Tummy Tuck
Drainless tummy tuck surgery in Scottsdale with Dr. Victoria Aimé begins with evaluating your excess skin, abdominal muscle separation, fat distribution, belly button position, existing scars, and goals to determine which type of tummy tuck and additional contouring may best suit you.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can address excess abdominal skin, separation of the abdominal muscles, and changes in abdominal shape after pregnancy, weight changes, or aging. Not every patient needs the same operation. Dr. Aimé evaluates your skin, fat distribution, muscle separation, belly button, previous scars, and goals to develop your surgical plan.
The amount and location of loose skin help determine whether a mini, full, extended, or fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is appropriate. These options remove different amounts of skin and leave different scar patterns. Dr. Aimé will discuss where your scars are expected to fall, how your belly button may be affected, and what each approach can realistically accomplish.
When the abdominal muscles have separated, the strong support layer covering them can be tightened to bring them closer together (often called a "muscle repair"). Liposuction may also be used to remove fat beneath the skin and contour areas such as the waist, flanks, or back. These techniques address different concerns. Liposuction does not remove loose skin or repair muscle separation, and neither procedure removes the deeper fat surrounding the internal organs.
Dr. Aimé generally uses a drainless tummy tuck technique, placing internal quilting stitches to hold the abdominal skin and fat against the underlying abdominal wall as they heal. These stitches help reduce the space where fluid can collect and distribute tension across the closure, usually allowing the procedure to be performed without drains. Drains may still be appropriate in selected circumstances, depending on the surgical plan and findings during surgery.
Your preferences and anatomy guide these decisions together, including skin removal, muscle repair, liposuction, scar placement, and belly-button appearance. Other breast or body procedures may be performed at the same time or scheduled separately, depending on your health, the extent of surgery that can be performed safely, and recovery needs.
Surgical planning considers these components together, including how much skin can be removed, whether muscle repair is needed, which areas may benefit from liposuction, where the scar is expected to fall, and whether other procedures should be performed at the same time or staged separately. This allows the operation to be built around your anatomy and priorities rather than using the same tummy tuck for every patient.
What you need to know
Every procedure and treatment we offer is thoughtfully designed to meet your unique goals, lifestyle, and anatomy. Below, you’ll find key details about what to expect—from how the procedure works to recovery guidance and ideal candidacy—so you can feel informed, confident, and empowered at every step of your journey.
An overview of the procedure
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Every patient heals at a different pace, but recovery generally follows a predictable progression. The timeline below provides a guide to what you may expect during the early healing period and as you gradually return to normal activities.
Day of Surgery
You will generally return home with a responsible adult, although overnight care may be recommended depending on your procedure and health. Your abdominal binder and wound dressings will already be in place and generally do not need to be changed until the first day after your procedure. Long-acting numbing medication used during surgery will help with early discomfort. Medications are prescribed to help control pain and nausea as needed, along with a short course of antibiotics, typically for the first 24 hours after surgery.
Begin short, frequent walks as soon as you can safely manage them, with assistance initially. Rest between walks, nap, eat as tolerated, and maintain hydration.
Abdominal tightness, swelling, and soreness are expected. You may feel more comfortable resting with your upper body and knees supported on pillows and walking with a slight bend at the hips. Do not force yourself fully upright if this creates pulling across the incision.
Patients undergoing a full, extended, or fleur-de-lis tummy tuck go home with compression socks and personal leg compression devices, called SCDs. You will use these anytime you are resting for at least the first two weeks. You may also be prescribed blood-clot prevention medication for one to two weeks depending on your personal health history and risk factors for blood clots.
You will also use an incentive spirometer, a handheld breathing device that helps you take slow, deep breaths and fully expand your lungs after anesthesia. Your team will show you how to use it at your preoperative appointment and explain how often to practice during recovery.
Dr. Aimé will check in with you that evening to make sure you are recovering appropriately and address any questions or concerns. You will also have her direct contact information should you need to reach her during your recovery.
