An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, will remove excess fatty tissue and loose skin while also addressing the separation of the abdominal muscle. The separation of this abdominal muscle is known as ‘diastasis’ and can occur from pregnancy and or significant weight gain. If your body has been through a pregnancy or if your weight has fluctuated significantly for other reasons, your midsection may have experienced unwanted aesthetic changes. Even if you had a flat and firm belly before pregnancy, diet and exercise may not be enough to get you back to where you want to be.
Dr. Rod performs tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) to help Phoenix women restore their pre-baby body. He also supports patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight or who want to recontour their midsection after liposuction. The surgery can eliminate excess skin and repair weakened muscles, both common symptoms after major weight change. Patients frequently combine the surgery with breast augmentation and breast lift as part of a mommy makeover to rejuvenate their body and their breasts in a single surgical session.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
DR. REZA ROD
Dr. Reza Rod, of Phoenix, Arizona, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with two decades of experience and training in enhancing natural beauty with both surgical and non-surgical techniques. His accolades include being honored as a “Top Doctor” on Real Self and being hand-selected for a fellowship at the world-famous Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he received rigorous plastic surgeon training. Dr. Rod is passionate about helping patients make their appearance reflect their spirit and has made breast augmentation a primary focus of his practice. He believes in combining highly technical skills with meticulous attention to detail to achieve natural-looking breast enhancement results that fit his patient’s personal goals and aesthetic ideals.
A tummy tuck removes the excess skin and reconstructs the abdominal muscles to give you an hourglass figure. Most of Dr. Rod’s patients see a reduction in the appearance of stretch marks by 50% to 100%.
Dr. Rod prioritizes comfort and safety with any surgical procedure he conducts for his Phoenix patients. One of the most common issues that people experience after a tummy tuck is that they are sent home following surgery and don’t feel well enough to take needed medications on the first day. Dr. Rod avoids this issue by performing tummy tuck surgery in a hospital setting, where patients can receive around-the-clock nursing care.
All other aspects of your treatment occur at the Dermacare Plastic Surgery office. This provides you with a single point of contact with familiar and friendly staff. Our team is always available to help you and can accommodate an appointment on nearly any day of the week.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck
The key benefits of undergoing a tummy tuck include:
Tightens weakened abdominal muscles.
Removes excess, lax abdominal skin.
Improves abdominal contour.
Eliminates stretch marks on the abdomen.
While Dr. Rod individualizes each procedure to the patient’s needs, he generally will take the following steps as part of a tummy tuck:
He will place the incision along the bikini line so that it shouldn’t be visible even in underwear or a swimsuit.
Dr. Rod will pull the abdominal muscles back together to give you a stronger midsection and a firmer belly.
He will use sutures in a way that limits swelling and allows surgical drains to come out sooner. Sutures will dissolve naturally over time.
Dr. Rod will apply a long-lasting local anesthetic that significantly improves your comfort for 3-4 days after surgery.
You can expect to spend one night at the hospital and head home the next day.
FAQ
COMMON Tummy Tuck QUESTIONS
How Long Will a Tummy Tuck Scar Be?
The length of your surgical scar will depend on the amount of skin that Dr. Rod needs to remove to give you an hourglass figure. Reviewing before-and-after images on our website can provide you with good guidelines on what to expect. Dr. Rod can also advise you about the results you will likely get during your initial consultation. With the incision placed at the bikini line, patients can achieve an improved body contour in exchange for a well-hidden surgical line.
What can I expect during my hospital stay?
Dr. Rod conducts his tummy tuck surgeries at several different accredited hospitals in the Phoenix area. Each offers patients high-quality care for their brief overnight stay. The priority during your first day after surgery will be ensuring that you receive medications on a timely basis and that you have support when you need it. Dedicated nurses will be there to help you following your procedure so that you can rest as comfortably as possible.
When can I get back to normal activities?
