Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Scottsdale, AZ

For both men and women, sagging skin and excess fat on the stomach can feel frustrating and challenging despite efforts to get rid of it. Significant weight loss, childbirth, and aging are the primary reasons for skin laxity on the tummy. An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a body contouring procedure that reshapes the stomach area, producing stunning outcomes for patients. At Forma Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, our plastic surgeons can tailor your tummy tuck surgery based on the condition of your abdomen. This cosmetic treatment allows patients the chance to have a more defined physique and confidence. Please contact us to schedule your consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.

A good candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who has loose skin and excess fat on their lower abdomen, as well as those who have lost a significant amount of weight or gone through childbirth. They should also be at a stable weight and not consider this procedure as a substitute for weight loss. Women should be done with childbearing to ensure long-lasting results. During a consultation at Forma Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons will assess your abdomen and determine if you are a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck. We will also discuss your goals and expectations to ensure we can provide the best possible results.

Abdominoplasty can help both women and men. If you struggle with loose skin and excess fat on the lower abdomen, a tummy tuck can help create a slimmer and more toned appearance. We highly recommend that you be at a stable weight before undergoing this treatment. Tummy tuck surgery is not a substitute for weight loss — it primarily addresses loose skin. Often, a form of liposuction is used during surgery to reduce fat. If your abdomen has healthy skin tautness, but you feel unsatisfied with your appearance even on a healthy diet, you may be a better candidate for liposuction. Women interested in abdominoplasty should be past childbearing to ensure their surgical results last for a long time.

Before your surgery, we will consider several factors to ensure the treatment meets your specific needs. For starters, the incision type is selected based on the amount of excess skin. Patients with severe sagging and loose tissue might benefit best from an extended tummy tuck. This method places the incision along the lower abdomen from hip to hip, just above the pubic region. Other patients who have minimal skin wrinkling may find that a mini tummy tuck works best. These individuals still benefit from skin tightening but will have a smaller scar. Regardless of the technique used, all abdominoplasty procedures at Forma Plastic Surgery involve the excision of hanging skin and liposuction.

After your procedure, we will monitor you and provide a compression garment to decrease swelling. At first, standing upright and walking will be challenging so you should rest for several days. Standing becomes more comfortable once the abdominal muscles adjust, and the incision begins to heal. Most patients can resume everyday functions in about two weeks.

What will my scars look like?
Incisions for your abdominoplasty will depend on which type of procedure you are getting. For all tummy tucks, your surgeon makes the most minor, thinnest incisions possible to limit scars. They also make incisions in less visible areas (in the pubic region or belly button) so they can be easily hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. After your surgery, following your scar management instructions is essential so your incisions heal flat and blend into your natural skin.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Although you may still get pregnant following an abdominoplasty, it will likely alter your surgical results. Your surgeon will strongly encourage you to be done with planned pregnancies and childbirth before considering a tummy tuck. If you become pregnant after your tummy tuck, a second surgery may be done to refresh your outcomes.

Can I get an abdominoplasty with another surgery?
Many patients combine a second cosmetic surgery with an abdominoplasty to get more dramatic improvements. At your initial consultation in Scottsdale, AZ, with one of our surgeons, you can talk to them about your concerns to create a unique treatment plan that matches your aesthetic goals. You might combine abdominoplasty with a thigh lift for a lower body lift or other areas for comprehensive body contouring. If you want to rejuvenate your body after having children or losing a significant amount of weight, you may be a good candidate for a mommy makeover or after weight loss surgery.

From aging to childbirth, a variety of factors can cause sagging skin on the abdomen. We know it can feel annoying and frustrating, and abdominoplasty is usually the best way to overcome this body concern. If you experience embarrassment because of stretched-out skin on the stomach, our group of caring surgeons can help you achieve your body goals with a tummy tuck. We invite you to call Forma Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ to learn more.

Many people suffer from diastasis recti (belly protruding due to the space between the left and right stomach muscles has stretched and widened). Diastasis recti occurs after weight gain whether it be from natural weight gain, or pregnancy. An abdominoplasty addresses not only excess skin, but the repair of the abdominal muscles. Once the initial incision is made, an incision is also created around your belly button. The surgeon then lifts up the skin and fat tissue away from the muscle and then plicates the abdominal muscles back together. This creates an internal “gridle” and flattens out the tummy. After the muscles are repaired, the surgeon then pulls all the excess skin and fat tissue down to be removed along the bottom incision. A new hold for the belly button is created.