A flat tummy is a symbol of fitness and youth, but sometimes pregnancy, periods of inactivity, significant weight loss, or heredity conspire against us. A tummy tuck in Bellevue (Abdominoplasty) can safely remove excess fat and skin to achieve the healthy figure patients desire. A tummy tuck can also help re-tighten abdominal muscles, which often become stretched during pregnancy.
Pregnancy, genetics, significant or surgical weight loss, and periods of inactivity can create areas of fat and loose skin that diet and exercise cannot get rid of. A tummy tuck can provide a narrower waist, a firmer abdomen, and a more sculpted shape. This body sculpting procedure can also make patients more comfortable and confident in their bodies.
Tummy tucks are a fairly standard procedure in Bellevue, and while incision points and the extent of fat and tissue removal may vary, the general procedure is consistent. However, there are several variations or combination procedures that may be appropriate for some patients:
A “mommy makeover” is a common term for a combination tummy tuck and breast lift. After pregnancy, many women experience loose skin, stretch marks, deflated and sagging breasts, and excess fat deposits. This combination procedure firms and raises the breasts while tightening and reshaping the abdomen.
Learn more about breast lift procedures and options.
When fat deposits or loose skin are largely below the navel, a mini-tummy tuck may be a good alternative. It involves the same procedure only without the incisions around the navel. The procedure is less invasive, the recovery is shorter, and there are fewer visible scars. Dr. Min will help patients determine if this option can achieve the results they desire based on their body type.
Many patients who undergo Bariatric surgery for weight loss experience dramatic results, but an unfortunate side effect of that weight loss can be significant excess skin and pockets of uneven fat in the abdomen. Dr. Min has experience performing tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedures specifically for post-weight loss patients and can customize the procedure to fit your body and your health needs.
The role of the consultation in Bellevue is to ensure you feel informed, confident, and excited about your tummy tuck. During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will ask you about your desired appearance, as well as any specific concerns you have about the procedure. He will also ask you questions about your general health and activity levels to determine if he can meet your expectations. He will walk you through your options, explain the details of the tummy tuck procedure, and answer any questions you may have. You will have an opportunity to view extensive before and after photos. Dr. Min will assess factors such as the quality of the skin, the amount of underlying fatty tissue, the amount of excess skin, the elasticity of the skin, and the contour of your body. He will share and explain his opinions with you about what is most appropriate for your body and what results you can expect. Together you will decide on the details and timing of your procedure. In some cases, he may recommend additional body contouring procedures to achieve the results you desire. Finally, Dr. Min will make sure you know exactly what will happen on the day of your procedure, what you will experience while you recover, and what you can expect in the months and years to follow.
Our approach at Newvue is to always put our patient’s safety above all other concerns. We have invested in state-of-the-art tools, and our on-site surgical suite is one of the first in the region to be fully approved under the stringent new safety standards.
Nonetheless, we feel it is important that all our patients fully understand the risk(s) associated with a tummy tuck procedure in Bellevue. The most important thing to know is that Dr. Min and Newvue will stand by you should any complications arise and do everything we can to help you achieve your desired result. Risks associated with tummy tucks include: possible reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding & hematoma. During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will address all possible risks and complications with you and make sure that your questions and concerns are answered.
Prior to your tummy tuck surgery, we will schedule a preoperative appointment with Dr. Min in Bellevue. The purpose of this meeting is to make sure that your procedure goes smoothly and efficiently. Our staff will review the risks and benefits of the procedure, your consent forms, and answer any questions you might have. You may be given prescriptions to be filled prior to your surgery. You will be given a list of medications and supplements to avoid for two weeks before and after surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be advised to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. You should not smoke for at least two weeks following surgery.
We will do everything in our power to help you feel informed and relaxed on the day of your tummy tuck procedure in Bellevue. After you arrive, you will meet with Dr. Min and with your anesthesiologist. Once any questions you have are answered, you will be given medication to help you relax. You will be brought into the surgical suite, where you will be prepped for surgery and given a general anesthetic. Surgery usually takes 2-3 hours. You will wake up in the recovery room, where you are closely monitored. We will let you know how everything went and advise you on what to expect as you recover. You want to be sure to arrange for someone to pick you up and stay with you for the first couple of days as you adjust.
You are still our patient after you leave, and we will be there for you as you recover to answer any questions you may have and advise you on any side effects you may be feeling. You can expect to feel tired and sore after the tummy tuck surgery in Bellevue, and you will experience some swelling and discomfort in the treated area, both of which can be managed with medication.
You may have a surgical drain installed in your abdomen, which you will use to periodically drain fluid from the site of the surgery. The drain will generally be removed at your first follow-up visit (1-2 weeks). You will likely wear a binding, abdominal dressing for 2-4 weeks following surgery. While some movement is permissible, most patients will want to avoid any even mildly strenuous exercise (such as climbing more than a few stairs) for 7-10 days. Most patients return to work in 1-2 weeks, but you should avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 4 weeks and avoid high-impact activities (skiing, wakeboarding, contact sports) for the duration of your recovery (6-8 weeks). Your stitches will dissolve and be absorbed by your body, so you will not have to worry about getting them removed.
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