In this section of our website I will discuss one of the most common and most rewarding cosmetic surgery procedures done in the world. I will try to answer the most common questions I hear from patients and offer my opinion of how to combine a tummy tuck with other procedures to get the most out of your surgery.

What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes loose skin and fat from the lower abdomen. I usually try to make the incision 5 cm above the clitoris so that it is concealed with most bathing suits. Sometimes I will make the incision along a naturally occurring skin fold for better cosmetic results.The incision goes down to the fascia but does not enter the abdominal cavity,making this a recovery safe procedure.The skin is then carefully lifted off the abdomen up to the rib cage. I then place sutures to tighten the rectus muscles to give a tighter hourglass look. Once I wash the area with antibiotic solution, I pull the skin down and remove the excess skin. Care is taken to make the incision long enough to remove all redundant skin so there are no folds or "dog ears" on the sides of the abdomen. I than reshape the bellybutton and close the skin in layers for maximum support and for minimizing the scar. The incision is covered with a sterile bandage and after about one hour, is sent home with family to begin the recovery process. Patients can start eating right away and are encouraged to walk and stay hydrated. I see patients the next day to check the incision and make sure they understand post op care instructions. Patients are given our cell phone numbers to call 24 hours a day. We encourage our patients from Phoenix, California, Mexico or other areas to stay in one of the many hotels in the area for at least one night.

What kind of anesthesia is used?
We offer a epidural for pain control or intravenous sedation with a local pain block that works very well. Patients can listen to music during the surgery and ask questions if they want or can be sedated and sleep through the procedure. The fact that patients are awake reduces deep vein thrombosis risk and aspiration risks. Patients are sent home with pain pills, nausea pills and antibiotics.

Is this procedure safe?
I consider the tummy tuck procedure to be very safe. I personally prescreen all patients for health issues such as tobacco use,heart and hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, asthma and bleeding disorders. We only operate on healthy patients and for this reason have never had problems with any surgeries performed in our center. During the surgery all patients are on a EKG monitor, oxygen/C02 and pulse monitor and all have leg compression devises to reduce clot risk. All patients are started on an antibiotic before surgery. A nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist is present on all procedures.

How much does the procedure cost?
A tummy tuck can cost from 3500.00 for a mini tummy tuck to over 10,000.00 on heavier patients with the most common price being 5500-6500 dollars. The price can very if other procedures are planned at the same time. Payment plans are offered on an individual bases.

What other procedures are usually combined with the tummy tuck?
I usually will perform some level of lipo sculpture before the tummy tuck. The flanks or "love handles" are the most common area because this gives a much better waste line and allows me to pull the skin down more for a flatter result. Love handle lipo also makes the buttocks look better by reducing the hip fat. We often can use this fat for other areas of the body. I will often perform back lipo as well to give a more feminine thinner back instead of the broad back associated with upper back fat. Breast augmentation can also be combined with a tummy tuck for the "mommy makeover" package.

Where can you put fat from a liposuction?
The Brazilian Butt Lift is the process of taking fat and putting it in your gluteus area to give a more aesthetically pleasing butt. Each patient is analyzed and I determine the best way to achieve what he/she wants. Fat that is transferred has a greater than 80-90% live rate. Patients are sore for a few days but can return to work in a week.This is one of my favorite procedures because the results are immediate. I can also place fat in the breast for a natural breast augmentation. This ideal for patients that want a modest increase in size or have areas that need to be filled in. Placing fat in the hands can rejuvenate the hands by covering veins and tendons that show as we age. One of the first areas people see when you shake hands is the back of your hands, this is a very rewarding procedure for those that are self conscious of aged hands. Fat transfer to the face is also popular because we place fat along the cheek bones for a more youthful look as well as in the lips. Fat transfer to the face raises the cheekbones and reduces lines, very popular.

Does the tummy tuck help other areas look better?
Definitely!! A proper tummy tuck should tighten all the front abdomen and reduce the loose skin on the upper thigh. As mentioned above, when combined with other procedures, the whole waist, buttocks and back can be completely resculpted.All patients will need a different wardrobe when healed because of the change in body contour.

Does a tummy tuck reduce stretch marks?
Yes. By removing the skin on the lower abdomen, the majority if not all of the stretch marks are removed. Most women have dense marks below the belly button, so this procedure is very effective. This can be ruined with another pregnancy because the skin has to stretch so we counsel all patients about childbearing desires before surgery.

If I just had my last baby, when can I have my tummy tuck?
For my patients I recommend waiting at least two to three months to let your body recover and to loose a lot of the fat put on with pregnancy. Also important is to let your mind recover after those first exhausting sleepless nights of the first three months so you can think clearly and see how beautiful you really are so you can approach your surgery with a positive attitude instead of cloud of post partum blues or depression.

I have been operating on women and men for over fourteen years and perform hundreds of procedures each year. I have an artists eye for aesthetic detail and an excellent safety record. We believe that an educated patient is a happy patient. Come in for a consult and I can give you my opinion of what I think would look best on you balanced with most importantly, what you want. Many patient out of town send video or text for a general quote. I go to Scottsdale once a month for post operative visits and consultations. I'll forward to talking with you, and thank you for your time.

Dr. Marco Saucedo,M.D.,F.A.C.O.G.