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Dr. Megan Dreveskracht
Nov 15, 2021
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THE BODY YOU DESERVE
As a top Seattle Female Plastic Surgeon, no one understands better the challenges, goals, and aesthetic details of the female body.
liposuction
SEATTLE LIPOSUCTION
01
CHIN
Chin liposuction can be performed awake and in the office for powerful, lasting results.
02
BREAST
Liposuction can be performed to lateral breast fullness, the axillary fat pad, or to the breast itself.
03
ARMS
Arm liposuction can help address stubborn fat in the upper and posterior arms.
04
ABDOMEN/TRUNK
Liposuction can address stubborn fat of the abdomen, waist, posterior flanks or upper back.
05
LEGS
Liposuction is commonly done on the inner, outer and posterior thighs as well as the knee.
LIPOSUCTION
IN SEATTLE
WHAT IS LIPOSUCTION?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure for both Men and Women which permanently removes fat from areas such as the neck, arms, abdomen and thighs. It is also a tool that is used to “sculpt” certain areas such as the chest or abdomen to help enhance the underlying musculature. It is an outpatient procedure that can be done with varying levels of anesthesia depending on the number and location of the areas performed. Though the fat is permanently removed, maintaining results with a healthy diet and exercise routine postoperatively is key to long lasting results.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
The best candidates for liposuction plastic surgery are in overall good health, maintain a healthy and stable weight, and are motivated to maintain their aesthetic results after surgery. Because liposuction alone will not tighten loose skin, ideal candidates do not have significant skin laxity. If there is significant skin laxity present, then combining liposuction with a skin excision procedure such as a Tummy Tuck is most appropriate.
THE PROCEDURE:
Liposuction is performed in our AAAASF Ambulatory Surgery Center, located on the 16th floor of the Nordstrom Medical Tower in downtown Seattle, Washington. During the procedure, multiple small incisions (3 to 4 mm) are created within camouflaged areas such as the groin creases or belly button. First, a Tumescent solution is injected into the areas. The Tumescent solution is a combination of Saline, Lidocaine and Epinephrine to help facilitate fat removal, decrease bleeding and provide postoperative pain control. After this step, small liposuction cannulas are inserted through the incisions in order to remove the fat. It is important to continually monitor the skin for uniform thickness and overall contour. Once the optimal contour has been achieved, the incisions are closed with a simple, dissolvable suture. Patients are placed in a compression garment after surgery which they will wear for upwards of six months to achieve the best plastic surgery results. Results from liposuction take time and patience is critical. Dr. Megan generally tells her patients that five or six months is needed in order to see final results.
AFTER SURGERY:
After surgery has been completed and the patient has been placed in a compression garment, they are then discharged home for recovery. We encourage all our patients to be up and moving around after surgery in order to help mobilize fluid and prevent blood clots in the legs. Patients will be provided with compression stockings. Patients remain in their postoperative compression garments until the first postoperative visit. The first 2-3 days after surgery patients will notice drainage from their incisions sites-- this is normal and is due to the tumescent solution that was added to the tissue prior to fat removal. Patients generally require pain medication for the first couple of days after surgery and the average time off work is approximately one week.
WHEN WILL I SEE MY RESULTS?
Final results after liposuction can take upwards of 5 to 6 months to reveal themselves. The process of removing fat creates lots of swelling that will take time to resolve itself. Fat cells that are damaged during the process of liposuction will be reabsorbed by the body slowely. Even more, when we are performing fine, detailed Lipo Sculpting, we must have even more patience to await our results as even a couple of millimeters of swelling will temporarily alter the final contour.
MAINTAINING RESULTS:
Once fat cells have been performed with cosmetic liposuction, maintenance of a patient's cosmetic surgery result is critical with diet and exercise. It is important to remember that liposuction is not a weight loss tool and is best utilized for stubborn areas of fat that are relatively resistant to diet and exercise. While fat cells that are removed with liposuction will not regrow, the fat cells that remain can grow larger, causing the areas to regain fat and bulk.
