Tummy Tuck Bellevue, WA | Abdominoplasty Bellevue

Extra skin is a common problem. Nearly everyone will develop some extra skin in their lifetime. Women tend to develop extra skin on the abdomen after pregnancy whereas the most common cause among men is weight loss. Regardless of the cause, exercise and diet, unfortunately, cannot resolve extra skin. The most effective way to treat extra skin on the abdomen is tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Craig Jonov at Seattle Plastic Surgery performs the best tummy tuck Bellevue patients have available to them.

Overview: Abdominoplasty Surgery

An abdominoplasty surgery—or tummy tuck—is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes extra skin from the lower abdomen. It is performed on both men and women seeking to enhance their body contours and obtain a flatter stomach. Often, these patients will have anatomy similar to hanging skin with some abdominal fat. However, the main factor is skin.

Extra skin may collect on the abdomen for several reasons. Usually, it has to do with weight gain and loss because the stretched skin cannot adequately retract to fit over the body’s contours snugly. Thus, the skin may bunch up on or hand from the stomach. Conditions that frequently cause excess skin on the abdomen include:

• Pregnancy
• Rapid weight loss
• Yo-yo dieting
• Aging
• Smoking
• Previous abdominal surgeries
• Hernias

Goals

Overall, there are two goals of a tummy tuck surgery. First, Dr. Jonov aims to remove extra skin and tighten the remaining skin to create a flatter abdomen. Second, the majority of abdominoplasty surgeries will include muscle plication. This is a surgical technique that stitches the abdominal muscles (specifically the six-pack ab muscles) back together, essentially acting like the sinewy linea alba that originally held them together.

Beyond the surgical goals, patients often have personal goals such as getting a flat stomach or their pre-baby body back. A full tummy tuck can achieve many goals. Based on the patient’s medical history and other factors, Dr. Jonov can discuss what is possible for a particular patient.

Candidates

Viable tummy tuck candidates are men and women who do not smoke and are in generally good health. Additionally, any major medical conditions should be well managed. BMI and weight are a factor. However, Dr. Jonov performs tummy tucks on patients of all sizes and offers mini tummy tucks and plus-size tummy tucks to accommodate patients. Women should also not plan to have more children.

At a consultation, Dr. Jonov will evaluate a patient on several aspects of their health and lifestyle. After gaining an understanding of the patient’s unique situation, he can determine if they are a good candidate for abdominoplasty surgery.

Benefits & Risks

Tummy tuck surgery—like all elective procedures—comes with benefits and risks. An abdominoplasty is usually considered a safe surgery when performed by a qualified surgeon on an ideal candidate. Dr. Jonov and the patient will thoroughly discuss the benefits and risks during a consultation.

Some of the benefits of abdominoplasty surgery in Bellevue include:

• Flatter abdomen
• Stronger core
• Reduced rash and skin irritation on the lower abdomen
• Slimmer appearance
• Help patients see the true results of their weight loss journey
• Improve confidence
• Remove stretch marks
• Correct and prevent ventral hernias
• Improve stress urinary incontinence
• Easier to exercise and regain a full range of movement
• Hidden incision
• Performed by an expert Bellevue tummy tuck surgeon

The risks of tummy tuck surgery include:

• Infection
• Fluid collection
• Raised, visible, or unexpected scarring
• Reopening of the incision
• Skin necrosis
• Blood clots
• Negative reaction to anesthesia
• Fat necrosis
• Poor result
• Need for future revision surgery

Major complications are rare. Dr. Jonov takes several precautions to prevent and reduce risks. This includes thorough patient screening, surgical techniques to minimize bleeding, and post-operative care.

Tummy Tuck vs. Panniculectomy

A tummy tuck and a panniculectomy are very similar procedures. They address the same area and sometimes even the same concern. However, there are small differences that may make one better than the other for a particular patient. Additionally, it is possible for patients to undergo both procedures. The table below details some of the differences between the surgeries.

When combined, the “apron” skin of the panniculectomy is removed, the abdominal muscles tightened, and often liposuction performed. If a patient presenting with a pannus is interested in a tummy tuck, Dr. Jonov will likely recommend a tummy tuck with panniculectomy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If You Lose Twenty Pounds After Tummy Tuck?

Losing weight after a tummy tuck is relatively common. Moderate weight loss of up to twenty or even thirty pounds for some patients will likely not have a major effect and the skin should retract. However, if a patient loses significant weight like fifty pounds or more, this may require a revision tummy tuck.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Tummy Tuck?

If patients maintain a stable weight post-surgery, they can enjoy their results long term, if not permanently. Though, the skin is still susceptible to normal aging. Additionally, if any pregnancies or major weight gain occur, this may reverse the results.

How Much Weight Can Be Removed By Abdominoplasty?

Tummy tuck surgery is not weight loss surgery. In fact, it is more commonly performed after losing weight. Though, once the swelling subsides, patients may notice a difference of a few pounds. Generally, no more than five pounds is lost during a tummy tuck.

Are There Benefits To Combining A Tummy Tuck & Liposuction?

Yes, a tummy tuck and liposuction complement each other beautifully. Since an abdominoplasty addresses skin and liposuction removes fat, this combination often results in a smoother contour without unsightly bulges or awkward body contours from lack of fat removal.

Liposuction can also help cinch the waist. A tummy tuck generally corrects the muscles up to the ribs. However, this will not bring the waist in or take fat from the waist. Liposuction can quickly and easily snatch the waist during a tummy tuck.

How Much Is A Tummy Tuck In Bellevue, WA?

Abdominoplasty surgery with Dr. Craig Jonov at Seattle Plastic Surgery starts at $7,485. Outside financing is available through Care Credit, Alphaeon, and United Medical Credit.

The Best Bellevue Abdominoplasty By Dr. Craig Jonov

Dr. Craig Jonov is an accomplished cosmetic surgeon with over two decades of experience. Along with body contouring surgery like tummy tucks, Dr. Jonov also specializes in breast surgery. He frequently performs them together as part of mommy makeover surgery. Dr. Craig Jonov performs the best tummy tuck Bellevue provides.

Seattle Plastic Surgery has served the Bellevue, Kirkland, and Seattle areas with quality plastic surgery for several years. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-324-1120. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.