Posted: October 24, 2017
No one likes a flabby belly! Even in clothing you may not like the way your abdomen protrudes. A tummy tuck creates a flatter, tighter abdominal area by surgically removing the extra fat and skin and when needed, even tightening up muscles that have become stretched. To learn more, please call the Scottsdale, AZ practice of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John J. Corey at 480-767-7700. We look forward to meeting you to discuss your goals!
What to Expect Before the Procedure
So you are interested in a tummy tuck and wondering what to do next – the very first step is your consultation with Dr. Corey! There will be several objectives when you visit, including:
- Discussion of your goals and what your priorities are (swimsuits, workout clothes, dresses or jeans etc)
- Whether your goal can be attained through diet and exercise and where you are in overall health, lifestyle and fitness
- Whether your goal can be achieved surgically and if you are a good candidate
Dr. Corey wants to make sure you find the absolute best course to achieving your goals. If a tummy tuck is the right option, he will explain why and also what other surgical options might be available to you. But if he thinks there may be a better path to getting the look you want, he will be very honest and tell you so. For some, a fitness and nutrition plan might be all they need, while others may require surgery to change the things that the gym and dieting can't. As a board-certified plastic surgeon who is passionate about what he does, Dr. Corey wants each and every patient to feel their rejuvenated best and when needed, to help patients achieve what they could not do on their own.
Your Tummy Tuck Appointment Day
It's perfectly normal to feel nervous about your first visit, and Dr. Corey and our staff will ensure that you're comfortable throughtout the enitre process and that all of your questions are answered. There are variations on the conventional tummy tuck procedure, and Dr. Corey will discuss with you the different techniques, how they vary and which one would be the ideal one for you based on your goals and physical presentation.
Generally, the following things will be accomplished in a tummy tuck:
- Incisions are kept low so as to easily hide under jeans, workout clothes or a bikini bottom
- Excess skin and fat are removed to give tightness and contour to the tummy.
- If abdominal muscles have stretched apart, sutures are used to stitch them together.
- The incisions are carefully closed to give the best scar possible.
Don't worry – Before your surgery we will discuss your procedure in detail. Tummy tuck is a big operation and we want to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible before making your decision!
The Recovery and Follow-Up Phases
Our team will make sure you are prepared to return home following your surgery. Your incision will be covered by surgical tape and a drain will have been placed to remove any excess fluid. Pain and swelling are quite normal after this procedure. During surgery Dr. Corey now injects a long acting local anesthesia (Exparel) directly into the muscles and this has helped to dramatically reduce the discomfort, for up to 4-5 days. Dr. Corey also prescribes medications to assist with pain control and muscle relaxation as well.
You will need to take some time off from work after tummy tuck surgery, about 10 to 14 days. During this time you will need to abstain from strenuous activity beyond walking. You should be able to return to work after a couple weeks, but continue to abstain from strenuous activity for 6 weeks.
You should see your final results within 6 months after your surgery and if you eat well, exercise and lead a healthy lifestyle, it makes both you and your result last even longer!!!!
Arrange Your Consultation
Ready to find out if a tummy tuck is right for you? If you live in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa or any of the surrounding areas in Arizona, please call the practice of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John J. Corey at 480-767-7700. We look forward to meeting you!