— abdominoplasty · drainless technique available
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with Dr. Scottsdale® — excess abdominal skin removed, separated abdominal muscles repaired, and the entire abdominal wall tightened. Drainless progressive-tension closure available for the right candidates.
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, repairs the separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that commonly happens after pregnancy or significant weight change, and tightens the entire abdominal wall. The result is a flatter, tighter midsection that cannot be achieved with diet, exercise, or liposuction alone — because no amount of exercise can remove redundant skin or repair stretched-apart muscle.
Traditional tummy tucks use surgical drains for the first 1–2 weeks to clear the fluid that collects in the dead space between the skin and the abdominal wall. Dr. Scottsdale® offers a drainless tummy tuck using progressive-tension sutures — internal stitches that close the dead space directly, eliminating the need for external drains. The drainless approach is significantly more comfortable in early recovery and removes the daily drain-care burden, but isn't right for every body type. Candidacy is confirmed at the consult.
During pregnancy or significant weight gain, the linea alba — the fibrous tissue between the left and right rectus abdominis muscles — stretches apart. This is diastasis recti, and it's why the abdomen can look bulged even after returning to a healthy weight. Sit-ups won't fix it; the tissue itself has separated. Dr. Scottsdale® repairs the diastasis with permanent sutures during the tummy tuck, tightening the abdominal wall from the inside.
Many tummy tuck patients also add 360-degree liposuction of the flanks and back to complete the midsection contour — sometimes called a "lipo abdominoplasty." For mommy-makeover patients, the tummy tuck is also commonly combined with a breast lift, breast augmentation, or both. The right combination is determined at the consultation.
Most patients take 2 weeks off work. Walking with a slight forward lean is normal the first week and resolves by week 2–3. The compression garment is worn for 6 weeks. Lifting restrictions (no carrying more than ~10 lbs) stay in place for 6 weeks while the muscle repair heals. Most patients return to gym workouts at 6–8 weeks. Final contour is visible at 3–6 months as swelling fully resolves.
Drainless vs traditional, lipo add-ons, diastasis repair — all covered at the consult. Virtual ($300), in-person ($500), or free PCC orientation.