If you would like to achieve a more toned, flat stomach, then a tummy tuck may be the ideal procedure for you. Abdominoplasty removes loose skin and excess fat, and tightens abdominal muscles to produce what are often dramatic results that can help you look and feel your very best.
Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. John Corey has found that the best way to achieve exceptional tummy tuck results is to sculpt the entire waistline, not just the abdomen. By doing this, you may be able to drop several pants sizes and feel more confident showing off your body when wearing form-fitting clothing or a bikini on the beach.
This page will provide you with an overview of the tummy tuck procedure, but it cannot make recommendations about your specific case. In order to find out whether a tummy tuck is right for you, please contact our Scottsdale plastic surgery office online or by calling 480-767-7700 and schedule a consultation with our board-certified Arizona plastic surgeon. Dr. Corey welcomes patients from Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, and all surrounding areas.
- Mini Tummy Tuck
- Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
- Tummy Tuck Candidates
- Tummy Tuck Recovery
- Why Choose our Arizona Plastic Surgeon
Mini Tummy Tuck
Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. John Corey offers both full and mini tummy tuck options, enabling him to meet the exact needs of every patient we see. The technical difference between these two types of abdominoplasty is that no incision is made around the belly button and nothing is done to the upper abdomen with a mini-tummy tuck. This helps reduce scarring, trauma, and recovery time.
The mini tummy tuck is best for men and women who feel good about most of their abdomen and may only have a small flap of extra skin that hangs over down at the bottom of their belly. During your Scottsdale tummy tuck consultation, our plastic surgeon will discuss this option if it is suitable for your needs.
There are some patients for whom a full tummy tuck is unnecessary, but a mini tummy tuck will be inadequate. For those patients, Dr. Corey often recommends the “Maxi-Mini.” Similar to a full tummy tuck, the Maxi-Mini tightens abdominal muscles and repositions the belly button. However, like the mini tummy tuck, this technique only removes a small amount of skin. Alternately known as a “belly button float,” “belly button slide,” or “mini-tummy tuck with umbilical relocation,” the Maxi-Mini utilizes incisions that are between a full and a mini tuck, and borrows suitable procedural steps from each. Additionally, Dr. Corey can perform a reverse abdominoplasty, which tightens the skin just above the belly button all the way up to the breasts.
Fully customizable by our board-certified plastic surgeon, there are many techniques that Dr. Corey may use to optimize your results. The best way to learn which abdominoplasty options are right for you is by calling 480-767-7700 to schedule a consultation at our Scottsdale plastic surgery office today. In the meantime, you can get a better understanding of the results that can be achieved by various tummy tuck techniques by viewing our tummy tuck before and after gallery.
Abdominoplasty Before and After
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
While tummy tuck surgery impacts each person differently, there are certain benefits that tend to be common following all abdominoplasty procedures performed at our Scottsdale plastic surgery facility. These include:
- A Slimmer, more contoured stomach region
- Tighter stomach muscles
- Improved appearance of stretch marks caused by pregnancy
- Elimination of loose, hanging skin caused by pregnancy or weight loss
- Customizable procedure that reflects your unique aesthetic goals
- Places the finishing touches on weight loss efforts and provides motivation for staying healthy in the future
Of course, long-term tummy tuck benefits will depend on how you choose to live following your procedure. If you need assistance with planning a healthy diet and establishing an exercise routine, we can schedule you time with the dieticians and personal trainers who work with our surgical boot camp patients. This is also an excellent option for men and women who would like to undergo tummy tuck surgery, but are not yet good candidates.
Common Misconceptions About Tummy Tucks
Many people believe that a tummy tuck is only used to slim down and contour the abdominal area. However, that’s not the only benefit a tummy tuck can provide. Other common misconceptions about tummy tucks are:
- “Tummy tucks are only beneficial for weight loss patients.”
- “There is only one kind of tummy tuck procedure.”
- “You can't get pregnant after a tummy tuck.”
- “Tummy tuck scars are permanent and cannot be improved.”
Check out our FAQ section below as we debunk each of these tummy tuck myths in detail and explain how Dr. Corey’s tummy tuck procedure can benefit you!
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck most commonly allows patients who are struggling with stubborn fat to achieve a more toned, contoured abdominal section. However, what many people don’t realize is that a tummy tuck can provide many more benefits than simply slimming down your figure. These benefits may include:
- Helping to relieve abdominal pain
- Eliminate excess skin and fat
- Reduce itching, infection, sweating, or other conditions caused by excess skin and fat
- Improve bladder function
- Tone your body
- Strengthen weak or separated muscles in the stomach area
- Improve posture
What Are the Different Types of Tummy Tucks?
