- abdominoplasty - thigh/buttock lift - upper body lift - liposuction - abdominal etching - pectoral implant - buttock implants

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Bellevue and Seattle

Who is a candidate for tummy tuck?

Intended results of tummy tuck

• A smoother flatter abdomen with a more shapely side contour.
  
• Smaller belly button with upper hooding.
• More athletic and sultry look.

Tummy tuck procedure description

• The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
  
• Full abdominoplasty will get rid of all the skin of the lower abdomen-from just above the belly button to the pubic area.
  
• Mini-abdominoplasty is only for a select group of patients that have a small amount of excess fat and skin of the very lower abdomen.
  
• Abdominoplasty also tightens the abdominal wall, which results in a more contoured abdomen.
• The scar for abdominoplasty extends across the lower abdomen and can go as far back as the lower back, depending upon the amount of excess skin the patient has.

Recuperation and healing after tummy tuck

• Abdominoplasty can be somewhat uncomfortable immediately after the operation and will require a certain level of commitment in the recuperating period.
  
• You will be able to go home the day of the operation.
  
• You will be encouraged to walk and move regularly within 1-2 days of the operation.
  
• Light activity will be comfortable in 10 days. Sports will not be comfortable for about 6 weeks.
• A pain pump (On-Q) and our regimen of pain medications create a comfortable post-operative period.

Other options besides tummy tuck

• Additional procedures that may enhance the result of a tummy tuck are Liposuction and Breast Procedures.
  
• The On-Q Pain Pump is strongly recommended for this procedure.
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers additional information on Abdominoplasty — http://www.plasticsurgery.org.