A board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring surgeries, Dr. Hiatt is committed to helping you get the tummy tuck results you want. The three most common types of abdominoplasty are:

Mini Tummy Tuck (“Partial Abdominoplasty”): This tummy tuck technique focuses strictly on improving the appearance and quality of the skin in the lower abdominal area. Partial abdominoplasty is effective for individuals who do not need a full abdominoplasty.  The incision used with the mini tummy tuck is similar to a standard Tummy Tuck which is typically hidden right above the pubic region and which can be concealed with underwear or a bikini.

Standard Tummy Tuck (“Complete Abdominoplasty”): A standard tummy tuck is intended to remove excess skin and fat from both the upper and lower part of the abdomen, tightening the abdominal muscles as necessary. This method can also remove a significant portion of stretch marks. Similar to the mini tummy tuck, the scar can be hidden above the pubic region.

Extended Tummy Tuck (“Extended Abdminoplasty”): This operation entails all of the steps of a standard with extensions around the flanks.  The scar is necessarily longer.

During your consultation with Dr. Hiatt, you can gather additional information regarding your tummy tuck options. He will help determine which abdominoplasty method will provide you with the best results. As you consider this cosmetic surgery procedure, please note: a tummy tuck is not meant to substitute for weight loss. In addition, it should not be performed on women who may be considering future pregnancies or are planning substantial weight loss.

If you would like additional information about tummy tucks or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Karl Hiatt please contact our plastic Surgery office in Mesa Arizona at (480) 844-1410.

Today, we have more options.  Maybe you don’t need a face-lift.  Some of the new procedures can take years off your face without any cutting or sewing.  New LASERS and other cosmetic breakthroughs can give your face a renewed and naturally refreshed look.  Facial treatments now include nose surgery, brow lifts, eyelid reconstruction, LASER hair removal, LASER skin resurfacing, neck lifts, lip plumping, fat transplantation, and cheek and chin implants.

Cosmetic procedures for body treatments have undergone similar advances, such as Tumescent Liposuction and Ultra-Sonically Assisted Liposuction, Tummy Tucks, Improved Breast Procedures, Varicose Veins, Laser Hair Removal and other cosmetic treatments.  LASERS can now treat spider veins, tatoos, age spots, and other skin markings by pulsing light through the skin to remove them – without harming the outside skin!  Spider veins can now be removed in a physician’s office and advances in liposuction, tummy tucks, breast procedures and others, can reshape and sculpt the body.  In the hands of a trained physician, modern cosmetic procedures and new technology advances can provide more predictable and safer results.

In fact, recent breakthroughs have completely changed the entire scope of cosmetic procedures for the face and body.  Gone are the days of cosmetic mannequins.  For those considering a cosmetic treatment you’ll appreciate the education this blog will provide.

Before you start the process, ask yourself, “Does your desire to improve your appearance out weigh the time, money, and possible risks involved?”  If you can make it a positive change in your life and enter the decision informed, and most importantly, have found the right physician – go for it!!