Days 1-3
Your first postoperative visit is generally the day after surgery. A responsible adult will need to drive you to this appointment. Your first dressing change will be performed, and Dr. Aimé will assess your incisions, swelling, comfort, and mobility. Dressing supplies are generally provided, along with instructions for care at home.
Swelling and bruising may become more noticeable during these first few days. Discomfort can temporarily increase as the long-acting numbing medication wears off. Getting into and out of bed and changing positions may require assistance, particularly after muscle repair.
Continue short, frequent walks and gradually become more upright as comfort allows. Avoid lifting, straining, and household tasks that pull on your abdomen. Use your incentive spirometer as instructed to practice slow, deep breaths and help fully expand your lungs.
Wear your binder day and night, removing it for bathing or laundering. Check beneath it regularly and smooth out folds or rolled edges. It should support your abdomen without digging into the skin or restricting your breathing.
You may shower beginning the day after surgery and should shower by day three for cleanliness. Allow soap and water to gently run over the incisions without scrubbing. Change your dressings daily when you bathe and additionally as needed.
Continue using your leg compression devices (SCDs) and any prescribed blood-clot prevention medication according to your instructions.
Weeks 1-2
Swelling, bruising, and soreness generally begin to improve, although abdominal tightness and fatigue usually continue. Pain typically decreases, and less medication is needed for comfort. Numbness across the lower abdomen is common. Your waistline and belly button will not yet have their final appearance, and the belly button and pubic area may still look quite swollen.
Follow-up visits are generally scheduled around one and two weeks to monitor healing, remove surgical tape (steri strips) and remove any external suture knots as needed.
Continue wearing your binder day and night through the first two weeks, except for bathing or laundering. Use your leg compression devices (SCDs), incentive spirometer, and any prescribed blood-clot prevention medication according to your individual instructions.
Continue the 10-pound lifting restriction and avoid repetitive pushing, pulling, or strenuous upper-body movements that strain your abdomen. This includes routine tasks such as vacuuming, cleaning windows, pulling wet laundry from the washer, or repeatedly loading and unloading a dishwasher. These restrictions help protect the healing incisions and any muscle repair. Young children can sit on your lap if comfortable, but you should avoid lifting or carrying them.
Some patients with desk-based jobs return to work within one to two weeks. Others need longer, particularly after more extensive surgery or when work involves prolonged standing or physical activity.
Weeks 2-4
At approximately two weeks, you will transition from your binder to a compression garment, which you will wear for an additional two weeks. The garment should fit smoothly and provide support without painful pressure. Tighter compression does not necessarily improve your result.
You can typically begin increasing your walking around two weeks if healing is progressing appropriately, such as taking a short walk around your neighborhood. This builds on the short, frequent walks started immediately after surgery. Increase activity gradually and reduce it if you notice pain, pulling, or increased swelling. Heavy lifting and abdominal exercises remain restricted until specifically cleared.
Sexual activity may resume as early as three to four weeks if you feel comfortable and healing is progressing appropriately. Keep activity gentle, limit physical exertion, and avoid pressure or vigorous contact with the abdomen.
Lymphatic massage is optional. If you choose to have it, wait until your pain is manageable and you can comfortably tolerate gentle massage. Select a reputable provider experienced with patients recovering from plastic surgery.
Scar care generally begins around four to six weeks, once the incisions have closed sufficiently and Dr. Aimé has cleared you. This may include silicone tape or gel, scar massage and sunlight protection. Continue to avoid submerging the incisions in a bath, pool, or hot tub until cleared, usually around six weeks.
Small dimples from the internal quilting stitches may remain visible, particularly while swelling is present. These typically smooth out as the tissues settle and the stitches dissolve.
Weeks 4-6
More moderate exercise can generally resume around four weeks, provided your recovery is progressing normally and your incisions are healing well. Increase duration and intensity gradually rather than immediately returning to your previous routine.
Heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and abdominal exercises generally remain restricted until after six weeks and require clearance from Dr. Aimé, particularly after muscle repair. Pain, pulling across an incision, or a noticeable increase in swelling is a reason to reduce activity.
Your abdomen may feel softer and movement may become easier, although swelling, firmness, and numbness can remain. Swelling may be more noticeable on some days than others. Brief tingling or shooting sensations can occur as nerves recover. Your energy will generally begin to return, and you may feel less tired.
During this period, compression becomes optional. You may continue wearing it if it provides comfort and support.
Scar care generally begins during this period if it has not already started, once the incisions have healed sufficiently and Dr. Aimé has cleared you. This may include silicone tape or gel and scar massage. Protect healing scars from sun exposure, including when wearing swimwear.
After Week 6
Many patients can gradually return to regular exercise around six weeks if their incisions are healed and recovery is progressing appropriately. Clearance depends on the activity and your operation. Heavy lifting and focused abdominal exercises may require additional time.
Your result will continue to develop over the following months as swelling decreases, tissues soften, and the belly button settles. Sensation may continue to change. The belly button can feel particularly sensitive, even to light touch. Once the area is fully healed, Dr. Aimé recommends gentle massage to help it become less sensitive. Begin gently and increase pressure only as tolerated.
Scars gradually flatten, soften, and fade. Continue your recommended scar care and sun protection, as scar maturation can take a year or longer.
Follow-up appointments around three months, six months, and one year allow Dr. Aimé to assess your contour, scars, and ongoing recovery. If a curved skin tab was preserved to avoid a separate vertical scar from the original belly-button opening, revision is generally planned around one year after surgery, once the tissues have healed and relaxed.
"Dr. Aime is not only a highly skilled professional but also an incredibly compassionate doctor. Who genuinely listens to her patients. Her attentiveness and meticulous attention to detail sets her apart. Consistently achieving the best possible outcomes for her patients."
“I recently underwent a submentoplasty procedure performed by the incredibly talented plastic surgeon, Dr Aimé. My decision to have submentoplasty was not taken lightly and Dr Aimé made sure to thoroughly explain the entire procedure to me during our consultation.”
The total cost of surgery varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, operating time, anesthesia requirements, and the surgical facility used.
Our consultation fee is $150 and includes a comprehensive evaluation, surgical planning discussion, and personalized recommendations.
Surgical quotes are valid for 90 days from the date they are provided. To secure pricing, the procedure must be booked within this time frame; the surgical date itself may be scheduled beyond 90 days, based on availability and patient preference.
A $500 surgical reservation fee is due at the time of booking and is applied toward your total surgical cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask about this procedure. Whether you’re just starting your research or preparing for surgery, this section is here to help you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
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Learn about related procedures
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty in Scottsdale with Dr. Victoria Aimé begins with evaluating your anatomy, areas of excess or asymmetric tissue, physical symptoms, and goals to determine which areas should be addressed and how much tissue should be removed.
Thigh Lift
Thigh lift surgery in Scottsdale with Dr. Victoria Aimé begins with evaluating where excess skin and fat are located along your thighs to plan liposuction, skin removal, and the length and location of the resulting scars.
Body Lift
Body lift surgery in Scottsdale with Dr. Victoria Aimé begins with evaluating where excess skin and tissue are located around your abdomen, waist, hips, and buttocks to determine the extent of skin removal and contouring needed.
Liposuction
Liposuction in Scottsdale with Dr. Victoria Aimé begins with evaluating where excess fat is located, your surrounding body proportions, skin quality, and goals to determine which areas should be treated together to improve overall contour.
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Stay connected and informed by following Dr. Aimé on social media. Her content focuses on real-world, practical education in plastic surgery—addressing common patient questions, breaking down new innovations and research, and offering honest insight into what to expect from both surgical and non-surgical procedures. You’ll also find highlights of patient journeys and results (with permission), helping demystify the process while keeping things educational, transparent, and engaging.
