Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, the cosmetic procedure commonly called a tummy tuck, is designed to remove loose skin from the abdomen and tighten the underlying muscles on the abdominal wall. After pregnancy or major weight loss, excess skin and stretched muscles can be a problem for many people.
Dr. Richard Rand is a board certified plastic surgeon serving the greater Seattle area who specializes in tummy tucks. Together with his expert staff at the Northwest Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rand maintains a patient-first focus so you feel completely supported from consultation through recovery.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of tummy tuck surgery, please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Bellevue today for more details.
Dr. Rand can tailor your tummy tuck to meet your individual needs. Some people have problems with loose skin, some have weakened muscles, and others have fat deposits that may be corrected with liposuction. Depending on your condition, Dr. Rand may recommend a fully tummy tuck, mini-tummy tuck, and possibly liposuction to the flank areas.
Choosing the Right Procedure: Full or Mini-Tummy Tuck
Two basic types of tummy tuck surgery are performed by plastic surgeons today – the full and mini tuck. When excess skin and muscle laxity is limited to the area below the belly button, the mini tummy tuck may be appropriate. However, over 95% of candidates will benefit far more from the full tummy tuck rather than the mini.
The Right Candidates for Abdominoplasty
Those who meet conditions like the following may benefit from abdominoplasty:
- Problems with loose extra skin
- Stretch marks on the lower abdomen
- Weakened or stretched muscles from pregnancy
- Within 10-20 pounds of your ideal body weight
- Non-smokers
Placement of Tummy Tuck Incisions
The incision for a traditional tummy tuck travels across the hips and often resembles the shape of bicycle handlebars. Dr. Rand will take your clothing preferences and body shape into account and modify the incisions to make scars as inconspicuous as possible. If you have enough extra skin above the belly button, you can get a low, well-hidden scar easily covered in most clothing choices.
After Abdominoplasty: What to Expect
There will be discomfort after your tummy tuck, but prescription medications can help manage your symptoms. Staying calm and having a positive attitude will help during recovery as well. All sutures will dissolve on their own. Dr. Rand tells patients they will feel 75% normal after one month and totally normal between 2-3 months after surgery.
Regular post-operative visits will be scheduled: the first is the day after surgery, the next visit is about 1 week later to remove the single drain, another visit is 3-5 days later and another is at 6-8 weeks. After 3 weeks exercises may return and after 8 weeks, exercise using the abdominal muscles can be fully resumed.
Abdominoplasty Quick Facts
What is it? A surgical procedure to flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fatty tissue while tightening abdominal muscles. Upper abdominal contour sculpting also characterizes Dr. Rand’s unique results.
How long does it take? 2-2.5 hours.
What type of anesthesia? General anesthesia.
Are there possible side effects? Temporary pain, swelling, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, fatigue for several weeks.
Take the Next Step
We know that making a change to your face or body can be a big decision. Let us help you learn more about your options. You'll never feel pressured into making a decision and our friendly staff members are happy to answer all of your questions.
Model Are there serious risks? Blood clots that can dislodge and travel to the lungs. Bleeding under the skin flap. Poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss. Infection. Others will be discussed with Dr. Rand.
How long to recover? Back to work generally in 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 8 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2+ years.
Contact us today or call 425-688-8828 for more information about tummy tuck surgery, or to schedule your consultation at our Bellevue practice.