COMBINING PROCEDURES WITH LIPOSUCTION:
Most plastic surgery procedures that Dr. Megan performs in her Seattle practice involve some area of liposuction. Tummy tucks often involve liposuction of the waist or flank region to better improve the torso as a whole unit. Breast lifts and breast reductions often include liposuction on the lateral aspect of the breast/chest or to the axillary fat pad to create a more global approach to improved plastic surgery results. During your consultation with Dr. Megan in her Seattle office, she will go through the components of your plastic surgery procedure and where liposuction may be beneficial to enhance your overall aesthetic outcomes.
01
How Long After My Liposuction Surgery Before I Can Work Out?
Most patients will only be required to take a few weeks off from the gym after liposuction. However, the areas of liposuction will be prone to swelling even months after surgery, so compression is key!
02
Can I Just Get Liposuction Again If I Gain Weight Back?
True, repeat liposuction is possible. However, with each round of liposuction surgery, the surgery gets more risky and creates more scar tissue. This makes it more likely to have a less-than-optimal outcome and increases your risk of damaging surrounding tissue structures.
03
What's The Most Common Complication of Liposuction?
The most common complication following liposuction is contour irregularities, or irregularities in the thickness of the tissue, Bleeding, infection, healing issues and seroma are also known complications.
04
How Painful Is Liposuction?
Every patient's postoperative journey is different; however, most patients report only a feeling of soreness following liposuction plastic surgery.
LIPOSUCTION
tummy tuck
TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)
IN SEATTLE
WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
A Tummy Tuck, or an Abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure performed by a Plastic Surgeon to remove loose, stretched out abdominal skin, reshape and tighten the waist, and remove stubborn abdominal fat. As we age, with pregnancy, or with weight loss and weight gain, the skin of the abdominal wall stretches out but rarely re-tightens. In addition, we tend to gain that extra, stubborn “fluff” around the abdomen over time. While diet and exercise are important for a healthy routine, they often do little to tighten the skin, decrease stretch marks or shrink the waist. An Abdominoplasty is a 3-Dimensional procedure aimed at restoring the aesthetics of all the layers of the abdomen. The innermost “core” can be reconstructed by moving the Rectus Muscles (vertical ab muscles) back to their midline position. This is called a Diastasis Repair. The intervening fat layer can be liposuctioned, and the outermost skin is removed and tightened.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
The ideal candidates for a Tummy Tuck are in good overall health and are at a stable and healthy weight. For weight loss patients, this procedure is most optimally placed at the end of their weight loss journey. We recommend that women wait until they are done having children before undergoing a Tummy Tuck plastic surgery procedure. Patients with a history of blood clots or who have multiple risk factors for blood clots after surgery may be required to take a blood thinner after surgery.
A CLOSER LOOK:
A careful evaluation of the trunk as a whole must be done in order to assess which areas will need to be addressed during surgery. During your seattle plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Megan will examine the amount and location of loose skin, the location and extent of fat deposits and the position of the rectus muscles and presence of a rectus diastasis. There are multiple variations of a Tummy Tuck that can be tailored to meet each individual patient’s anatomy and goals:
STANDARD
MINI TUMMY TUCK
FLEUR DE LIS
STANDARD TUMMY TUCK
A “Traditional” Tummy Tuck is best suited for patients whose main issue is the loose, stretched out skin of the upper and lower abdomen. All loose skin below the belly button is removed, and the skin above the belly button is pulled down to an incision placed just above the pubic bone, where it can be hidden by a bikini or underwear. The belly button remains attached to the underlying muscle layer but a new hole must be made for it once the skin has been redraped.
Liposuction of the waist can be performed simultaneously, as can a rectus diastasis repair.
