Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Scottsdale, AZ

Getting a tummy tuck now will not affect your ability to have children in the future. That said, Dr. Corey feels it is almost always best to delay the tummy tuck until after you are done with pregnancy and childbearing.

Pregnancy can diminish your cosmetic results. It might stretch your skin, create sagging, separate your abdominal muscles, and lead to 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. It is better to wait until your family is complete so that you can enjoy long-lasting results.

Like any surgery, a tummy tuck, although normally successful, comes with a few risks that patients should be aware of. These risks can include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Poor wound healing
• Infection
• Tissue or deep structure 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 your surgeon's expertise and your ability to commit to post-surgery aftercare as instructed by your surgeon. By following Dr. Corey's recommended aftercare guidelines, most patients can completely avoid these risks and complications. 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. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure sets the stage for a safe and successful tummy tuck.

Dr. Corey will work with you to ensure 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 plan for your recovery ahead of time. That will include arranging a ride to and from surgery, finding child care if needed, asking for a lot of help just getting around the house, and filling prescriptions.

Yes, but Dr. Corey will have you follow a scar treatment protocol follow surgery that can last up to 6 months.

Your recovery following your abdominoplasty will depend on factors such as the type of tummy tuck 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. Still, 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 residual surgical fluid. You most likel will be required to wear some type of abdominal binder or compressive garment. Dr. Corey will inject a long-acting local anesthetic at the time of surgery directly into your tummy area and while you are not totally numb, it does help reduce pain for the first 5 days or so.

Pain, bruising, and swelling are common following a tummy tuck – even a mini tummy tuck. Dr. Corey will prescribe medications to assist with discomfort. Initial swelling may last for three to four weeks, but true tissue edema does not resolve for close to six months. Dr. Corey will provide you with instructions on how to minimize unnecessary swelling and he is a big believer in the benefits of lymphatic massage.

Patients can generally resume work within ten to fourteen days – fewer after a mini tummy tuck or skin only – but they should avoid strenuous physical activity 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 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 to help ensure you have the tools to maintain your results for a lifetime.

The amount of excess skin removed during a tummy tuck varies based on individual needs, body composition, and the extent of skin laxity. On average, though, Dr. Corey can remove several inches of loose skin from the lower abdomen.

The goal is to create a smoother abdominal contour while maintaining a natural appearance. However, there are limits to how much skin can be safely removed without causing complications such as excessive tension on the incision or healing issues.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Corey will evaluate your skin elasticity and determine the best approach for your body type.

It's recommended to wait until your weight has been stable for at least six months before considering a tummy tuck. Significant fluctuations in weight after surgery can affect results, so reaching a goal weight close to your ideal and maintaining it is crucial.

Gaining weight after abdominoplasty can affect the results of the procedure. The excess skin removed during surgery will not return. However, significant weight gain can stretch the remaining skin and create new areas of looseness.

Fat can also accumulate in different parts of the abdomen, potentially leading to an uneven or distorted appearance. If abdominal muscles were tightened during the tummy tuck, weight gain can stress them, possibly weakening their structure over time.

Minor weight fluctuations are normal and unlikely to have a major impact, but substantial weight gain may require revision surgery to restore the desired contour.

After a tummy tuck, Dr. Corey recommends a medical-grade compression garment or abdominal binder. This will provide support, minimize swelling, and help the skin adhere to the new contours. Most patients wear this garment for several weeks post-surgery.

Loose, soft clothing such as oversized button-up shirts, drawstring pants, or flowy dresses are ideal since they don't put pressure on the abdomen. Choose slip-on shoes to avoid unnecessary bending or strain. High-waisted underwear or specialized post-surgical undergarments can also offer additional support.

Avoid tight waistbands, zippers, or restrictive fabrics that could irritate the incision area.

A tummy tuck and a panniculectomy both remove excess abdominal skin. However, they differ in purpose and outcomes.

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery that tightens abdominal muscles, sculpts the waistline, and removes excess skin. This results in a firmer, more contoured midsection.

In contrast, a panniculectomy is a functional procedure performed primarily to remove an overhanging apron of skin (pannus) that can cause irritation, infections, or mobility issues. It does not include muscle tightening or body contouring. Panniculectomies are often performed on individuals who have lost considerable weight and have excess skin that causes discomfort.

A tummy tuck is generally elective and not covered by insurance. A panniculectomy may be medically necessary and covered under certain conditions. Dr. Corey does not perfom panniculectomy.