Are you thinking about getting a tummy tuck in the Seattle area? Women and men of all ages seek out tummy tuck doctors when they’re looking to get rid of excess skin around the midsection. Maybe you’ve got sagging skin and stretch marks after pregnancy. Perhaps you’ve achieved substantial weight loss and now can’t seem to get rid of loose skin in the belly area. Whatever the case, if you’re frustrated by excessive abdominal skin that is troublesome, embarrassing or virtually impossible to eliminate by dieting and exercise, a tummy tuck procedure could be the best solution.
When the skin has been stretched for a long period of time, as it is during pregnancy or obesity, it loses its elasticity and cannot tighten to fit a smaller body. In addition, the abdominal wall muscles (rectus abdominis) can become stretched. This leaves some individuals with loose, hanging skin around the midsection. Folds in the excess skin are aesthetically displeasing and can cause discomfort and hygiene issues. A heavy lower abdominal fold (pannus) can also cause back pain.
While a tummy tuck operation — which is a surgery to remove excess skin on the stomach — can work for many individuals, it is typically best suited to non-smoking, healthy patients who are able to maintain a stable weight. You may also be interested in undergoing a tummy tuck after weight loss surgery to reduce excess skin. For these individuals, tummy tuck surgery can re-create a flat, firm abdomen by removing excess skin and tightening the muscles as well.
HOW COSMETIC SURGERY FOR A TUMMY TUCK WORKS
An abdominoplasty typically involves two steps. During the first step, the cosmetic surgeon removes the excess and overhanging skin from the lower abdomen in a procedure referred to as a panniculectomy. In some instances, a vertical incision may be needed to address upper abdominal skin laxity and to help create a narrower waistline. This is called a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty.
During the second phase of the surgery, the underlying abdominal muscles are tightened. Liposuction may be performed in some cases. The excess skin is then pulled tight and removed to create a smooth, contoured appearance.
Depending on how much loose skin there is, where it is located and any associated fat pads, a patient could require additional procedures, such as a thigh lift and body lift, to be performed at the same time. When you consult us, we can evaluate what would be the optimal solution for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE RECOVERY PROCESS
After undergoing a small tummy tuck for loose skin, you will be able to move around the next day. You may notice some swelling and discomfort, but medication can alleviate these symptoms. You can expect to return to normal activities within three weeks and to experience complete healing within three to six months. Best of all, you can achieve a smoother, flatter stomach and a more attractive appearance as a result of the tummy tuck.
YOUR TRUSTED TUMMY TUCK SURGEON IN SEATTLE
Choosing the Center for Weight Loss Surgery means opting for a surgical facility where your health and well-being are a priority and your care plan is created especially for you. Our facility has provided compassionate, comprehensive care since 2006, and our board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Myur Srikanth has performed well over 1,000 cosmetic procedures and 4,000 weight loss surgeries. He is a fellowship-trained, board-certified cosmetic surgeon specializing in tummy tuck surgery and other cosmetic procedures.