Dr. Rod evaluates Phoenix patients on a case-by-case basis to determine their recovery timeline. Some people are back to work and other activities within one week, but two weeks is more common. He welcomes patients to come to him at any point during their recovery so that he can answer their questions or address any concerns they may have.
How long will the results of a tummy tuck last?
Tummy tuck results are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While natural aging will continue, your results are typically permanent.
What happens if I gain weight after a tummy tuck?
Weight gain can stretch the abdominal area again, potentially reversing some of the results of your tummy tuck. Maintaining a healthy weight is key to preserving your results.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
There is no strict weight limit, but ideal candidates should be within 10% of their goal weight and have a BMI within a healthy range. Significant weight loss should occur before surgery for the safest and most effective results. The patient's weight must be stable for 3 months prior to surgery so the body regains its healing potential.
What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles, while liposuction only removes fat. Often, the two procedures are combined for comprehensive results.
How many pant sizes will I go down after a tummy tuck?
Most patients reduce their pant sizes by one to three sizes after a tummy tuck, depending on their body type and the extent of the surgery. Results vary, and a consultation will help set realistic expectations.
What is the ideal age for a tummy tuck?
There is no perfect age, but most patients are in their 30s to 50s and have finished having children.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Pregnancy is still possible after a tummy tuck, but it may stretch the abdominal area and affect results. It is often best to wait until after you have finished having children to undergo the procedure.
Can I wear regular clothes after a tummy tuck?
Initially, you will wear a compression garment to support healing. Once you have healed, you can wear regular clothes, and many patients find their clothes fit better and more comfortably.
Do I need to change my diet before or after a tummy tuck?
A healthy, balanced diet before and after surgery supports healing and long-term results. Dr. Rod will give specific guidelines to help reduce inflammation and support recovery.
During your first appointment with Dermacare Plastic Surgery, you and Dr. Rod will talk about what you would like to achieve with treatment. Part of the reason Phoenix patients refer others to our practice and return to us over the years is because of the attentive, personal, and collaborative nature of their experience with Dr. Rod.
Should you both agree that tummy tuck is the right approach for your care, you will return to the practice for a preoperative appointment. This may include signing certain administrative forms, getting answers to any other questions you may have, scheduling your tummy tuck, and reviewing what you can expect during and after your surgery.
How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck
To prepare for a tummy tuck procedure, patients may be asked to undergo a medical evaluation or lab testing, take or adjust certain medications, avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications that may increase bleeding, and stop smoking. Dr. Rod will discuss any steps you should take to prepare during your tummy tuck consultation appointment.
What to Expect During Tummy Tuck Surgery
Dr. Rod will perform your tummy tuck at one of several Phoenix-area hospitals. You will receive general anesthesia, which will allow you to remain comfortable and relaxed during the surgery.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Dr. Rod likes to see his Phoenix patients back at Dermacare Plastic Surgery 3-5 days after their tummy tuck. This visit will allow him to ensure that you are healing properly. He will also remove one of the surgical drains, and within a day or two, the second one will come out. From there, Dr. Rod will see you two weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months after surgery.
While you should see some improvement in the contour of your belly shortly after a tummy tuck, expect to get the full benefits of your surgery by six months post-op. For most patients, this means a flatter abdomen, no excess skin, and the diminished appearance of stretch marks.
Having children is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can take a toll on your body. A mommy makeover focuses on rejuvenating your breasts and abdomen for a more youthful appearance and firmer body. Do something for yourself and call Dermacare Plastic Surgery in Phoenix, AZ, today to see how we can help you look and feel your best. We are also proud to serve Goodyear, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas.
COUNTLESS POSITIVE REVIEWS
I LOVE Dr. Rod and his staff! I’ve had many procedures there, like a Mommy Makeover and Tickle Lipo, to Dysport. They take care of me all of the time. If I could give 10 stars, I would!
This office is amazing. I've been here a handful of times and the staff is great, the office is clean and welcoming. The staff make the experience wonderful. They will answer all your questions.
Couldn’t be more happy with the results I found from this experience. Fantastic staff and people over all. Would recommend.