MINI TUMMY TUCK
This procedure uses a shorter scar just above the pubic bone to remove loose skin of the LOWER abdomen only. It does not tighten skin above the level of the belly button and is best suited for patients who have isolated skin laxity and stretch marks below the belly button.
Liposuction can be added for additional sculpting and the Rectus muscles below the belly button can be tightened in a partial rectus diastasis repair.
FLEUR DE LIS TUMMY TUCK
A fleur de lis tummy tuck involves removing abdominal skin both horizontally and vertically, leaving a traditional tummy tuck scar low on the abdomen and also a vertical midline scar. This type of tummy tuck is generally used for patients with significant loose abdominal tissue, such as after massive weight loss.
A rectus diastasis repair can be performed simultaneously and liposuction can be combined with this tummy tuck, although more judiciously.
COMBINING LIPOSUCTION WITH A TUMMY TUCK:
Liposuction is a common cosmetic procedure performed simultaneously with a tummy tuck. Common areas of liposuction include the waist, mons region (above the pubic bone), and posterior flanks (aka "muffin top"). There is also a variation of tummy tuck referred to as
a Lipoabdominoplasty. This technique combines a the skin excision of a Traditional Tummy Tuck with Liposuction to not only remove extra skin but also thin out the fat layer on the front of the abdomen. All loose skin below the belly button is removed and the incision is placed just above the pubic bone, where it can be hidden by a bikini or underwear. The belly button remains attached to the underlying muscle layer but a new hole must be made for it once the skin has been redraped. This procedure is best performed in patients who have a significant fat layer throughout the abdomen, including the skin just above the belly button.
THE PROCEDURE:
An Abdominoplasty is safely performed as an outpatient procedure in our AAAASF Ambulatory Surgery Center, located on the 16th floor of the Nordstrom Medical Tower in downtown Seattle. The procedure requires a general anesthesia to perform, and can be completed in under 3 hours. It is often combined with other procedures such as Liposuction or Breast Surgery as is often the case in a Mommy Makeover.
The patient will be marked for a tummy tuck the morning of surgery for the areas of fat to be removed and the excess skin to be excised. Once asleep in the operating room, any Liposuction indicated is performed first. An incision is then made around the belly button and horizontally above the pubic bone. The length of the lower incision is dependent on how much skin will need to be removed. The more skin, the longer the incision. The abdominal skin is then elevated so it can be optimally redraped. The incision is then closed with multiple layers of absorbable stitches for strength. Surgery drains are commonly and will be removed when the drain output reaches a threshold of less than 30ml/day. The final part of the procedure is the inset of the belly button. The patient is then placed in a compression garment and will eventually be discharged home to recover.
AFTER SURGERY: After a tummy tuck, patients are encouraged to be up and walking immediately after surgery. They will remain in their initial compression garments until the first postoperative visit. If no Liposuction is performed, they may discontinue abdominal compression at one week. When Liposuction is performed, long term compression is recommended for at least three months after surgery. The abdomen will feel very tight and sore initially such that patients often hunch over for the first couple of days after surgery. As the swelling goes down, patients will begin to feel more comfortable standing completely upright. The patient is restricted to lifting over ten pounds for the first four weeks. Activity can be slowely increased over the weeks after surgery based on the approval of Dr. Megan. Dedicated core exercise should wait until at least six to eight weeks following a tummy tuck surgery.
TIMING YOUR SEATTLE TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE:
There are many factors to consider when planning your plastic surgery procedure. Below are the most common considerations Dr. Megan's plastic surgery patients should consider:
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Childcare: Many patient have young kids at home. Weight lifting is restricted after a tummy tuck and basic childcare requirements may be affected.
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Weight: For best results, a tummy tuck is performed when a patient is at a stable and relatively normal body weight for him/her.
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Childbirth: Patients seeking a tummy tuck are encouraged to be done having children before seeking the procedure.
