Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty is an operation that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and also tightens the abdominal wall. This surgical procedure can reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen and stomach. Tummy tuck surgical sculpting addresses much more than a regular liposuction procedure which is used only for localized fat accummulations.
The major concern with a Tummy Tuck is the length of a permanent scar where excess skin and fat are removed. A tummy tuck is less intensive than a total body lift, where scarring can extend around the entire body.
At Plastic Surgery Seattle, we recommend a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty), for men and women who have excessive skin on their abdomen that does not respond to exercise and diet. A tummy tuck is great for tightening and firming the lower abdominal muscles and removing fat cells. Tummy tuck is a popular procedure for women who, through the stretching of multiple pregnancies, have abdominal skin that will no longer firm up.
After massive weight loss, a tummy tuck can tighten sagging skin. Women who plan on having future pregnancies should consider waiting on this procedure as the muscles that are firmed up during abdominoplasty can separate again during pregnancy. Restretched skin may not return to normal proportions. Previous abdominal scars need to be evaluated during an in office examination to see if they might effect additional surgery. Abdominal scars like those sometimes seen after Caeserian delivery and other surgeries can be removed or improved during an abdominal sculpting procedure.
What Are the Risks Involved in Tummy Tuck Surgery?
At Plastic Surgery Seattle, we strive daily to reduce our patients' degree of risk through updated technology, ongoing doctor and staff training, and careful adherence to safety regulations. We take every precaution necessary to make sure each patient is in a safe and sterile environment. Our patients are comforted by Dr. Gottlieb's skill, experience and professionalism and feel good about entrusting their abdominoplasty expectations to us. Dr. Gottlieb will be happy to discuss any risks involved in this procedure during your tummy tuck consultation.
Although serious complications following a tummy tuck are rare, potential risks include clotting, bleeding, collection of fluid under the skin, navel deformity, anesthesia reaction, hematoma, heavy scarring, soft tissue loss, and infection.
