Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery in Scottsdale with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth. A personalized, refined approach to restoring a flatter, more confident silhouette—designed around you.
Experience the exceptional care and personalized touch of a board-certified female plastic surgeon who prioritizes your well-being every step of the way. Discover why Dr. Ashley Howarth stands out as one of the best plastic surgeons in Arizona for results that look and feel beautifully natural.
Tummy Tuck in Scottsdale
Restore Your Core, Your Comfort, and Your Confidence
Pregnancy, weight loss, and aging can all leave behind stretched skin, separated muscles, and a loss of abdominal tone that no amount of exercise can fully repair. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a transformative procedure designed to restore strength, smoothness, and contour to the midsection. Whether you’re looking to feel more comfortable in your clothes or simply reconnect with your body, Dr. Ashley Howarth offers a thoughtful, personalized approach to help you achieve natural-looking, confident results.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon and mother of three young boys, Dr. Howarth understands the changes women experience after pregnancy and major life transitions. Her surgical approach combines technical skill with an artistic eye—carefully refining the abdomen while prioritizing balance, proportion, and an outcome that feels beautifully natural.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles, removes excess skin, and smooths the contours of the midsection. It’s often the procedure of choice for women who have experienced stretching of the abdominal wall after pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations.
Depending on your anatomy and goals, a tummy tuck can address:
- Loose or sagging abdominal skin
- Separated or weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Stubborn pockets of fat around the waistline
- Stretch marks located on the lower abdomen
Dr. Howarth customizes every tummy tuck to match your body and goals—creating results that look natural, feel comfortable, and help you move forward with greater confidence.
Why Women Choose a Tummy Tuck
Changes After Pregnancy
Pregnancy can stretch both the skin and underlying muscles, often leading to a weakened, protruding abdomen. A tummy tuck restores strength, contour, and a more youthful silhouette.
Loose Skin After Weight Loss
Significant weight loss can leave behind loose, hanging skin that doesn’t respond to exercise. A tummy tuck removes the excess skin and reshapes the midsection to better match your healthier, active lifestyle.
Stubborn Abdominal Bulge
Even with diet and exercise, a lingering abdominal bulge caused by muscle separation can remain. A tummy tuck repairs the underlying muscles, helping to create a firmer, flatter abdomen.
Desire for Renewed Confidence
For many women, a tummy tuck isn’t about perfection—it’s about feeling comfortable, strong, and confident again in their own skin. It’s a way to reclaim the body you feel most at home in.
Mommy Makeover Process
A Thoughtful, One-on-One Conversation
Your consultation with Dr. Ashley Howarth is an open, supportive discussion centered on your goals, your body, and your lifestyle. You’ll have time to discuss the changes you’d like to see, ask questions, and explore different surgical options at your own pace.
Dr. Howarth will conduct a careful physical examination, explain what a tummy tuck can achieve, and provide personalized recommendations based on your anatomy. You’ll leave your consultation feeling informed, empowered, and confident about your next steps.
From consultation to confidence
Selecting a Plastic Surgeon with a Commitment to Excellence
Careful Planning
Surgical Expertise
Tummy tuck surgery requires both precision and restraint. Dr. Howarth repairs muscle separation, removes excess tissue, and sculpts a smoother waistline—all with a refined approach that balances aesthetics and function. The goal is a result that feels strong, supported, and beautifully natural.
Supportive Recovery
You’ll receive detailed instructions and ongoing support to help you heal comfortably and confidently. From compression and movement to follow-up care, every step is guided with intention. Most patients feel more at ease in their bodies—and more confident in how they carry themselves.
Begin Your Transformation
Meet your surgeon
Ashley Lynn Howarth, MD, FACS
Dr. Ashley Howarth is a board-certified plastic surgeon who completed her training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Mayo Clinic Arizona. Prior to that, she trained in general surgery at Texas A&M Baylor Scott & White, and earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. With nine years of combined surgical training, few surgeons possess the level of academic experience as Dr. Howarth.
She has quickly become one of Arizona’s most in-demand plastic surgeons, recognized for her surgical precision, natural aesthetic, and obsession with detail. Her clinical interests include cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body, and she is known for delivering results that are refined, balanced, and thoughtfully executed.
In addition to her surgical practice, Dr. Howarth serves as an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic, where she helps train the next generation of plastic surgeons. She also serves as the youngest board member and Member-at-Large for the Arizona Society of Plastic Surgeons, a leadership role awarded by her peers.
As a working mother of three young boys, Dr. Howarth understands the challenges that women face. Her care is grounded in empathy, honesty, and individualized attention, with the goal of helping every patient feel confident, supported, and beautifully themselves throughout the entire process.
She proudly supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale and sponsors their Celebrate Youth Gala each year. She also mentors young women interested in medicine and surgery by offering shadowing opportunities and career guidance, continuing her dedication to helping others grow—both in and out of the operating room.
“My life feels full and wonderful due to this transformation. I’m blessed to have had Dr. Howarth complete my surgery. Don’t wait to love your body and yourself!” – M.A.
FAQ
What concerns can a tummy tuck address?
A tummy tuck can remove loose skin, repair separated abdominal muscles, flatten the midsection, and refine the waistline. It’s especially effective for addressing changes caused by pregnancy, aging, or significant weight loss.
What’s the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?
A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen, including tightening muscles above and below the belly button. A mini tummy tuck focuses only on the area below the belly button. Dr. Howarth will recommend the best approach based on your anatomy and goals.
Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
A tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks located on the lower abdomen, particularly those on the excess skin that is excised during surgery. Dr. Howarth will evaluate your skin during consultation and discuss what improvements you can expect.
How long is recovery after a tummy tuck?
Most patients return to light activities within two weeks, but full recovery—including resuming exercise—can take six to eight weeks. Dr. Howarth provides detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up to support you through every stage of healing.
Will I have a scar after a tummy tuck?
Yes, a tummy tuck leaves a scar, typically positioned low on the abdomen where it can be easily hidden by underwear or swimsuits. Dr. Howarth uses meticulous techniques to ensure the scar is as thin and discreet as possible, and it fades significantly over time.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Scottsdale?
The cost of a tummy tuck varies depending on the complexity of your procedure and any additional treatments performed at the same time. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed, personalized quote. Investing in a board-certified plastic surgeon who prioritizes safety and natural results is an essential part of achieving the outcome you desire.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine a tummy tuck with breast surgery, liposuction, or other body contouring procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. Dr. Howarth will work with you to create a surgical plan that aligns with your goals and recovery timeline.
Begin Your Transformation
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