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Time Off Work: Most patients will require 2-4 weeks off of work, depending on the nature of their job. State subsidies generally do not cover elective cosmetic procedures. When compliocations arise, this recovery period may be extended.
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Finances: It is important to consider the cost of surgery in addition to the cost of recovery (i.e time off work).
SEATTLE TUMMY TUCK
01
Will I Still Have My C-Section Scar After My Tummy Tuck?
Often, a C-Section scar is removed with a tummy tuck. Scars that are not limited to the pubic region may remain after your seattle tummy tuck.
03
Should I Combine My Breast Surgery With My Tummy Tuck?
Many patients find it convenient to combine a breast and abdominal surgery. The benefit is a single anesthesia cost and a single recovery. Surgical recover, however, will be slightly more difficult. Dr. Megan will help guide her patients during consultation to figure out the best approach.
02
What If I Gain Weight After My Tummy Tuck?
Gaining weight after your tummy tuck may affect your results.
04
Can I Still Have A Tummy Tuck If I'm Not At My Goal Weight?
There are many reasons a patient might seek a tummy tuck before reaching an ideal body weight. Dr. Megan will help guide patients through this process during consultation. Ultimately, the goal is to avoid revisions though, in some instances, the benefits of immediate tummy tuck outweigh the drawbacks of waiting.
Arm LIft
ARM LIFT (BRACHIOPLASTY)
IN SEATTLE
WHAT IS AN ARM LIFT?
An Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) is a cosmetic procedure to remove the loose, flabby skin on the inner and posterior aspect of the upper arms. As we age or with weight fluctuations, the skin of the upper and posterior arm stretches out and cannot be tightened with diet and exercise alone. This area in particular is a source of insecurity for many patients as this loose skin is very visible with short sleeved shirts or tank tops. There are often extra fat deposits on the back of the arm as well, which can be liposuctioned simultaneously during an arm lift. The incision is hidden on the inner aspect of the arms and not visible from a frontal view.
TYPES OF ARM LIFTS:
Just like most anything in plastic surgery, there are numerous types of arm lifts which can be performed. Each procedure is meant to tailor the procedure to the surgical patient, their specific anatomy, and their cosmetic surgery goals. Below are the most common types of arm lifts performed:
TRADITIONAL
ARM LIFT
SHORT SCAR
ARM LIFT
EXTENDED
ARM LIFT
STANDARD ARM LIFT
A "Standard arm lift" will tighten skin mainly on the posterior aspect of the upper arm. The incision is made to run from above the inner elbow to the axillary region and be hidden when the arms are down by a patient's side.
Liposuction is commonly performed simultaneously with an arm lift to debulk the arm and help contour the aesthetic results. The ideal candidate for this procedure has loose skin on the entire back of the arm that cannot be tightened with diet & exercise alone.
SHORT SCAR ARM LIFT
Although a very attractive option, few patients are ideal candidates for a short scar arm lift. The scar is positioned not on the arm itself but within the axillary crease. Due to its short nature, this plastic surgery procedure is limited in its ability to tighten skin. Ideal candidates have only a small amount of loose skin on the backs of the arms.
Liposuction of the remainder of the arm can be done simultaneously.
EXTENDED ARM LIFT
An extended arm lift combines a standard arm lift incision along the inner aspect of the upper arm and extends through the axillary region onto the sides of the chest. This plastic surgery procedure is ideal for patients with significant skin laxity of the upper arm and is commonly performed after massive weight loss.
This procedure can be combined with liposuction and in conjunction with a breast lift to help tighten the tissue on the lateral chest.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
The ideal candidate for an Arm Lift is somebody who is in good overall health with a relatively stable weight. If the patient has undergone a massive weight loss, they may require blood work prior to surgery to ensure they have the nutritional capacity to heal properly.
