Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
For many people, the stomach is an area of insecurity. This insecurity can be caused by many things, including stubborn stomach fat, exercise-resistant fat deposits, weakened or separated abdominal muscles, and excess skin. Many people who experience pregnancy or significant weight loss may also find that their abdomen looks significantly different and wish to restore a smoother, flatter appearance. Fortunately, tummy tuck surgery can be a transformative experience for these individuals.
Renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Alexander Gougoutas performs tummy tuck surgery in Seattle, WA, to help patients address loose skin and excess fat in the abdominal area. After a tummy tuck, patients often report feeling more confident and comfortable in their bodies, both in everyday life and while wearing a wide range of clothing options.
Get In TouchTable of Contents
- See Results From Actual Patients: Tummy Tuck Before & After Pictures
- What Our Patients Have to Say: Tummy Tuck Testimonials
- Tummy Tuck Cost in Seattle
- Why Choose Dr. Alexander Gougoutas for Your Tummy Tuck in Seattle?
- Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
- What Is a Tummy Tuck?
- Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
- Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
- What Are My Tummy Tuck Options?
- How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck
- Tummy Tuck Recovery & Aftercare
- Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
See Results From Actual Patients: Tummy Tuck Before & After Pictures
This 33 year-old patient had a high lateral tension abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, the HLTA allows aggressive liposuction contouring of the upper abdomen, a lower scar this is easier to hide and a mini lateral thigh lift.
This 41 year-old patient had a high lateral tension abdominoplasty (HLTA tummy tuck) as part of a mommy makeover procedure. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, the HLTA allows aggressive liposuction contouring of the upper abdomen, a lower scar that is easier to hide and a mini lateral thigh lift.
What Our Patients Have to Say: Tummy Tuck Testimonials
“The results of Dr. Gougoutas’ surgical care are excellent. Dr. Gougoutas performed the HLTA tummy tuck on me. With HLTA, I have a more natural and lasting appearance than I would have with a traditional tummy tuck. Dr. Gougoutas repaired my diastasis recti, removed excess tissue (thanks pregnancy), and gave me the best, most realistic looking belly button. Since my surgery, other physicians have made positive comments about Dr. Gougoutas’ work, including remarks about the minimal appearance of the incisions and the rapid fading of the scars. If you’re worried about the recovery time, don’t be. Dr. Gougoutas and his team do a lot to position you for rapid recovery considering the intensity of this surgery. Just listen to them and do exactly what they say. You’ll be glad you went for it.” – Nicole F.
“Dr. Gougoutas was great with me. I loved the results of my TT and BR it literally changed my life. If I’d do another surgery I’d totally come back with him and I already recommended him to my friends. He was also so caring and human, explained everything with [a] lot of patience and even approached me when I wasn’t feeling great. Thank you doctor!” – Bernardita R.
Tummy Tuck Cost in Seattle
Your tummy tuck cost will depend on a few key factors, including but not limited to the complexity and extent of the procedure, anesthesia services, and whether you choose to combine your tummy tuck with another procedure. These factors will be discussed in more detail during your private tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Gougoutas. You will then receive a personalized price quote for your procedure to help you prepare for the costs.
Why Choose Dr. Alexander Gougoutas for Your Tummy Tuck in Seattle?
Your surgeon’s skill level, expertise, and experience will all play a role in the tummy tuck results you achieve. There are, of course, other factors that will impact your results; however, it is essential to understand the importance of choosing the right surgeon. You’ll want to choose someone who is both an expert at performing tummy tucks and someone you can trust and feel comfortable with.
Dr. Alexander Gougoutas is a board-certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon recognized for designing transformative results, collaborating closely with his patients, and creating beautiful outcomes that align with their goals. He is known for being an expert in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures for the body, breasts, and face. He also has extensive experience in performing non-surgical rejuvenation treatments.
Not all tummy tucks are created equally. Dr. Gougoutas uses a specialized tummy tuck technique called high lateral-tension abdominoplasty, which allows for epigastric (upper abdominal region) contouring, a mini outer lateral thigh lift, and a lower scar that is easier to conceal. This advanced technique is not offered at all plastic surgery practices. Dr. Gougoutas is one of the few plastic surgeons who not only knows this technique but has consistently performed it successfully with beautiful results.
When patients come to Dr. Gougoutas for a tummy tuck, they can feel confident that they will be educated on all their options, receive a personalized treatment plan, and build a long-term, trusting patient-surgeon relationship. Dr. Gougoutas highly values listening to patients’ concerns and goals and structuring a surgical plan around this open discussion. He understands the importance of working together with patients to achieve the shared goal of amazing results that patients are happy with.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
Do you feel held back by excess fat and skin in your abdomen? If you find yourself unable to wear the clothes you want or feel uncomfortable in your own skin, it may be time to consider tummy tuck surgery.
