An Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck, as it’s more commonly called, is done to remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. Additionally, weakened or separated muscles can be tightened, resulting in a smoother and much firmer abdominal appearance. The Tummy Tuck in the Greater Seattle Area is offered at Dr. Won Cosmetic Surgery for individuals who aim to achieve a flatter, more toned abdominal area.
Some common causes of a protruding or sagging abdomen include:
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Fluctuations in weight
- Aging
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
The benefits of undergoing a tummy tuck extend beyond just aesthetic improvements. Here are several key advantages:
- Removal of Excess Skin and Fat: One of the primary reasons individuals seek out a tummy tuck is to eliminate excess skin and fat that may remain after weight loss or pregnancy. This procedure can restore a youthful appearance to the abdomen.
- Muscle Tightening: During the procedure, Dr. Won, a cosmetic surgeon in Seattle, will also tighten the abdominal muscles, which can become stretched or separated due to factors such as pregnancy. This muscle repair can lead to improved posture and core strength.
- Improved Body Contours: A tummy tuck can enhance the overall body contour, making clothing fit better and providing a more proportionate silhouette. Many patients feel more confident in their appearance and are more inclined to wear fitted clothing or swimwear.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Your Tummy Tuck will be performed at Eviva Surgery Center located in Shoreline.
The procedure requires a horizontal U-shaped incision that goes from side to side between the belly button and the pubic bone. This scar will fade and is not visible when wearing underwear or a bathing suit. Once the incision is made, the abdominal skin is lifted, and any excess is removed. 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. Then, the belly button is pulled through to the surface and sutured into the correct position. Thin tubes may be placed under the skin to drain any fluid or blood that may collect after the procedure. These are usually removed after 1 – 2 weeks.
Recovery After 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 on 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 are to be expected. However, this should begin to subside within a few weeks.
Fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty
With a “regular” tummy tuck, you will only have one U-shaped scar between the belly button and pubic bone. A Fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty has incisions resembling the French signet’s shape. 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 horizontal and vertical scar combination looks like an upside-down letter 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. This procedure is popular for patients who have lost significant weight and will reveal their slim figures hiding under a lot of excess skin. The result is 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.
Are you a Candidate for Cosmetic Surgery?
Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. If you are losing weight, it is best to wait until you have reached your goal weight before undergoing any 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 that 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 before undergoing any type of procedure 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.
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. If the surgical plan features liposuction, the price of this procedure will be included in the total cost.
Health insurance providers will not cover the cost of a tummy tuck since it is a purely cosmetic procedure. For the convenience of our patients, we provide financing through CareCredit.
Contact Us to Learn More
To learn more about the tummy tuck procedure, visit Dr. Won Cosmetic Surgery. We provide high-quality tummy tucks in Seattle, so contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Dr. Won and her staff were wonderful. I went in for Abdominoplasty and felt comfortable and cared for by her and her wonderful team. The results were fantastic and I’m so glad I went through with it. I would highly recommend Dr Won’s service for anyone thinking about cosmetic surgery. – Jennifer, Aug 2020
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do tummy tuck results last?
Results from a tummy tuck can last for many years, especially when a healthy lifestyle is maintained. However, factors such as weight fluctuations, childbirth, or aging can affect the longevity of the results.
Will I lose weight from a tummy tuck?
While a tummy tuck can remove fat, it is not primarily a weight-loss procedure. For optimal results, patients should be within a stable weight range prior to surgery.
Can I have more children after a tummy tuck?
Yes, it is possible to become pregnant after a tummy tuck. However, future pregnancies may stretch the abdominal skin and muscles, potentially impacting the surgical results.
When can I return to work after abdominoplasty?
Most individuals can return to non-strenuous work within 2 to 4 weeks post-surgery. Those with physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period.