THE PROCEDURE:
An arm lift is performed in our AAAASF Ambulatory Surgery Center located on the 16th floor of the Nordstrom Medical Tower in downtown Seattle, Washington. The plastic surgery procedure can be done alone or in combination with other surgical procedures. The surgery can safely be done in our Ambulatory Surgery Center as an outpatient procedure. Patients will undergo a general anesthetic by our outstanding team of Anesthesia Providers. The arms are marked prior to surgery to ensure the appropriate amount of skin is removed. The final incision will be placed near the bicipital groove on the inner aspect of the arm and generally runs from above the elbow to the armpit or even onto the chest wall depending on how much extra skin is present.
Once in the operating room and asleep, Tumescent Fluid is injected into the upper arms. Liposuction is first performed not only to remove extra fat but also to facilitate the surgical dissection. Careful excision of the excess tissue is then completed to ensure a smooth, uniform contour. All stitches are placed under the skin and are dissolvable. Surgical tape is placed over the incisions. After surgery the arms are wrapped in ACE bandages for compression. The patient is discharged home to recover.
AFTER SURGERY:
After surgery the patient will be restricted to no lifting over 10 pounds and no arms above the head for 4 weeks to protect the incisions. Especially in an Arm Lift, the incisions are prone to widening so great care must be taken to avoid excessive tension during the initial healing period. Compression bandages will be worn for the first 2 weeks after surgery or longer if the patient desires. Scar care will generally be initiated 2-3 weeks after surgery once the surgical tape has been removed.
01
How Long Until I Can Lift My Arms Above My Head After My Arm Lift?
A minimum of 4 weeks is necessary until patients can lift their arms above their head after an arm lift.
03
Can Liposuction Be Combined With An Arm Lift?
Liposuction is commonly combined with an arm lift to address the fat layer on the back of the arm and fullness around the mid arm.
02
What Is The Biggest Complication Of An Arm Lift?
The most common complication following arm lift surgery is widening of the scar.
04
Will Liposuction Without An Arm Lift Tighten My Arm Skin?
No, liposuction alone will not tighten arm skin. If mild skin laxity is present, a radio frequency device can be used successfully. In most cases, however, skin excision is necessary to achieve desired aesthetic results.
SEATTLE ARM LIFT
THIGH LIFT
THIGH LIFT
IN SEATTLE
WHAT IS A THIGH LIFT?
As we age or after weight loss, the inner thighs can develop loose, flabby skin that diet and exercise alone cannot tighten. A Thigh Lift is a plastic surgery procedure to directly remove excess skin on the inner aspect of the thighs to create a smoother, sleeker appearance. It is often combined with Liposuction to address any fullness of the thighs, and can safely be performed with other surgical Body Contouring Procedures such as a Tummy Tuck or Body Lift.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
The ideal candidate for a Thigh Lift is in good overall health and at a healthy, stable weight. If this procedure is part of body contouring after Massive Weight Loss, then a patient should be at their goal weight or close to it for 6-12 months and have optimum nutrition prior to undergoing surgery to ensure proper wound healing.
TYPES OF THIGH LIFTS:
The type of thigh lift recommeded by female plastic surgeon Dr. Megan will ultimately be based on the degree and location of excess thigh skin. Below are the two most common types of thigh lifts performed in her plastic surgery practice:
VERTICAL THIGH LIFT
A vertical thigh lift is the most common type of thigh lift performed. It involves creating an incision along the inner aspect of the thigh, and can run from the groin down to the knee.
The main benefit of a thigh lift is tightening of inner thigh. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with liposuction of the thigh to help smooth out contours and improve aesthetic results.
The biggest drawback of a thigh lift is the long scar, which has a tendency to widen over time and will be visible in clothing above-the-knee.
During your consultation with female plastic surgeon Dr. Megan, she will assess which type of thigh lift best suits your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.
SPIRAL THIGH LIFT
A small number of patients will have isolated skin and tissue excess of the upper inner thigh. In these cases, a spiral thigh lift will be sufficient to reshape and tighten the inner thighs.
