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Tummy Tuck

in Peoria, AZ

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Restoring Core Function and Anatomical Contour

The human body is resilient, but it has mechanical limits. For many residents in Peoria, Arizona, the midsection tells the story of life’s major physical events—whether that story involves pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural aging process. No amount of diet or exercise can correct a stretched connective tissue or remove inelastic skin that has lost its ability to snap back.

At Southwest Breast & Aesthetics, we view the tummy tuck (clinically known as abdominoplasty) as a functional restoration of the abdominal wall. It is not merely about vanity or fitting into a smaller bathing suit; it is about repairing the structural integrity of your core.

Our practice is led by surgeons with a background in complex reconstructive surgery. We bring the precision of microsurgery—where every blood vessel counts—to aesthetic body contouring. This expertise is available directly at our Peoria office, serving patients from Vistancia to the P83 district who are seeking a dramatic improvement in their profile without the commute to Phoenix or Scottsdale.

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Tummy Tuck at a Glance

  • Procedure: Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
  • Anesthesia: General
  • Surgery Time: 2–5 Hours
  • Setting: Outpatient
  • Recovery: 2–3 Weeks off work; 6+ Weeks for gym
  • Scars: Hip-to-hip (concealed by underwear)

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is the gold standard for achieving a flatter and well-toned abdomen. It is a comprehensive surgical intervention designed to address three distinct layers of the midsection:

  1. Skin: We remove the apron of excess skin and stretch marks that hang below the belly button.
  2. Fat: We reduce stubborn pockets of fatty tissue that resist calorie deficits.
  3. Muscle: We repair loose abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that have separated due to internal pressure.

While liposuction alone can remove fat, it cannot tighten loose skin or fix a protruding abdomen caused by muscle separation. Only a tummy tuck can mechanically reconstruct the abdominal wall to create a trim, firm silhouette.

The Biological "Why": Diastasis Recti

Many patients come to us frustrated. They have hit their target weight, yet they still look pregnant or carry a permanent "pooch." This is often due to diastasis recti—a condition where the vertical abdominal muscles separate down the midline.

Think of the connective tissue (linea alba) like a rubber band. Once it is stretched beyond a certain point during pregnancy or obesity, it loses its elasticity permanently. No amount of crunches will fuse these muscles back together. During a tummy tuck, we surgically plicate (suture) these muscles tight, acting like an internal corset to restore your core strength and flatten your stomach.

Tummy Tuck Candidates: Who Is It For?

We determine candidacy during a private consultation. The ideal candidate is healthy, non-smoking, and near a stable weight.

  • Post-Partum Women: If you are done having children, this procedure can reverse the physical toll of childbearing. Future pregnancies can re-stretch the repair, so we advise waiting until your family is complete.
  • Weight Loss Patients: Whether you achieved weight loss through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery, you may be left with extra skin that causes chafing or hygiene issues.
  • The "Skin-Only" Patient: If you have good muscle tone but lax skin, a mini-tuck might be sufficient.
  • The "Muscle-Only" Patient: If you have a round belly but tight skin, you may need muscle repair with less skin removal.

We will review your medical history in detail to ensure you are safe to undergo general anesthesia and surgery.

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The Procedure: Precision Contouring

Tummy tuck procedures in Peoria are typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort. The surgery is typically performed in an accredited outpatient surgical center and lasts between 2 to 5 hours.

1. The Incision

We place a horizontal incision low on the pubic mound, extending from hip to hip. While the scar is permanent, we position it strategically so it can be concealed by standard underwear or swimwear bottoms.

2. The Muscle Repair

We lift the skin to access the underlying muscles. Using permanent sutures, we pull the separated muscles back together to tighten the abdominal wall and narrow the waistline.

3. Fat and Skin Removal

We excise the redundant skin and fat from the lower abdomen. A full tummy tuck will remove most of the stretch marks between the pubic area and the belly button, leaving the remaining skin smooth and taut.

4. Umbilical Transposition

Because the skin is pulled down, we create a new opening for your belly button, ensuring it sits in a natural, youthful position on your new abdomen.

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Recovery in Peoria

Recovery is a process, not an event. You are healing a major muscle repair, which means you must listen to your body.

