Best Tummy Tuck Seattle, WA – Abdominoplasty

A protruding abdomen as a result of weak abdominal muscles, weight gain or pregnancy is a condition that causes distress to thousands of people. This condition does not respond well to diet or exercise because the skin and underlying muscles have been stretched. Today, a remarkable procedure called abdominoplasty has been designed to flatten a protruding abdomen through the tightening of abdominal wall muscles and the removal of excess fatty tissue and skin.

The tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss. The objective of the surgery is to improve the contour of the body by flattening and narrowing the abdomen. The best candidate for tummy tuck surgery is the individual who is of normal weight but who has weak abdominal muscles and excess skin and fat. Age, obesity and smoking habits are some of the factors the cosmetic surgeon considers when evaluating a candidate for this procedure.

The best candidate for the tummy tuck is the individual who is of normal weight but who has weak abdominal muscles and excess skin and fat. Age, obesity, and smoking habits are some of the factors the cosmetic surgeon considers when evaluating a candidate for this procedure.

Tummy tuck has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its effectiveness in producing long-term aesthetic results. The benefits of a tummy tuck are numerous, some of which include:

1) Enhanced Abdominal Definition – One of the main benefits associated with a tummy tuck is improved abdominal definition. Sagging or loose skin around the abdomen can be tightened and contoured through this procedure. This gives patients more attractive and well-defined midsections without having to rely on dieting and exercise alone.

2) Reshaping & Contouring – Another benefit associated with abdominoplasty is reshaping and contouring the abdomen area for a smoother appearance overall. Tummy tucks allow your surgeon to remove fat deposits from certain areas while adding volume where needed for improved shape symmetry along all sides of your waistline, so you get an even more toned look overall.

3) Reduces Stretch Marks – With age, many individuals experience stretch marks on their midsection that do not respond well to diet and exercise alone; however, they can often be managed using Abdominoplasty procedures, including liposuctioning specific areas where there are concentrated amounts of fat cells under stretched skin coupled with removing unwanted stretch marks altogether! This way, you get rid of our stubborn scars once and for all.

4) Long Lasting Results – When compared against other non-surgical body sculpting treatments like cryolipolysis (cool sculpting), radiofrequency ablation (RFAL), etc., Abdominoplasty offers much longer lasting results than these other options offer thanks largely due to its high degree level success rate post operation plus no required additional treatment sessions are once done surgery has been fully completed successfully.

Prior to tummy tuck surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A careful examination is also conducted. The cosmetic surgeon and patient discuss together what can realistically be expected. Photographs may be taken before and after surgery to evaluate the amount of improvement. The type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, and possible risks and complications are also discussed. Preoperative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs which contain aspirin in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to surgery to prevent infection. The patient may also be advised to bathe with an antiseptic soap for several days prior to surgery.

Tummy tuck procedure is usually performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia with the patient asleep. Premedication may be administered to relax the patient. Although there are several procedures from which to choose, the one most frequently used by cosmetic surgeons involves a “u” shaped incision made below one hip bone and across the pubic area to under the other hip bone. A second incision is made around the navel. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up to the breast bone exposing the loose tissue that covers the abdominal muscle. Often lax abdominal muscles are sutured in order to tighten loose or stretched out muscles. The skin is then lowered over the abdomen and excess skin and fat is removed. Before the incisions arc closed with small sutures, the navel is reconstructed, and usually drains are inserted to eliminate fluid buildup. Firm elastic bandages are then applied to the area.

Patients often remain in the hospital for one to three days. Occasionally a tummy tuck is done as outpatient surgery. If drains are used, they may be removed prior to discharge from the hospital or may remain in place for 3 to 7 days until fluid levels decrease. Pain or discomfort from the surgery is controlled with oral medication. Sutures are removed approximately one week after surgery and bandages are applied. Bandages are later replaced with an abdominal support garment which is worn for several weeks. During this time, patients must refrain from heavy lifting, straining or over-activity. Although patients are usually up and around the day of surgery, the cosmetic surgeon decides when normal activities may be resumed. This decision is based upon the extent of surgery and the patient’s progress. bruising and swelling which occur around the treated area will disappear within a few weeks. Scars from the procedure remain but fade significantly in time.

Each year thousands of tummy tucks are successfully performed. The amount of improvement is individual and depends upon the extent of surgery and the patient’s skin tone, body build and healing process. Complications connected with the procedure are rare; however there are inherent risks connected with every, surgical procedure. Possible risks and complications should be thoroughly discussed with the cosmetic surgeon prior to surgery. Patients can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by the cosmetic surgeon.

Most insurance companies do not pay for abdominoplasty if it is performed for cosmetic reasons. Some insurance companies do pay benefits if the patient has severe laxity of the abdominal wall with back pain and/or umbilical or ventral hernia. Each insurance carrier is different, and it is recommended that individuals check with their own agents to determine if there is coverage.