This type of thigh lift involves placing a horizontal incision within the groin crease, eliminating the visible scar of a vertical thigh lift. Because the scar is limited to the groin crease, the plastic surgery procedure has limited ability to tighten the thigh skin. Liposuction can be performed simultaneously with any type of thigh lift.
During your consultation with female plastic surgeon Dr. Megan, she will assess which type of thigh lift best suits your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.
THE PROCEDURE:
A thigh lift is performed in our AAAASF Ambulatory Surgery Center located on the 16th floor of the Nordstrom Medical Tower in downtown Seattle, Washington. It is performed as an outpatient procedure under a general anesthetic. It takes 1-2 hours to perform and is often combined with other skin tightening procedures. A patient is first marked in the preoperative area for the amount of skin to be removed. It is important to avoid trying to remove too much skin as this can actually create a “shark bite” appearance. Once asleep in the operating room, Liposuction is often performed as the first stage to remove extra fat and assist with the surgical dissection. The marked skin is then directly removed, and dissolvable sutures are placed in a layered fashion underneath the skin. In some cases, drains may be used. Compression with an ACE bandage or compression garment will be used after surgery to help with postoperative swelling. Patients are then discharged home to recover.
AFTER SURGERY:
Postoperative recovery after a Thigh Lift involves a combination of leg elevation and compression to help combat the natural process of swelling. Avoiding tension along the incisions by limiting activity will help to prevent scar widening. Patients take on average 5-7 days off work depending on the nature of their work.
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SEATTLE THIGH LIFT
01
Will A Thigh Lift Improve My Cellulite?
To some degree a thigh lift will help improve cellulite of the medial thigh. However, a thigh lift will not improve the appearance of cellulite in more distant areas such as the outer thighs.
03
When Can I Start Working Out After My Thigh Lift?
In general, exercise should not be attempted until cleared by Dr. Megan around 4 weeks after your plastic surgery procedure. This is to avoid wound healing complications, especially in the groin area of the incision.
02
What Is The Biggest Complication Of A Thigh Lift?
The most common complication of a thigh lift is widening of the scar. Diligent scar care is recommended to help reduce the visibility of the thigh lift scar over time.
04
What If I Have Healing Issues After My Thigh Lift?
Most healing issues after a thigh lift can be managed with local wound care and frequent follow up with Dr. Megan & her team. If healing issues compromise the final outcome of the scar, a scar revision may be performed.
LABIAPLASTY
LABIAPLASTY
IN SEATTLE
Many women have insecurities about the appearance of their Labia. These insecurities can make it difficult to feel comfortable wearing certain clothing or bathing suites, or in times of intimate situations. Excess labial tissue can also make exercise or sexual intercourse physically uncomfortable. With age, childbirth, genetics or trauma, the Labia Minora (the inner lips of the Vaginal area) can elongate or stretch. A Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure to remove extra, redundant tissue of the labia minora, and create a smooth, symmetric appearance. While these insecurities can be difficult to discuss, as a female plastic surgeon Dr. Megan provides a comfortable environment for her female patients to openly discuss their insecurities and also learn about their plastic surgery options.
LABIAPLASTY ANATOMY
The details of the female anatomy are often overlooked.
1
Clitoral Hood
2
Labia Majora
3
Perineum
4
Labia Minora
5
Vaginal Opening
6
Rectum
LABIAPLASTY:
A Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure designed primarily for removing excessive tissue from the Labia Minora. The “ideal” labia minora tuck nicely between the labia majora, making them relatively hidden in a standing position. Patients seeking a labiaplasty often have stretched, excessive labia minora tissue such that the labia minora extend well beyond the boundaries of the labia majora.
TYPES OF LABIAPLASTY PROCEDURES:
In general, there are two types of procedures performed to reduce the size of the labia minora. A “Wedge” labiaplasty is just how it sounds– a wedge of tissue is removed from the central labia minora and the edges are brought together. Alternatively, a “Trim” labiaplasty involves trimming the edges of the labia minora in order to reduce the overall size. Which procedure is performed depends on a patient’s unique anatomic characteristics.
