We all desire a flat, youthful tummy. However, age, child bearing, lack of exercise and weight gain are the enemies in this battle. A tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) is an excellent option to remove excess abdominal skin and fat and achieve a flatter stomach. In addition, Dr. Salemy designs the procedure to narrow the waist and tighten the abdominal muscles that often loosen with pregnancy, time or age, and he does so through a limited incision placed very low in the bikini line. This comprehensive and detailed approach gives Dr. Salemy's patients the youthful, flattened and narrowed waistline they desire.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise. We can also help older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.
Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy. Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to delay abdominoplasty.
We also encourage patients who intend to lose a lot of weight to wait before undergoing the procedure, since skin in the abdominal area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.
Customized Treatment for Optimal Cosmetic Results
Dr. Salemy takes the time in our Seattle clinic during every pre-operative consultation to learn what his patients want to achieve from a tummy tuck both for their bodies and for their self-confidence. By listening to what patients have to say and closely examining them rather than performing a one-size-fits-all procedure on every person, Dr. Salemy provides patients with completely customized treatment that takes into account their specific goals.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Abdominoplasty takes approximately two to three hours under general anesthesia. Dr. Salemy will make two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel. He will separate the skin from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. Dr. Salemy will then redrape the skin flap down and over the newly tightened muscles, remove excess skin, and reattach the navel in a natural position. Finally, he will close the incisions and apply sterile surgical dressings over the sutured areas.
Recovery after Abdominoplasty
A temporary tube will be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Recovery time is typically two weeks.
Tummy Tuck Results
Abdominoplasty will leave a scar spanning the lower abdomen from hip to hip. Dr. Salemy is very careful to make the incision low enough for even a bikini to conceal the scar.
With a balanced diet and regular exercise, results are long-lasting.
Risks of Abdominoplasty
Though rare, post-operative complications from surgery are possible. They may include infection, blood clots, and poor healing, which may require further surgery.
Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched or generally more noticeable after the procedure. A scar revision procedure after abdominoplasty may minimize the appearance of an unsightly scar.
Contact us today to schedule a Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) consultation in our Seattle office!
Click here to see Before and After Photos of a Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty)
Click here to read frequently asked questions about Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty)