At your first consultation, Dr. Corey will consider your medical history, current weight, relevant health conditions, and other information that may be relevant to your abdominal muscles. With all these things in mind, he will develop a personalized tummy tuck plan to help address and resolve each issue. This plan can include one of the following types of tummy tucks:
Mini tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a procedure that focuses mostly on the muscles of the lower abdomen. This tummy tuck will flatten the lower half of the abdomen, getting rid of fat and excess skin in this area that many people struggle to get rid of.
Extended tummy tuck
With a larger area to treat, the extended tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision that extends from the lower abdomen to the hips or sides of the lower back. This procedure can help eliminate fat or strengthen abdominal muscles by addressing a larger area of the body than a regular tummy tuck.
Fleur de lis
The Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is a technique most commonly used on weight loss patients. This procedure involves removing excess skin and fat vertically and horizontally across the abdomen area, mimicking the shape of the Fleur-de-lis.
Circumferential tummy tuck
The circumferential tummy not only contours, slims, and refines the skin of the lower abdomen but also lifts the butt, hips, and thighs at the same time, allowing patients to achieve an overall fit and firm look to the lower half of their body.
Reverse tummy tuck
Because a traditional tummy tuck usually focuses on removing skin in the abdomen’s lower half, a reverse tummy tuck addresses loose skin and stubborn fat in the region above the belly button.
Tummy tuck and Liposuction
With this combined procedure, not only is excess fat and skin eliminated from the abdominal area, but muscle tightening, strengthening, and lifting are also achieved due to the benefits of the added liposuction procedure.
Tummy Tuck Candidates
Abdominoplasty is an ideal way to remove excess skin, fat, and stretch marks from your midsection. With this procedure, board-certified Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. John Corey can tighten abdominal muscles, trim overhanging and loose skin, and tone your belly, providing a firm and attractive physique.
Many people look to tummy tuck after weight loss surgery, but it is not necessary to have lost significant amounts of weight prior to abdominoplasty. Women who have had children or anyone who dislikes the presence of extra skin and fat around the stomach can benefit from abdominoplasty as well.
Good candidates for tummy tuck surgery should have loose, heavy folds of skin around their midsection. If you only have a little excess fat, liposuction or a mini tummy tuck may be a less invasive and equally effective treatment. Dr. Corey will help you determine which body sculpting procedure is best for your frame during your initial consultation at our Scottsdale plastic surgery office.
If you can benefit from a tummy tuck, Dr. Corey will take into consideration other factors such as:
- Your general health
- Your medical history
- Your future plans for pregnancy
- Your understanding of potential risks and complications
- Your expectations
All of these things must be taken into account to determine if you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty, and the best way to determine your eligibility for this procedure is through an initial consultation at our Scottsdale plastic surgery office.
Can I Have a Tummy Tuck If I Plan On Having Children?
Getting a tummy tuck now will not affect your ability to have children in the future. That said, there are two main things to consider if you are planning to become pregnant after your procedure.
The first is that pregnancy can diminish your cosmetic results. It might stretch your skin, create sagging, separate your abdominal muscles, and lead to some stubborn fatty deposits — concerns that likely motivated you to get a tummy tuck initially. Bear in mind that it may take a second procedure to restore your figure if you decide to have children after abdominoplasty surgery.
The second is that pregnancy is physically demanding. It is important to give your body enough time to recover from surgery before getting pregnant. Most surgeons advise women to postpone their plans to have kids for six months to a year after tummy tuck surgery if possible. Ideally, it is better to wait until your family is complete so that you can enjoy long-lasting results.
Are There Any Risks With Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Just like any surgery, a tummy tuck, although normally successful, does come with a few risks that patients should be aware of. These risks can include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Poor wound healing
- Infection
- Tissue damage
- Fat necrosis
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Changes in skin sensation
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Redness
While a tummy tuck is a very safe procedure, a complication-free recovery depends on both the expertise of your surgeon as well as your ability to commit to post-surgery aftercare as instructed by your surgeon. By following Dr. Corey’s recommended aftercare guidelines, most patients are able to avoid these risks and complications completely.
How Should I Prepare For Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Dr. Corey will work with you to make sure that you are ready for tummy tuck surgery. He will provide preoperative instructions for you to follow in the days and weeks leading up to your procedure. Until you receive those, here is a general idea of what you can expect.
In preparation for a tummy tuck, you may be asked to:
- Stop smoking
- Discontinue or adjust your current medications
- Get lab testing
- Avoid certain drugs and herbal supplements that increase bleeding
It is also smart to prepare for your recovery ahead of time. That may include arranging a ride to and from surgery, finding child care, asking for help around the house, and getting your prescriptions filled.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
When it comes to body contouring, tummy tuck surgery and liposuction are very popular. Both procedures can sculpt your waist, make your clothes fit better, and help you feel your best. You will have to consider your cosmetic concerns and goals when deciding which one is a good match. 
