Our plastic surgery specialist Dr. Tarak H. Patel is able to tighten the abdominal wall and remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. All stretch marks and scars will disappear below the belly button, leaving you with a smooth, flat stomach.
Patients who typically consider abdominoplasty have one or more of the following concerns:
- Loose abdominal muscles (diastasis) with skin elasticity following pregnancy
- Ineffective dieting and exercise
- Desire to remove fat deposits and skin
- Significant weight loss resulting in an excessive amount of skin
Your Consultation
Your initial consultation is an important part of your journey towards considering abdominoplasty surgery. At your consultation, you can discuss your questions, concerns, and expectations about the procedure with Dr. Patel. He will also explain any risks and potential complications, review your overall health and medical history, assess your skin tone, and determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region.
Understanding Your Abdominoplasty Surgery
Dr. Patel offers both mini-tummy tucks, full tummy tucks, and circumferential tummy tucks to his patients. He also combines liposuction with this procedure if necessary. Dr. Patel will discuss the various options with you and design a customized treatment plan based on your own unique anatomy.
Incision Types
Abdominoplasty
This technique uses a low incision near the bikini line, allowing Dr. Patel to tighten the entire abdominal area. Excess skin is removed, the belly button is re-contoured, and the abdominal muscles are tightened through this approach. Liposuction is performed to remove excess fat if necessary. Liposuction “and Renuvion” is performed to remove excess fat if necessary
Mini-Tummy Tuck
A less invasive option, a mini-tummy tuck uses a smaller, lower incision, and the navel is not moved as it is in a full tummy tuck. This method is successful for those who have excess skin and fat only below the belly button. In addition, liposuction can be used to remove excess fat if necessary. Liposuction “and Renuvion” is performed to remove excess fat if necessary
Extended Tummy Tuck
This technique gets its name from the length of the incision made during the procedure, which is “extended” or longer than other abdominoplasties. It is regularly performed for patients who have significant loose skin in the midsection, flanks, or lower back, which commonly occurs following massive weight loss or post-bariatric surgery.
Fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty
This technique is referred to as the “Fleur de Lis” because the incisions look like the shape of the French signet. It is typically performed for patients who have had weight loss surgery or have lost a considerable amount of weight. These patients can have significant amounts of skin laxity along with the upper lateral aspects of the abdominal wall, which would not be addressed by a traditional abdominoplasty. In addition to the transverse abdominal incision, a vertical incision is made to address the patient’s skin laxity. Muscle tightening and liposuction are also used with this technique as needed.
Recovery
Abdominoplasty recovery differs depending upon the patient and the technique used. Most Cascade Plastic Surgery patients take a minimum of two weeks off from work, but others may need up to three weeks off. For all patients, strenuous activity should be limited for 4-6 weeks following your procedure.
It is common for abdominoplasty patients to experience some bruising, swelling, and tenderness for several weeks. Pain medication will be prescribed by Dr. Patel to manage any pain or discomfort during your recovery. Dr. Patel will discuss detailed post-care instructions with you based on your customized surgical plan and closely monitor your healing at your follow-up visits at either our University Place or Puyallup locations.
