Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Dr. Alexander Sobel performs full and mini tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery at the AAAHC-accredited Bellevue, WA practice. Full abdominoplasty removes excess lower abdominal skin and fat, repairs the separated rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis recti), and repositions the navel to create a flat, toned abdominal profile. The procedure typically takes two to three hours and is most requested by patients who have experienced post-pregnancy changes or significant weight loss. Mini tummy tuck addresses below-the-navel concerns with a shorter incision and less downtime. Financing options are available for all eligible patients.

Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) at Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery in Bellevue, WA addresses the three primary structural changes that affect the abdominal wall after pregnancy or significant weight fluctuation: excess lower abdominal skin, persistent subcutaneous fat, and separation of the paired rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba (diastasis recti). All three components are addressed simultaneously in a full abdominoplasty, which distinguishes the procedure from liposuction — a fat-reduction-only technique that does not address skin excess or muscle separation. The full abdominoplasty begins with a horizontal incision placed low on the lower abdomen, positioned to fall within the natural bikini line for concealment. The abdominal skin and subcutaneous tissue are elevated off the underlying muscle fascia from the incision up to the costal margin, creating a large skin flap. Diastasis recti repair is then performed by placing a series of permanent sutures along the length of the widened linea alba, drawing the two rectus abdominis muscle columns back toward the midline and restoring the structural integrity and functional tension of the abdominal wall — an outcome that also reduces the abdominal bulge and tightens the apparent waistline. The umbilicus is detached from the skin flap during elevation, held in position on its vascular pedicle, and later brought through a new opening in the tightened skin at its anatomically correct position. The excess lower abdominal skin flap is then pulled downward under light tension, the surplus excised, and the incision closed in layers. Liposuction of the flanks can be performed in the same operative setting where the anatomy permits safe combined treatment, further improving the overall silhouette. The mini tummy tuck uses a shorter incision and does not require umbilicoplasty; it is suited to patients whose skin excess and muscle laxity are confined to the area below the navel. Bellevue and Seattle-area patients typically require three to six weeks for return to full physical activity, with walking encouraged from day one to support circulation. The practice serves patients from across the greater Seattle metro including Mercer Island, Issaquah, Sammamish, and Tacoma.