Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck
Located in Kirkland, WA to serve the Eastside Seattle area
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, as well as tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The result can be transformative for patients that desire a more toned and flatter abdomen. Liposuction in isolation cannot correct loose, stretched skin, but this is a frequently used technique to contour the flanks or upper abdomen at the same time as an abdominoplasty.
Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
If you are experiencing saggy, loose skin or disproportionate areas of fat on the abdomen, you may be a good candidate for an abdominoplasty. This is not a weight loss procedure – patients typically have a history of stretching of the abdominal tissue due to pregnancy, previous weight gain, or the natural aging process. Excess tissue or a lax abdominal wall (due to separation of the abdominal muscles, also known as rectus diastasis) are common problems, and many times diet and exercise alone will not result in the desired level of improvement. Depending on how the surgery is designed, stretch marks or scars can be removed entirely.
Surgical Details
Dr. Austin Remington and Dr. Brad Remington perform this surgery under general anesthesia, and it can take between two to three hours. The scar pattern is designed under the underwear/swimsuit line to be as hidden as possible. An appropriate amount of skin and fat are then removed. The abdominal muscles will be brought together at the midline when separation (rectus diastasis) is present. A traditional abdominoplasty stretches down the skin of the upper abdomen and creates a new opening for the belly button (umbilicus). A mini abdominoplasty does not need to adjust the position of the umbilicus. Up to two surgical drains may be placed. The incision is then carefully closed in layers, with absorbable sutures that do not require removal.
Consultation Process
Dr. Remington will review your medical history and general health to be sure that it is safe to move forward with surgery. To optimize your result, your weight should be stable for several months. The physical examination will dictate the important elements of the procedure – how much tissue can be removed, the benefits of liposuction, and how to address the rectus muscles and umbilicus. Every part of the abdominoplasty is customized to the patient’s anatomy. We will illustrate the surgical approach and review details about recovery, risks, and the cost of the procedure.
Recovery and Results
Patients can expect the abdomen to be sore and feel tight after surgery – we give long-acting local anesthesia in the operating room and prescription medications to keep you comfortable at home. Everyone heals at a different pace, but it will be worth it! A compression garment is provided and will help reduce the majority of the swelling over several weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for four to six weeks. The abdominoplasty result can be maintained for decades with a healthy lifestyle.
– J.W.