INDIVIDUALIZED SURGICAL PLANNING:
Anatomy of the female genitalia is nuanced and varies widely amongst women. Devising a surgical plan must take into account the details of a patient’s unique anatomy, their desired aesthetic goals and any functional consideration a patient may complain of. In most cases, this is removal of tissues from both sides; however, some patients experience unilateral (one-sided) labial tissue excess in which a labiaplasty can be performed only on one side. Other anatomic elements which can be addressed during a labiaplasty include removal of excessive clitoral hood skin, elevation of the clitoral hood, and removal of excess tissue in the perineal region. During your Seattle plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Megan will perform a thorough physical examination of the female genitalia in order to determine the best surgical plan to achieve your specific goals.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
The ideal candidate for a labiaplasty surgical procedure is in good overall health and is a non-smoker. Smoking greatly increases the incidence of wound healing complications and should be stopped a minimum of 4 weeks before your elective cosmetic procedure and 4 weeks after.
THE PROCEDURE:
A labiaplasty procedure is performed in our outpatient AAAASF Ambulatory Surgery Center located on the 16th floor of the Nordstrom Medical Tower in downtown Seattle, Washington. Patients can choose either an IV sedation performed by our team of Anesthesiologists, or may prefer using an oral sedation medication. In both circumstances, injection of local anesthetic will facilitate further pain control as well as hemostasis to perform the procedure.
Patients will place a topical numbing cream on the area while in the preoperative area. Once in the operating room and under anesthesia, a patient will be placed in a lithotomy position with a patient's legs in stirrups in order to perform the surgery. Tissue will be removed, all bleeding will be stopped, and the skin edges will be sutured back together using dissolving stitches placed under the skin surface. Once completed, a patient will be placed in a sanitary pad to catch any minor bleeding after surgery and taken to the recovery room until discharge.
RECOVERY AFTER LABIAPLASTY:
After undergoing a labiaplasty, patients will be discharged to their caregiver when they have recovered from anesthesia. Patients will be provided with pain medication and anti-nausea medication after surgery to ensure maximal comfort. Patients should apply antibiotic ointment to the incisions daily and may begin showering a few days after surgery. Patients are encouraged to begin walking immediately after their labiaplasty to help prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. Physical activity that elevates the heart rate and blood pressure will be restricted in the first few weeks after a labiaplasty to decrease the risk of bleeding and maximize healing to the area. Nothing per vagina (tampons, sex, etc.) for 6 weeks following surgery. Average time off work is 1 week following a labiaplasty, though this ultimately depends on the nature of a patient's job.
POST PROCEDURE
01
How Soon After A Labiaplasty Can I Exercise?
Exercise can generally begin 4 weeks after a Labiaplasty. Certain exercises such as biking may require additional healing time before resuming.
03
Will I Also Get Vaginal Tightening With A Labiaplasty?
No, a labiaplasty is designed to address the outer anatomy of the vagina which will not affect vaginal tightness. There are separate interventions offering tightening such as radiofrequency devices and a vaginoplasty.
02
What Is The Biggest Complication Of A Labiaplasty?
Generally, complication rate following a labiaplasty is low. Possible complications include bleeding, delayed wound healing, excessive scaring and asymmetry.
04
How Uncomfortable Will I Be After My Labiaplasty?
Surprisingly, despite the sensitive nature of the female genitalia, a labiaplasty is usually very well tolerated. Discomfort sitting and using the bathroom are expected initially.
SEATTLE LABIAPLASTY
C SECTION SCAR REVISION
C-SECTION SCAR REVISION
IN SEATTLE
WHAT IS A C-SECTION SCAR REVISION?
