Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Seattle & Bellevue

Tummy Tuck For A Slimmer, Firmer Abdomen

Dr. Lisa Precht is a talented Seattle plastic surgeon that can improve the appearance of a flabby, saggy midsection with tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Precht performs tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) to create a slimmer and firmer abdomen for a more beautiful physique. Over her many years in practice, she has refined her technique so results look natural and beautiful. Tummy tuck can be performed on its own or in conjunction with another body contouring or breast surgery procedure as part of a mommy makeover treatment plan.

Am I A Candidate For A Tummy Tuck?

You may be an appropriate candidate for tummy tuck if you have loose skin and diet and exercise-resistant fat deposits on your abdomen. Tummy tuck can also help if your abdominal muscles have separated or weakened (often due to pregnancy) and cause your abdomen to protrude.

You should be in good physical health and at, or close to, your ideal weight (within 25 pounds). If you are considering tummy tuck, but planning to become pregnant in the future, you should postpone your surgery; future pregnancy will reverse the effects of surgery.

You should understand the possible surgical outcomes and accept the risk of rare complications. These will be discussed with you during a surgical consultation with Dr. Precht. She will also perform a physical examination of your abdomen, noting the amount of excess skin and fat and the degree of skin elasticity.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

Although tummy tuck and liposuction are very different procedures, there are some common elements. For that reason, there may be confusion about whether you need a tummy tuck or liposuction.

For example, both procedures can reduce unwanted fat in the abdomen. However, liposuction is intended purely for fat removal. It can be used on nearly any area of the body (and some facial areas) to produce a slimmer contour. Liposuction will not improve the look of loose skin, nor will it have any effect on weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Tummy tuck treats weakened and separated abdominal muscles and loose saggy skin in addition to reducing abdominal fat.

If you have been pregnant (especially multiple times), you likely have skin and muscle-related problems and will require comprehensive correction with tummy tuck surgery. If you have not been pregnant and have stubborn abdominal fat and generally good skin elasticity, liposuction will probably be a better and less invasive option. Dr. Precht offers non-surgical liposuction using VASER technology.

If you are questioning which procedure is most appropriate for your needs, the best way to confirm this is to speak with Dr. Precht personally. She will examine your “problem areas” and recommend the procedure that is better suited to your goals.

More About Tummy Tuck Surgery

Our Seattle tummy tuck surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure and takes anywhere from one to five hours. Anesthesia will be used for your comfort during surgery.

To begin your tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Precht will make an incision right above your pubic area. The incision extends horizontally along the lower abdomen and possibly around to your back. It will be placed low enough so that any scarring is concealed beneath a panty or bikini bottom.

Through the incision, Dr. Precht will remove excess skin and tighten the remaining skin. She will tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess fat deposits. Dr. Precht may relocate your navel to a higher position on your abdomen, if necessary (an additional incision may be needed around the navel). Finally, she will close the incision and dress it with fluffy bandages. A compression garment may be placed around the abdomen to put gentle pressure on the tissues as they heal.

If it has been discussed during the pre-operative planning process, Dr. Precht can use liposuction to sculpt the sides and back to complement the abdomen.

Dr. Precht can also perform breast surgery during the same operation if it has been discussed as part of a mommy makeover plan. Combining surgeries can be advantageous because it only requires one round of anesthesia and one surgical recovery.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery

Immediately following tummy tuck, you will feel tired and groggy from the anesthesia. You should have a loved one drive you home and help you get situated in a comfortable position, with food, water and prescription medications nearby.

For the first few days, your range of motion will be limited. You will have mild bruising and swelling, and possible numbness at the incision. If you experience discomfort, you can take oral medication as prescribed by Dr. Precht. Avoid bending, lifting or straining as your abdomen heals. Follow all of Dr. Precht’s instructions to promote optimal healing and prevent complications.

You can slowly incorporate more movement and activity as your energy returns. Dr. Precht will advise when it is safe to go to back to work (typically two weeks for tummy tuck patients) and resume exercise. She will see you several times during your recovery to remove sutures and check your healing progress.

Enjoy Your Tummy Tuck Results

Your abdomen will look flatter and firmer almost immediately after your operation. Excess skin will be gone and you will no longer have a “pouch” of skin and fat. It will continue to improve in appearance as the swelling and bruising resolves. Your incision scar will fade over time but it won’t disappear completely.

You can enjoy your tummy tuck results for many years to come, as long as you don’t gain a significant amount of weight or become pregnant in the future. Stay active with exercise and eat a healthy diet to maintain your weight and your beautifully contoured abdomen. You may choose to have liposuction in the future to correct additional pockets of unwanted fat that may crop up around the body.

Schedule A Seattle Tummy Tuck Consultation

To learn more about tummy tuck surgery and how it can help you enjoy a more attractive physique, please contact our office today. Call (206) 659-0505 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Lisa Precht.