  • The First Week: You will likely need drains to prevent fluid buildup. These temporary tubes ensure the skin adheres flatly to the muscle. You will walk slightly bent over to protect the incision.
  • Downtime: Most patients take 2 to 3 weeks off work. You should have help at home for the first few days.
  • Activity: Light walking is encouraged immediately to promote circulation. However, heavy lifting and core exercise are restricted for at least 6 weeks.
  • Long Term: Full recovery from a tummy tuck usually takes up to a year, with final results appearing as residual swelling subsides. However, you will see a significant change in your shape within the first few weeks.
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Risks and Safety Considerations

Every surgery carries risk. Risks of tummy tucks include infection, bleeding, swelling, numbness, contour irregularities, and permanent scarring.

Our microsurgical background helps mitigate these risks. We handle tissues with extreme care to preserve blood supply, which is critical for preventing wound healing issues. We discuss these risks transparently during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Complementary Procedures

Many women in Peoria, Arizona, choose to combine their tummy tuck with other surgeries for a more comprehensive transformation.

  • Liposuction: We often use liposuction on the flanks ("love handles") to contour the waist further.
  • Breast Surgery: Combining a tummy tuck with a breast lift or augmentation (the "Mommy Makeover") allows you to address the breasts and midsection in a single recovery period.
  • Skin Rejuvenation: While surgery addresses contour, non-surgical treatments can enhance the texture and tone of your skin.
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Cost of Tummy Tuck in Peoria

We believe in financial transparency. Patients should expect costs for a tummy tuck in Peoria to range from $12,000 to $18,000.

This range reflects the complexity of the case (e.g., standard vs. extended tummy tuck).

Tummy tuck costs typically do not include additional expenses such as anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care.

Because abdominoplasty is considered cosmetic surgery, patients should expect to pay for a tummy tuck out of pocket, as it is usually not covered by insurance. We accept financing options like CareCredit to help make this investment in your health and confidence more manageable.

Why Choose Southwest Breast & Aesthetics?

You have many choices for a plastic surgeon in the Valley. However, choosing a practice with a foundation in reconstructive surgery offers a distinct advantage. We respect the anatomy. We understand the limits of the tissues. We prioritize safety and function as much as aesthetics.

Our Peoria office is designed to serve the West Valley community—from Peoria to Surprise and Glendale. We provide a private, professional environment where you can get an honest answer to your questions and a clear plan to restore your body.

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Schedule Your Consultation

If you are tired of hiding your stomach or struggling with clothes that simply don't fit your lifestyle, we invite you to schedule a consultation.

Come sit with our team. Let us evaluate your anatomy, listen to your goals, and determine if a tummy tuck is the right solution for you.

We are here to help you achieve long lasting results and a renewed sense of confidence.

Tummy Tuck

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but mostly on the lower abdomen. A full tummy tuck will remove most of the stretch marks located between the pubic area and the belly button, as this is the skin being excised. Stretch marks on the upper abdomen will remain, though they will be pulled lower and often become less visible as the skin is tightened.

Yes. In almost all cases, the old C-section scar is removed along with the excess skin during the procedure. The new tummy tuck incision is typically placed low on the pubic mound—often lower than your original scar—allowing it to be easily hidden by standard underwear or bikini bottoms.

We prioritize safety over trends. While "drainless" sounds appealing, drains are the most effective way to prevent fluid buildup (seromas) between the skin and muscle. We typically use them for about one week to ensure the skin adheres flatly to the abdominal wall and heals without complications.

You should be within 10–15 pounds of your goal weight. A tummy tuck is a contouring surgery, not a weight loss method. If you are currently losing weight (naturally or using semaglutide), we recommend maintaining a stable weight for at least six months before surgery to ensure your results are permanent and the skin does not become lax again.

Generally, no. While repairing diastasis recti (muscle separation) often improves back pain and restores core function, insurance companies almost universally classify abdominoplasty as a cosmetic procedure. Patients should expect to pay out of pocket, though we offer financing options to help manage the investment.

A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen, tightening muscles and removing skin above and below the belly button. A mini tummy tuck is less invasive, addressing only the loose skin below the navel, and typically does not involve muscle repair. Most post-partum patients require a full tuck to achieve a flat profile.