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery and what your options are in Seattle, WA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gougoutas. Call (206) 320-6138 or complete our online contact form to get started today.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that alters the abdomen by removing loose, excess skin, tightening the abdominal muscles, and eliminating stubborn fat pockets. This surgery can transform the appearance of the stomach, leaving you with a smoother, slimmer, and more defined abdomen.
The stomach is one of the most challenging areas of the body to target for fat loss. As a result, many people struggle with stubborn fat deposits in the stomach that persist even after adhering to a strict healthy diet and incorporating regular exercise into their lives. For those who have lost a significant amount of weight, it is common to be left with excess skin around the abdomen that can cause skin chafing and make clothing fit uncomfortably. Additionally, women who have undergone pregnancy often experience separation of the abdominal muscles and excess abdominal skin once their weight stabilizes post-childbirth. Tummy tuck surgery can address all these concerns and provide patients with a waistline they feel comfortable and confident in.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck procedure may include the following benefits:
- Smoother waistline
- Elimination of excess fat and skin in the stomach
- Strengthened abdominal muscles
- Flatter stomach
- Increased comfort in a broader range of clothing
- Boosted confidence in your overall appearance
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
You may be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Have loose, excess, sagging skin on the stomach
- Struggle to get rid of stubborn stomach fat
- Have weak or separated abdominal muscles
- Experience irritable chafing due to excess abdominal skin
- Want to have a slimmer, more contoured stomach
- Are able to maintain a stable weight
- Have realistic expectations for results
The best way to determine if a tummy tuck procedure is right for your needs is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gougoutas.
During a consultation, your areas of concern will be evaluated, and you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your surgical goals. If you are deemed a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Gougoutas will create a customized surgical plan to help make your desired results a reality.
What Are My Tummy Tuck Options?
There are a few different tummy tuck techniques, each warranting different results. The best type of tummy tuck for you will depend on your physique and goals, which will be discussed during your consultation. Below, we’ve broken down two main tummy tuck techniques to give you a better idea of how they work.
Traditional Tummy Tuck
A traditional or conventional tummy tuck removes excess skin, repairs the abdominal muscles, and repositions the belly button. The incision line is made on the lower abdomen above the pubic area, in a long horizontal line. During the procedure, maximal tension is placed centrally. This limits the ability to alter the upper abdominal region in the future. Additionally, over time, the tension placed in the midline of the stomach results in the tummy tuck scar elevating, making it next to impossible to hide it beneath underwear or swimsuits. This technique can also result in abnormal vertical tensions in the groin, distorting its natural shape.
High Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty
The high lateral-tension abdominoplasty (HLTA) technique is an advanced method used by Dr. Gougoutas that yields optimal tummy tuck results. Instead of the traditional tummy tuck incision, the high lateral-tension abdominoplasty uses a “cut as you go” approach. This method allows your surgeon to follow the natural skin tension lines of your abdomen and apply maximal skin tension laterally over the thighs, rather than in the midline of the stomach. Some of the notable benefits of the HLTA technique include a low and easily concealable scar, allowing for significant liposuction contouring of the waist, no distortion of the mons pubis, and a mini outer lateral thigh lift.
How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck
In preparation for a tummy tuck, ensure you are at or near your goal weight. This is essential since tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure, and you’ll need to maintain a healthy weight post-surgery to prolong the longevity of your results. It is recommended to establish a habit of eating a balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods and finding an exercise routine that works for you. Doing this before your surgery will help you stay consistent with this lifestyle after surgery, which will benefit your results.
You’ll be given preoperative instructions to help you prepare for your tummy tuck. These instructions may include the following:
- If you’re a smoker, stop smoking at least six weeks prior to surgery
- Get necessary lab tests to ensure you’re in good health
- Make adjustments to your medications to avoid increased bleeding during surgery
- Drink lots of water before surgery to stay hydrated
- Arrange for childcare or pet care assistance if applicable
- Prepare your space at home for recovery
- Arrange for someone to stay with you at home for at least the first 24 hours after surgery
- On the day of your procedure, arrive in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and slip-on shoes
Tummy Tuck Recovery & Aftercare
Tummy tuck recovery will vary slightly for each patient. Once you wake up from the anesthesia, you may feel disoriented, and as the medication wears off, you’ll start to feel some discomfort. Your incision sites will be covered with bandages to help keep them clean and protected.
Over the next few days, you can expect to experience some redness, swelling, and pain. Your stomach may feel sore and tender, and you won’t be able to stand up fully straight for a while as the abdominal muscles heal.
You’ll receive aftercare instructions from Dr. Gougoutas to ensure proper healing. These instructions will detail when to come in for follow-up appointments, when surgical drains are removed, when you can return to work, and which activities need to be restricted for the time being.
Schedule Your Seattle Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
Dr. Alexander Gougoutas and his qualified team are here to help you achieve the body contouring you’ve always dreamed of with a tummy tuck.
Call (206) 320-6138 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation today.