Tummy Tuck Bellevue | Northwest Face & Body

Achieving a flat tummy is not always as simple as losing weight. Unfortunately, even after the hard work and dedication it takes to lose weight, extra skin can hide the true results. Unlike fat which is metabolized with weight loss, the skin must contract on its own. Often, due to various factors such as the amount of weight loss, age, and previous pregnancies, the stretched skin does not adequately retract. Luckily, abdominoplasty surgery can help address loose, extra skin. Northwest Face & Body provides the best tummy tuck Bellevue offers.

Undergoing Tummy Tuck Surgery In Bellevue, Washington

A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that removes redundant skin from the abdomen. It also usually corrects diastasis recti. The condition is common after pregnancy in which the two rows of abdominal muscles separate from each other. Occasionally, a tummy tuck Bellevue may include liposuction to address stubborn fat deposits on and around the abdomen.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient surgery. The exact amount of surgical time will vary depending on the type of tummy tuck performed and other factors. Patients can expect between two and five hours of operating time on average.

Candidates

The best candidates for a Bellevue tummy tuck will be overall healthy and non-smokers. Patients should also present with anatomy that could benefit from a tummy tuck surgery. Likely, the patient has had one or more pregnancies or lost a significant amount of weight. Though, patients outside of these qualifications may still qualify for an abdominoplasty.

In some cases, Dr. Allegra may recommend other or additional procedures that a patient better qualifies for and/or which would provide better results. Ultimately, Dr. Allegra will determine if a patient is a good candidate for tummy tuck Bellevue surgery during a consultation.

Bellevue Tummy Tuck Before and After

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Benefits & Risks

A tummy tuck offers patients several benefits including cosmetic and functional advantages. When considering the benefits, patients should also factor in the risks of surgery. All surgeries—big and small—come with some level of inherent risk. While major complications are rare, Dr. Allegra and patients should look at both the benefits and risks to determine if a tummy tuck is worth it for an individual patient.

The benefits of tummy tuck surgery in Bellevue include:

• Trimmer looking figure
• Flatter tummy
• Strengthen core
• Correct a bulging stomach
• Promote better posture
• Help reduce chronic back pain
• Allow weight loss patients to see their true body contours
• Make it easier to exercise
• Reduce skin irritation where skin rubs together
• Can help fix and prevent ventral hernias
• Reduce symptoms of stress urinary incontinence
• Low scar
• Considered a very safe surgery when performed on a good candidate
• Performed by top Bellevue tummy tuck surgeon, Dr. Ludwig Allegra

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The risks of a tummy tuck Bellevue are similar to other elective, cosmetic procedures. Though, due to the large operative area and long surgical time, some risks are slightly higher. Dr. Allegra uses surgical techniques, patient screening, and catered post-operative instructions to help reduce the risk of tummy tuck surgery. Some of the possible risks may include:

• Prolonged side effects
• Infection
• Skin or tissue loss
• Seroma
• Bleeding
• Hematoma
• Visible, thick, or discolored scars
• Complications due to general anesthesia

Major risks that are untreatable or cause lasting effects are extremely rare in the United States when performed by a top surgeon. Dr. Allegra will discuss with a patient if they are at higher risk of any particular complication.

Consultation & Preparing For Abdominoplasty Surgery

The first step to getting the best Bellevue tummy tuck results is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ludwig Allegra at Northwest Face & Body. At this appointment, Dr. Allegra will ask patients about their goals and expectations for the surgery. Next, he will review the patient’s medical history and lifestyle. Finally, Dr. Allegra will perform a physical exam of the abdomen. He will identify skin quality, feel for diastasis recti, and determine if a tummy tuck is the best option.

If a good candidate, the patient may begin preparing for surgery. This could include taking steps such as:

• Obtain medical clearances (if necessary)
• Make lodging, caregiver, transportation, and childcare arrangements
• Ensure that the recovery environment is clean
• Shower before surgery and follow any shaving or specific hygiene instructions
• Know when you can last eat and drink before surgery
• Arrange time off work
• Wear loose, easy to remove clothing
• Fill prescriptions before surgery
• Stop smoking or drinking on the timeline Dr. Allegra provides

Tummy Tuck Bellevue Recovery

A tummy tuck recovery may look slightly different for each patient. Dr. Allegra will provide personalized instructions to each patient. Some of the common recovery instructions include:

• Remain hunched over to prevent stress on the incision
• Do not lift anything heavy
• Shower after 48 hours, but do not take baths
• Attend post-operative appointments
• Limit prescription pain medications as much as possible
• Rest, but make sure to get up and walk frequently
• Do not touch the incisions
• Massage or undergo specific massages as instructed
• Do not smoke
• Avoid removing any medical dressings on your own
• Wear compression garment as necessary
• Do not lay flat

Dr. Allegra will provide other directions based on the specific procedure and the patient’s needs. All post-operative directions aim to reduce the chances of complications and increase patient comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are All Tummy Tuck Incisions From Hip-To-Hip?

Yes, with a few rare exceptions, nearly all tummy tuck incisions span from hip to hip. Dr. Allegra works to make the incision as thin and as low as possible. Dr. Allegra can discuss what the incisions will look like and where they will be located during a consultation.

Should I Get A Tummy Tuck If I Plan To Have More Kids?

No, it is best to undergo a tummy tuck after all planned pregnancies. This is because pregnancy after Bellevue tummy tuck surgery can reverse the results and cause the need for revisional surgery. Getting pregnant after the procedure is not dangerous. However, to maintain the results in the long-term, it is best not to plan to have any more children.

How Serious Is Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis recti—as mentioned earlier—is the separation of each column of the six-pack muscles. The condition itself is not dangerous or harmful. Though, it can make patients more susceptible to hernias and can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as urinary incontinence, poor posture, and back pain. If the symptoms become too troublesome, diastasis recti repair via a tummy tuck Bellevue may be worth it.

What Is Different Between A Male Tummy Tuck & A Female Tummy Tuck?

Both men and women undergo tummy tucks. Female patients make up the majority of tummy tuck patients. This is due to the damage pregnancy causes to the abdomen. More and more men are choosing to undergo tummy tuck surgery though. 

Men who undergo the surgery are frequently patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. This can also cause diastasis recti and extra skin. Women usually undergo the surgery after pregnancy. Beyond the reasoning for the procedure, the surgical techniques themselves are nearly identical.

Since men have thicker muscles and less fat, they are more likely to see muscle definition after a tummy tuck. They may also undergo high definition liposuction to help define the abs. Women sometimes have defined abs following a tummy tuck, but it is less common.

How Much Is A Tummy Tuck Bellevue?

A Bellevue tummy tuck with Dr. Ludwig Allegra at Northwest Face & Body starts at $7,485. Patients can apply for outside financing through Care Credit, Alphaeon, or United Medical Credit. At a consultation appointment, patients receive a customized price quote and more financing information about the total tummy tuck cost Bellevue, WA.

The Top Destination For Bellevue Tummy Tuck Surgery

Northwest Face & Body has served the Bellevue, Washington area for over three decades. Located on the shores of Lake Washington, the beautiful lake atmosphere and facility provides a comforting environment for patients seeking plastic surgery. Patients often feel vulnerable during the process. The Northwest Face & Body team aims to make the patient feel validated and comfortable. Dr. Ludwig Allegra offers the best tummy tuck Bellevue performs.

Dr. Ludwig Allegra is an accomplished surgeon who warmly welcomes every patient. Along with his technical surgical skill, he has amazing artistic ability which led him to a career in cosmetic plastic surgery.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us or reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.