Tummy
Tuck
Scottsdale, Arizona
A tummy tuck in Scottsdale with Dr. Ross Stutman removes loose lower-abdominal skin and repairs separated abdominal muscles to flatten the midsection. It is a skin-reduction operation, not a weight-loss surgery. Dr. Stutman is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and uses an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, and most patients feel fully recovered at about six weeks.
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Before & After Gallery
Contains nudityThese before and after photos show unclothed surgical results.View photos (18+)
Actual patients of Dr. Stutman · Individual results vary
View Full GalleryWhat Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes the loose skin left in the lower abdomen after pregnancy or significant weight loss, tightens abdominal muscles that have separated (diastasis recti) and repositions the belly button. The result is a flatter, firmer midsection with a low scar that sits under underwear or swimwear. It reshapes the abdomen; it is not a substitute for weight loss.
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“My procedures with Dr. Stutman were the best decision I have made for self improvement. I look at my body every morning with a smile.”
William H.“This has been an awesome journey getting back to my old self. I highly recommend coming here; the staff is amazing.”
Brooke A.“From the initial consult to surgery to post op care, Dr. Stutman and all the staff and nurses were encouraging, positive and cheered at my results!”
Lynn J.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck in Scottsdale if you:
- Have loose lower-abdominal skin after pregnancy or weight loss
- Have abdominal muscles that separated during pregnancy
- Are at or near your goal weight, and your weight is stable
- Are in good health and do not smoke
- Are finished having children, or comfortable waiting until you are
- Have realistic expectations about the scar and results
What Does a Tummy Tuck in Scottsdale Cost?
Your price depends on how much skin is removed, whether muscle repair or liposuction is added, and whether it is part of a mommy makeover. You leave your consultation with a written quote. A tummy tuck is cosmetic, so it is not covered by insurance.
Monthly payment plans through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.
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Why Patients Choose Dr. Stutman
- Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery. An ERAS protocol and long-acting Exparel numbing medicine to reduce pain and the need for narcotics.
- Fellowship trained in aesthetic and oculoplastic surgery with Dr. Mark Codner in Atlanta.
- Accredited surgery centers. Most tummy tucks are performed at Scottsdale McCormick Ranch Surgicenter or Central Scottsdale Surgical Center.
Built for a Smoother Recovery
A small drain under the skin prevents fluid from collecting after surgery. It is usually removed within three to seven days, once drainage slows. Most patients move around much more easily after the first seven to ten days.
See the full recovery timeline →Dr. Stutman follows an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol and uses Exparel, a long-acting local anesthetic, to control pain in the first days after surgery and reduce the need for narcotic pain medication.
Ask about your recovery plan →Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
Liposuction removes fat. A tummy tuck removes loose skin and repairs muscle. Many patients need one, some need both.
| Tummy Tuck | Liposuction | |
|---|---|---|
| Removes | Loose skin and some fat | Fat only |
| Muscle repair | Yes, tightens separated muscles | No |
| Scar | Low, under the underwear line | Small entry points |
| Best for | Skin laxity after pregnancy or weight loss | Good skin tone with stubborn fat |
| Recovery | About 6 weeks to full activity | Usually shorter |
Muscle Repair
Abdominal muscles that separated during pregnancy (diastasis recti) are stitched back together to flatten and support the midsection.
New Belly Button
The belly button stays attached to its stalk and is brought out through the tightened skin in its new position.
Mommy Makeover
A tummy tuck is often paired with liposuction and breast surgery: one anesthesia and one recovery, though recovery is longer.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgery center or hospital. You spend a couple of hours in recovery before going home, and some patients choose to stay overnight. Plan for an adult to drive you home and stay with you the first night.
Incision
A low incision just above the pubic area, hidden by underwear.
Belly Button
Released from the surrounding skin so the abdomen can be tightened.
Muscle Repair
Separated abdominal muscles are tightened to flatten the abdomen.
Skin Removal
The skin is drawn down and the excess is removed.
Closure
A drain is placed, the belly button repositioned, and a binder applied.
What Is the Recovery Like?
A couple of hours in recovery, then home with an adult who stays overnight. Some patients stay one night in the hospital.
Tightness makes it hard to stand fully upright for the first couple of days. Short walks help circulation.
The drain is usually removed once drainage slows.
Rapid improvement; you move around with much more ease.
Fully recovered. Cleared for lifting and abdominal exercise.
Swelling settles and the final shape appears; the scar keeps fading.
FAQsFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a tummy tuck in Scottsdale cost?
Your quote depends on how much skin is removed and whether liposuction or other procedures are added. You receive a written quote after your consultation. A tummy tuck is cosmetic and not covered by insurance; financing is available through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.
How long is tummy tuck recovery?
Most patients improve quickly over the first seven to ten days and feel fully recovered at about six weeks. Avoid lifting and abdominal exercise for six weeks.
Will I have a visible scar?
The incision is placed low on the abdomen so the scar sits under underwear or swimwear. It fades over the first year.
Is a tummy tuck a weight-loss surgery?
No. It removes loose skin and tightens muscle. Results are best once you are at or near your goal weight.
Can I have children after a tummy tuck?
Yes, but a future pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again, so most patients wait until they are finished having children.
What are the risks of a tummy tuck?
As with any surgery, risks include bleeding (hematoma), fluid collection under the skin (seroma), thick scarring, numbness in the abdomen or thighs, infection, blood clots and delayed healing. A tummy tuck also requires general anesthesia, which carries its own risks. Dr. Stutman reviews these with you before surgery.
How is pain controlled?
Dr. Stutman uses an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol and Exparel, a long-acting local anesthetic, to ease pain in the first days after surgery and reduce the need for narcotic pain medication.
Where is the surgery performed?
Most tummy tucks are performed at Scottsdale McCormick Ranch Surgicenter or Central Scottsdale Surgical Center. Some patients have surgery at HonorHealth Shea or Osborn, depending on their medical needs.
Who performs tummy tucks at Stutman Plastic Surgery?
Every tummy tuck is performed by Dr. Ross Stutman, a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, with fellowship training in aesthetic surgery with Dr. Mark Codner in Atlanta.
Where is Stutman Plastic Surgery located?
Stutman Plastic Surgery is at 3501 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 330, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, in Old Town Scottsdale. Call (602) 853-4646, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
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Dr. Ross Stutman is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Old Town Scottsdale, performing a tummy tuck in Scottsdale along with breast augmentation, breast lift, mommy makeover, eyelid surgery and body contouring. He sees patients from Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Mesa and across the Valley.
3501 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 330, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 · (602) 853-4646
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