Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to create a firmer, flatter abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. This procedure is ideal for individuals looking to refine their abdominal contours and achieve a more toned and sculpted appearance.

Dr. Susan Yang, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, specializes in abdominoplasty within the greater Seattle area. Recognized as a leading provider of tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Susan Yang has a wealth of experience in helping both men and women of various ages and backgrounds attain their desired abdominal aesthetics.

Dr. Yang's approach to abdominoplasty is tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring outcomes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also promote a sense of confidence and well-being.

Dr. Yang offers comprehensive tummy tuck procedures to address excess skin, stubborn fat, and weakened abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is ideal for individuals seeking significant improvement in their abdominal area, particularly after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. With a full tummy tuck, Dr. Yang expertly removes excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles, resulting in a firmer, more contoured midsection.

For those with more localized concerns in the lower abdomen, Dr. Yang provides mini tummy tuck procedures tailored to meet your specific needs. With a smaller incision and focused approach, a mini tummy tuck targets excess skin and fat below the navel, delivering impressive results with less downtime. This procedure is perfect for individuals looking to refine their lower abdominal area and achieve a more toned appearance.

During your consultation, Dr. Susan Yang will assess your abdominal area, including skin condition, muscle tone, and overall body shape. She will discuss your goals for the procedure, as well as your general health and any medical conditions that could affect the surgery. A tummy tuck typically takes two to three hours and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, although more extensive surgeries might require a short hospital stay.

Dr. Yang will create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your specific needs, which will outline the type of anesthesia to be used and the precise techniques she will employ, such as removing excess skin, fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles. She will ensure that the plan aligns with your aesthetic goals, including the possibility of additional procedures that may enhance your results. It's not uncommon for patients to combine a tummy tuck with other body contouring surgeries.

The recovery period and post-operative care for a tummy tuck depend on the extent of the surgery performed. A full abdominoplasty usually requires a more extended recovery time compared to a mini-tummy tuck due to the larger area involved and the complexity of the procedures.

After your tummy tuck, you will have dressings on your incision, and in some cases, you may have drains placed to remove excess fluid. These drains and dressings are typically managed within the first week post-surgery. Dr. Susan Yang will prescribe pain relief as necessary, and you may also be given a compression garment to support your abdomen as it heals.

Initial discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common, but these symptoms gradually improve over the first few weeks. It's important to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least six weeks to ensure proper healing. Dr. Yang will advise on gradually resuming normal activities, including a return to a balanced diet to support recovery.

Patients can often return to work within 2-3 weeks, depending on the nature of their job, but it might take several months for the swelling to fully subside and the final results to become apparent.