Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

An Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck, as it’s more commonly called, is done to remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. Additionally, muscles that have weakened or separated can be tightened resulting in an abdominal appearance that is not only smoother, but also much firmer.

Some common causes of a protruding or sagging abdomen include:

• Heredity
• Pregnancy
• Fluctuations in weight
• Aging

A tummy tuck requires a horizontal u-shaped incision that goes from side to side between the belly button and the pubic bone. This scar will fade over time and is not visible when wearing underwear or a bathing suit. (If you have had a prior cesarean section, scars from this may be incorporated into the new scar). Once the incision is made, the abdominal skin is lifted and any excess is cut away. The underlying abdominal muscles are also repaired.

Next, the upper abdominal skin is pulled down and any excess skin is removed. The remaining skin is sutured together. The belly button may need to be repositioned which requires creating a new opening, and then the belly button is pulled through to the surface and sutured into the correct position. Thin tubes may be placed under the skin in order to drain any fluid or blood that may collect after the procedure. These are usually removed after 1 – 2 weeks.

After surgery, you will be required to wear a pressure garment around your abdominal area for 4-6 weeks as you heal. The scar will take several months to fade. Dr. Won will advise you of what to expect during your recovery period, how to care for your wound, and when you can resume normal activities. You should see some immediate results after your surgery, though swelling and bruising is to be expected, however this should begin to subside within a few weeks.

Fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty

With a “regular” type tummy tuck, you will only have one u-shaped scar that is located between the belly button and pubic bone as described above. A Fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty has incisions that resemble the shape of the French signet. In addition to having an incision that runs horizontally across the abdomen, you will also have a vertical incision that goes up the center of your abdomen. The combination of the horizontal and vertical scar look like an upside down T.

This type of tummy tuck is used when there is significant excess skin across the entire midsection of the body. Liposuction can also be used with this procedure, and the abdominal muscles will be tightened as well. This procedure is popular for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and will reveal their slim figures that have been hiding under a lot of excess skin. The results are a tummy that is as flat as it can be.

Regardless of the type of Abdominoplasty that you choose, if you gain weight or become pregnant again, it is possible that the results of the tummy tuck will not last, so Dr. Won does not recommend Abdominoplasty if you plan to have more children.

Recovery is similar to a standard Abdominoplasty. After surgery, you will be required to wear a pressure garment around your abdominal area for 4 – 6 weeks as you heal. The scar will take several months to fade. Dr. Won will advise you of what to expect during your recovery period, how to care for your wound, and when you can resume normal activities. You should see some immediate results after your surgery, though swelling and bruising is to be expected, however this should begin to subside within a few weeks.

Are you a Candidate for Cosmetic Surgery?

Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. If you are in the process of losing weight, it is best to wait until you have reached your goal weight before undergoing any kind of cosmetic procedure. Additionally, if you are still planning on having children, it is best to wait until you have had your child and recovered from the pregnancy. The reason for this is because weight fluctuations can affect the long-lasting benefits that are gained from having cosmetic surgery. Additionally, if you are currently a smoker, you will need to stop completely prior to undergoing any type of procedures since smoking can affect both the healing process and the results gained from a procedure. Also, it is important that you have a positive attitude and a realistic outlook about what surgery can do for you. An unhealthy lifestyle and poor overall health and fitness can wreak havoc on your appearance.

Your Tummy Tuck Consultation

During your consultation, you and Dr. Won will discuss your goals and how a tummy tuck can best achieve them. Dr. Won will evaluate your medical history to determine if you are safe to undergo a tummy tuck surgery. A closer inspection will be conducted to assess your abdominal area.

Dr. Won will create an ideal surgical plan for your tummy tuck. The details of the surgery will be discussed, including the potential cost and the preparation needed prior to the surgery. Dr. Won will make sure to answer all of your questions.

The Cost of Abdominoplasty

The cost of the tummy tuck procedure will depend on the techniques involved in the surgical plan. Anesthesia fees and facility fees may also affect the overall price of abdominoplasty. The price of liposuction will be included in the total cost if the surgical plan features this surgical procedure.

Health insurance providers will not cover the cost of a tummy tuck, since it is a purely cosmetic procedure. We provide financing through CareCredit for the convenience of our patients.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you want to learn more about the tummy tuck procedure, visit Dr. Alvina Won Cosmetic Surgery. We provide high-quality tummy tucks in Seattle, so contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Your Tummy Tuck will be performed at Eviva Surgery Center located in Shoreline

Before & After