A tummy tuck can remove stubborn fat from your midsection, eliminate sagging skin, reduce stretch marks, and repair separated abdominal muscles. Meanwhile, liposuction can address unwanted fat virtually anywhere on your body — though it doesn’t offer skin- or muscle-tightening benefits. Talk to Dr. Corey to learn if one or both of these options is right for you.
Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Safe?
A tummy tuck can be a safe and effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Most tummy tuck patients experience only mild side effects such as swelling and bruising.
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with abdominoplasty. Dr. Corey will discuss these risks and ways that you can help reduce them during your initial consultation. Remember that choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure sets the stage for a safe and successful tummy tuck.
Will I Have Scarring After A Tummy Tuck?
You will have a scar after your tummy tuck — but there are many ways to make it look better. A full tummy tuck usually leaves a scar from hip bone to hip bone, while a mini tummy tuck creates a shorter one. Both are placed low enough to be easily concealed by underwear or a swimsuit.
You can minimize scarring by following our post-surgical directions. If you protect the incision and avoid putting force on it, it should fade to a fine line over time. You can also use scar gel after your incision is completely closed to promote smoother and more even-toned skin.
How is Recovery From A Tummy Tuck?
Your recovery following your abdominoplasty will be dependent on factors such as the type of tummy tuck that was performed, your body’s natural healing ability, and your willingness to follow all of our Scottsdale plastic surgeon’s postoperative advice. Dr. Corey will work closely with you during your recovery phase and be available to address your concerns, but you must follow his advice to help ensure the safest and quickest recovery possible.
Immediately following your surgery, Dr. Corey will apply surgical dressing and a drain to remove any residual surgical fluid. Unless liposuction was performed, you will not be required to wear an abdominal binder. In addition to the surgical drain, Dr. Corey will insert a pain-pump. Your pain-pump will help keep your abdomen free of discomfort during the first four to five days of your recovery.
Pain, bruising, and swelling are common following a tummy tuck – even a mini tummy tuck. Pain can initially be dealt with through the pain-pump. Dr. Corey may also prescribe medications to assist with discomfort after your pain-pump has been removed. Swelling may last for three to four weeks. Dr. Corey will provide you with instructions on how to minimize unnecessary swelling. Bruising will subside on its own, but this may take upwards of two months depending on your body’s healing ability.
Work can generally be resumed within ten to fourteen days – fewer if you’ve had a mini tummy tuck – but strenuous physical activity will need to be avoided for up to six weeks. While you should be able to engage in mild activities such as taking walks around day seven, you do not want to over exert yourself or place undue strain on your body. If you have children, you may wish to arrange for an adult to help you for the first seven to ten days, allowing yourself plenty of time to rest.
Your final results may take up to six months to be fully realized. During this time you can begin to enhance your results by engaging in healthy activities and eating a well-balanced diet. When made during recovery, lifestyle changes may be more likely to stick, enabling you to sustain your tummy tuck results indefinitely. Dr. Corey will discuss exercising after your plastic surgery procedure to help ensure you have the tools you need to maintain your results for a lifetime.
Why Choose Dr. Corey
A tummy tuck is one of the most effective ways to significantly improve the appearance of your entire midsection. With an ability to remove excess and loose skin, firm weakened abdominal muscles, and even eliminate the appearance of stretch marks, tummy tuck surgery is a fantastic option for women undergoing a mommy makeover or for people who have lost significant amounts of weight and want to reclaim their body.
As with any plastic surgery procedure, your choice of plastic surgeons will play a role in your safety, comfort, and final aesthetic results. Taking time to choose the right tummy tuck surgeon will help ensure you receive the best treatment possible.
Voted a Top Doctor by RealSelf.com, one of the top doctors in Mariposa County by fellow physicians, and twice voted a “Top Doc” by his peers in Phoenix Magazine, Dr. John J. Corey is a highly respected plastic surgeon serving Scottsdale and all of Arizona.
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Corey has nearly two decades of experience helping men and women in our area achieve their goals through abdominoplasty and other aesthetic surgeries.
Read what our patients are saying!
" Wonderful experience! The moment I met Dr Corey he was the perfect Surgeon for me. He has incredible bedside manner and makes you feel so comfortable from the start. The entire staff works as an amazing team tending to all your needs. I had the full mommy makover about a week ago aka breast lift, augmentation and tummy tuck. Just had my first post op appt and am amazed by my results. I'm one happy mom of three who feels absolutely amazing. Big Thank You, to Dr Corey and staff. "
Click here to read more reviews
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consult In Scottsdale, AZ!
While his patient testimonials speak for themselves, Dr. Corey would welcome an opportunity to meet with you personally, answer any of your questions, and help you determine if he is the best tummy tuck surgeon for you. Please use our online contact form or call 480-767-7700 to schedule your consultation at our Scottsdale plastic surgery office today. We serve men and women living in all areas of Arizona including Gilbert, Chandler, Sedona, Flagstaff, Glendale, and Yuma.
Get directions to our office from your exact location!