention to creating a natural abdominal contour rather than simply removing the greatest possible amount of tissue.
What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery
Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck
Before surgery, you will receive detailed instructions from the Maloney Plastic Surgery team. You will need to arrange transportation before and after surgery and have someone available to assist you during the initial recovery period.
Your medications and supplements will also be reviewed, and you will receive instructions regarding smoking, medications, and other factors that can affect surgery and healing.
During Tummy Tuck Surgery
Dr. Maloney’s current procedure guidance notes that tummy tuck surgery generally takes approximately two to six hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
Dr. Maloney creates a horizontal incision low on the abdomen, above the pubic hairline. The length depends on the amount of skin being removed. Excess tissue is removed, the abdominal wall is tightened when appropriate, and the remaining skin is repositioned to create a smoother contour.
A new opening for the belly button may be created when required as part of a full tummy tuck.
Dr. Maloney also uses Exparel in the abdominal muscles as part of his current pain-management protocol. This long-acting local anesthetic is intended to provide additional comfort during the early postoperative period.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
You should plan for limited activity during the early stages of recovery. Dr. Maloney recommends approximately one to three weeks away from work, although the amount of time you need will depend on your surgery and your occupation.
A compression garment may be used to support the abdomen and help manage swelling. Temporary drains may also be required.
Light walking is encouraged early in recovery to support circulation, while heavy lifting and strenuous exercise will remain restricted until Dr. Maloney clears you.
Swelling gradually decreases over the following weeks and months, allowing your abdominal contour to become increasingly visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tummy tuck the same as abdominoplasty?
Yes. Abdominoplasty is the medical term for tummy tuck surgery.
Does a tummy tuck repair separated abdominal muscles?
A tummy tuck can repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles when appropriate. Muscle separation commonly occurs following pregnancy.
What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
Liposuction primarily removes localized fat. A tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin and can repair the abdominal wall. Some patients benefit from combining the procedures.
Will I have a scar after a tummy tuck?
Yes. Tummy tuck surgery requires a lower abdominal incision. Dr. Maloney plans its placement to keep it as low as your anatomy and surgical plan allow.
How long is tummy tuck recovery?
Recovery varies. Dr. Maloney recommends planning for approximately one to three weeks away from work, with lifting and exercise restrictions continuing until Dr. Maloney has cleared you.
How long do tummy tuck results last?
Tummy tuck results can be long-lasting, particularly when you maintain a stable weight. Significant weight changes, pregnancy, and natural aging can alter your abdominal contour over time.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation in Tucson
If loose abdominal skin or changes to your abdominal wall are keeping you from achieving the contour you want, tummy tuck surgery may be an option.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Maloney to learn what approach is appropriate for your body and goals.
READY TO BEGIN?
Dr. Maloney’s consultations are in two parts. The first part is the virtual consultation where you will fill out some basic information such as the procedure you are interested in having performed, and you will upload a front and side view photo. Dr. Maloney will review these and determine if you are potentially a surgical candidate as well as give you pricing. After this portion is complete, you will come in for the in-person consultation to discuss your goals and the surgery in greater detail.
START YOUR VIRTUAL CONSULTATION WITH DR MALONEY
If you have not received a response within 3 business days, please call our office, as we typically respond within this time frame.
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