Tummy Tuck Bellevue | Dr. Craig Jonov

One of the most frequently changing areas of the body is the abdomen. Weight gain and loss, pregnancy, injuries, and aging all change the appearance of the abdomen throughout a lifetime. Pregnancy and weight fluctuations generally cause the most dramatic and quick changes in how the abdomen appears—in and out of clothing. Flabby, loose skin commonly bunches up on the tummy after pregnancy or weight loss. Unfortunately, even the healthiest diet and exercise routine cannot tighten the skin. An abdominoplasty surgery, or tummy tuck, is the most effective solution. Dr. Craig Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery provides the best tummy tuck Bellevue patients will find.

The Purpose Of A Tummy Tuck Surgery

There are two primary purposes of a tummy tuck: remove excess skin and correct separation of the abdominal muscles.

Unlike fat, it is impossible to make lifestyle changes and get rid of extra skin. The collection of extra skin largely depends on age and genetics. Younger patients are more likely to see their skin adequately retract than older patients. Still, only so much retraction is possible and patients who underwent massive weight loss will likely see extra skin regardless of age. Surgery is the best option for removing and tightening the skin. For extra abdominal skin, Bellevue tummy tuck surgery is the recommended skin removal procedure.

Diastasis recti—or separation of the two rows of abdominal muscles from one another—frequently occurs during and after pregnancy. In mild or rare cases, it may correct itself. However, for most patients, it will not. While some exercises may help, other traditional ab exercises may make it worse. Muscle plication—a surgical technique often performed during abdominoplasty surgery—can stitch the muscles back together and help strengthen the core.

Benefits & Risks

Tummy tuck surgery offers patients many amazing benefits. However, there are risks that patients should consider before choosing to undergo an abdominoplasty surgery. For most patients, the benefits will counteract the risks. Dr. Jonov can help patients determine their specific risk profile during a consultation.

The benefits of tummy tuck Bellevue surgery include:

• Flatter, more toned looking stomach
• Correct diastasis recti
• Tightening of abdominal skin
• Remove stretch marks on the lower abdomen
• Reposition or recreate the belly button for a natural appearance
• Low scar
• Address stubborn areas of fat
• Perform body contouring with liposuction to help achieve the patient’s ideal figure
• Reveal body’s true contours after massive weight loss
• May be able combined with other surgeries such as during a mommy makeover
• Enhance overall body contours
• Performed by a skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable Bellevue cosmetic surgeon

All surgeries—elective or not—come with some level of risk. This may differ for individual patients based on their medical history and the specifics of the surgical procedure. Generally, the risks of abdominoplasty surgery may include:

• Infection
• Skin or tissue death
• Visible or unsightly scarring
• Prolonged side effects like bruising or swelling
• Asymmetry
• Complications due to general anesthesia
• Hematoma
• Skin discoloration
• Bleeding

Major complications in patients who are good candidates for a tummy tuck are rare. Dr. Jonov will provide post-operative instructions that will help reduce overall risk.

Types Of Abdominoplasty

A Bellevue tummy tuck procedure is not one standard surgery. Patients come in all different shapes and sizes. Thus, tummy tucks need to fit the specific patient. Dr. Jonov offers many different types of tummy tucks at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck aims to correct only the lower abdomen below the belly button This means that it generally does move the belly button and will not correct separated abdominal muscles. The best candidates for a mini abdominal tuck are people who have only a small amount of extra skin that will likely not respond to less invasive skin tightening procedures.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck—also sometimes called a standard tummy tuck—is the most commonly performed version of the surgery. It addresses the full abdomen up to just underneath the waist. Dr. Jonov will remove skin from the lower abdomen usually extending above the belly button area. From there, he will suture together the separated six-pack muscles and pull the skin tightly back down to the incision. Dr. Jonov also performs liposuction with most of his tummy tucks to provide optimal results.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck gets its name from the technique used to extend the hip-to-hip incision further onto and sometimes around each hip. This allows Dr. Jonov to correct more of the abdomen such as the sides. Normally, he only removes skin from these areas. Otherwise, the extended version of the surgery mirrors the standard surgical technique.

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck

The fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is the most extensive form of tummy tuck surgery. It involves the traditional horizontal incision with an added vertical incision up the abdomen. This technique is generally reserved for patients who have undergone massive weight loss and need skin removal on multiple planes.

Reverse Tummy Tuck

The least common type of abdominoplasty surgery is a reverse tummy tuck. It uses an incision underneath the breast to remove extra skin from the upper abdomen. The reverse technique can be combined with other tummy tuck techniques if the patient could benefit from both.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Panniculectomy & How Is It Different From A Bellevue Abdominoplasty?

A panniculectomy is a procedure similar to a tummy tuck. However, it is not performed for cosmetic purposes and targets a specific structure known as the pannus. Also called an “apron belly,” it is skin and tissue that hangs down from the abdomen. It may cause issues, especially if it begins to interfere with the genital region. In these cases, a panniculectomy removes only the pannus and does not address the rest of the abdomen or the muscles.

Sometimes the two procedures are performed together. First, Dr. Jonov may remove the pannus and then he will proceed with the tummy tuck. The incision and location are usually roughly the same.

Can I Flatten My Stomach More After A Tummy Tuck?

Potentially, yes, it may be possible to further flatten the abdomen. Though, patients should wait to see their final results because sometimes the stomach will already look toned and flat. However, patients can continue to work out and gain strength in their abdominal muscles which can help remove visceral fat.

Visceral fat is the fat underneath the muscle that surrounds organs and other structures. This type of fat cannot be removed with liposuction. However, if a patient plans to lose significant weight after their tummy tuck, they may want to delay it and get closer to their ideal weight.

What Should I Wear Home After Tummy Tuck Surgery In Bellevue?

After tummy tuck Bellevue surgery, patients need to wear loose, comfortable clothing. For shirts, avoid tops that need to be pulled over the head. Button down, zip up, and similar fastenings are best. For bottoms, the waistband should sit above the incision and not be too tight. Therefore, patients should not wear jeans, leggings, or yoga pants. Loose sweatpants are usually recommended.

How Much Should I Walk After A Tummy Tuck?

Careful walking after a tummy tuck helps reduce the risk of complications. Though, patients do not need to go outside for a long walk. Short walks to and from the bathroom and around the house for a total of roughly thirty minutes each day are usually sufficient. Patients may break this up into shorter parts and walk more frequently.

What Is The Cost Of Abdominoplasty Bellevue Surgery?

The final cost of tummy tuck in Bellevue surgery depends on the type of surgery performed and several other factors. Tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery starts at $7,485. Patients will receive a final price quote at their consultation.

The Top Destination For Tummy Tuck Surgery In Bellevue, WA

Dr. Craig Jonov is an accomplished and renowned cosmetic surgeon serving the Bellevue, Washington area. He specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery of the face, breasts, and body. Dr. Jonov has also served as an educational liaison for dermal filler manufacturers where he taught correct techniques and applications. Dr. Jonov performs the best tummy tuck Bellevue offers.

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is a modern facility located off I-405. It serves surgical and non-surgical patients daily and offers a welcoming atmosphere. To learn more and schedule a free consultation, call us at 435-775-3561. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, and Price Simulator.