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Body Procedures in Scottsdale, AZ

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck removes excess skin, tightens abdominal muscles, and reshapes your waistline to create a smoother, firmer midsection.

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What is Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove loose or stretched abdominal skin, eliminate stubborn fat, and tighten the abdominal wall muscles — often referred to as the “core” or “six-pack” muscles. This procedure is especially popular among individuals who have experienced pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, which can leave behind laxity that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.

Tummy tucks are frequently combined with other body contouring procedures, including:

Liposuction, with or without fat transfer
Breast surgery (augmentation, lift, or reduction)
Arm lifts or back contouring

Combining procedures can dramatically improve the overall silhouette, offering a comprehensive transformation tailored to your body and goals.

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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.

Close-up of a woman’s abdomen and hips in nude undergarments, showing a flat, smooth stomach following tummy tuck surgery.

An overview of the procedure

Preparing for Surgery

The Surgical Procedure

Recovering from Surgery

Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery

If you’re considering a tummy tuck, the first step is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Victoria Aimé. During this visit, she will review your medical history, discuss your concerns and goals, and perform a detailed physical exam to evaluate your abdominal structure and skin quality.

It’s important to be at a stable, healthy weight and to have realistic expectations about the procedure, recovery, and long-term outcomes. Dr. Aimé will recommend the best surgical approach for your body, which may include one of several tummy tuck variations — such as mini, full, extended, or fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty or a lower body lift. She may also suggest adjunctive procedures, such as liposuction or breast contouring, to help you achieve the most balanced and harmonious results.

You’ll also receive preoperative guidance to prepare you physically and mentally for surgery, including information about recovery timelines, scar care, and activity restrictions. Closer to your surgery date, you’ll meet again with Dr. Aimé to review your custom surgical plan in detail and address any questions you may have during your pre-op appointment.

Tummy Tuck Surgical Procedure

A tummy tuck involves three core components: skin removal, fat removal, and muscle tightening, all designed to restore abdominal tone and contour.

1. Skin Removal

Significant weight changes, pregnancy, or aging can lead to stretched, sagging skin. During the procedure, excess skin — often including stretch marks on the lower abdomen — is removed. The remaining skin is redraped smoothly and tightened for a firmer appearance.

2. Fat Removal

To refine the contour of the abdomen and waist, fat is removed from the underside of the abdominal skin flap. Liposuction of adjacent areas such as the flanks or waistline may further enhance the silhouette.

3. Muscle Tightening (Rectus Diastasis Repair)

When the connective tissue (fascia) between abdominal muscles becomes stretched — a condition called rectus diastasis — it allows the belly to protrude. To correct this, the separated abdominal muscles are sewn back together (often called muscle repair), strengthening the core and restoring a flat, supportive foundation for the abdomen. Muscle repair is generally not performed in patients that may still want to have future pregnancies (such as younger patients) or during mini abdominoplasties.

Each step is performed with precision to achieve natural-looking results, tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

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Recovering from Tummy Tuck Surgery

Recovery after a tummy tuck is a gradual process that varies from patient to patient, but with proper preparation and support, most patients experience a smooth and rewarding healing journey. You’ll return home the same day in most cases, with a trusted caregiver to assist you during the initial recovery phase. For more extensive procedures or combination surgeries, an overnight stay may be recommended.

Post-operative discomfort is expected, particularly due to muscle tightening, but this is managed with long-acting numbing medication placed during surgery, along with prescribed medications to ease pain and inflammation. Swelling and bruising are also normal and will be addressed with compression garments, which support healing and improve contour. You’ll begin walking gently as soon as you’re able to help promote circulation and reduce the risk of complications.

You’ll receive detailed instructions for dressing care, activity modifications, and nutrition, all of which are essential to support recovery. Eating a balanced diet rich in protein and staying well-hydrated are key to fueling your healing process. Most patients are able to return to light daily activities within 1–2 weeks, with moderate exercise resuming around 4–6 weeks, depending on your progress.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline

Every person is unique and may have some similarities as well as differences to others in terms of their individual recovery experience. A mommy makeover is a combination of multiple procedures so it is common to have more downtime and required healing than if these procedures were performed individually.

Day of Surgery

Your recovery begins at home with a trusted caregiver or, in some cases, with an overnight stay at the surgery center if your procedure is extensive or combined with other surgeries. You’ll be fitted with an abdominal binder to support the healing tissues, reduce swelling, and protect your surgical site. As soon as you are able, short, slow walks are encouraged to promote healthy circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

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Days 1-3

You’ll return to Dr. Aimé’s office the day after surgery for your first post-op visit, where the team will check your incisions, review dressing changes, and ensure you’re healing as expected. Discomfort is managed with prescription medications and long-acting numbing medication placed during your procedure. You’ll wear compression socks and sequential compression devices (SCDs), and some patients may also be prescribed a short course of blood thinners to support circulation. With help, you’ll begin taking light showers and performing gentle dressing care. Swelling, bruising, and abdominal tightness are expected during this phase.

Weeks 1-2

Swelling often peaks around days 2 to 4 and then gradually begins to improve. You’ll continue with daily dressing care and gentle showers, and will slowly reintroduce light, non-strenuous daily activities at home. During this time, you’ll return for a one-week post-op visit, and again at two weeks to monitor healing and, if applicable, remove suture knots or surgical tape. You should continue wearing your abdominal binder or recommended compression garment full-time except while bathing or laundering the garment.

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Weeks 2-4

As your energy starts to return, you’ll transition into a lighter compression garment (like a girdle or faja) for continued support. Many patients feel well enough to take daily outdoor walks, while still avoiding any heavy lifting, abdominal strain, or twisting. Swelling continues to decrease, and early improvements in abdominal shape and waistline contour become more noticeable.

Weeks 4-6

At this stage, most patients can begin moderate activity and low-impact exercise, such as stationary biking or brisk walking, depending on Dr. Aimé’s guidance. While the core is still healing, it’s important to avoid core-strengthening exercises or heavy lifting until cleared. Swelling typically continues to improve, and your surgical results become more refined. Depending on your progress, Dr. Aimé may recommend gradually tapering out of compression garment use.

After Week 6

You can usually resume your full range of activities, including regular workouts, abdominal exercises, and more vigorous movement. Swelling continues to diminish, and your incision lines will begin to fade and soften over the coming months. Most patients feel confident and comfortable in their new shape at this stage. Follow-up appointments at 3, 6, and 12 months will allow Dr. Aimé to monitor your long-term healing, guide scar care, and make any refinements if needed.

"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.”

Shaneen B

Serina T.

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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Thigh Lift

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Reveal the results of your weight loss journey with a transformative body lift that tightens and sculpts the abdomen, thighs, hips, and buttocks for a smoother, more confident you.

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Liposuction

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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.