Many women who undergo c-section during childbirth have a scar on their lower abdomen which is barely visible when healed. Some women, however, remain dissatisfied with the appearance of the scar long after the surgery takes place. In these situations, the scar can appear widened (possibly from healing issues), thickened, or tethered. Many patients who come to see female plastic surgeon Dr. Megan for this issue complain of a “step off” appearance of the scar, where the skin above the scar appears fuller than the skin below. This incongruity can affect their appearance not only in a bikini or underwear, but also in tighter fitting clothing such as leggings. As a result, it can be a source of irritation and insecurity that many women don’t realize can have a relatively easy fix. A c-section scar revision will involve removal of the older scar and evening out of the skin edges to create a nice flat appearance of the lower abdomen. At the same time, other features such as loose abdominal skin, abdominal fat or a rectus diastasis can also be addressed.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
The ideal candidate for a c-section scar revision is in good overall health, at a stable weight, and at least a year out from the time of c-section. Ideally, this would be done after a woman has completed her childbearing years, however this isn’t always the case.
THE PROCEDURE
A c-section scar revision is performed at our AAAASF Ambulatory Surgery center located in the Nordstrom Medical Tower in downtown Seattle. This plastic surgery procedure can be performed under a local anesthetic, oral sedation or IV sedation depending on the comfort level of the patient. Typically, it will take only approximately an hour to perform. The old scar is removed and replaced with a thin, delicate incision line. All sutures are hidden under the skin to dissolve. Liposuction can also be performed at the same time as your c-section scar revision.
For some patients, a c-section scar revision is combined with a mini or full tummy tuck to address the loose skin of the abdomen. During your consultation, female plastic surgeon Dr. Megan will create an individualized surgical plan designed to help each patient address their biggest areas of concern and reach their aesthetic goals.
RECOVERY
Unlike a c-section surgery, scar revision only involves the most superficial layers of the abdominal tissue. No muscle is cut during a c-section scar revision– a huge contributing factor to pain and discomfort following a c-section delivery. A gauze bandage will be placed over the incision initially, and patients can begin showering at 48 hrs from surgery. Some patients prefer the use of an abdominal binder or compression garment post-procedure for comfort and support. Dedicated scar care can begin three weeks after your plastic surgery procedure.
C-SECTION SCAR REVISION
01
Will My Old C-Section Scar Be Removed?
Yes, the old c-section scar will be removed during this Seattle plastic surgery procedure. It will be replaced with a more even, thinner scar.
03
How Much Does A C-Section Scar Revision Cost?
Every patient's aesthetic concerns regarding their c-section will be slightly different. Surgical planning and cost will be individualized based on patient anatomy and plastic surgery goals.
02
When Can I Start Exercising After My C-Section Scar Revision?
Generally, 4 weeks is required before returning to vigorous exercise. Lighter exercises can be performed sooner with the approval of your plastic surgeon.
04
Do You Cut Through My Muscle During The Procedure?
There is no muscle cutting during this plastic surgery procedure. If combined with a tummy tuck and a diastasis repair is planned simultaneously, sutures will be placed within the muscle fascia.
rectus diastsis repair
RECTUS DIASTASIS REPAIR
IN SEATTLE
WHAT IS A RECTUS DIASTASIS?
Rectus diastasis, also known as diastasis recti, is a common condition that affects the abdominal muscles, specifically the rectus abdominis muscles, which are the pair of muscles that run vertically along the abdomen. This condition occurs when the two sides of the abdominal muscles separate, causing a visible bulge or gap in the midline of the abdomen. Rectus diastasis happens in pregnancy or with weight gain and may persist after childbirth or weight loss. It plays an important role in abdominal and waist size, core stability, abdominal wall strength and may also affect the pelvic floor.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
The ideal patient for a rectus diastasis repair is overall healthy and at a stable weight. Gaining significant weight after this plastic surgery procedure can strain our repair and can negatively impact your long term results. Patients should also be done with their childbearing years, as future pregnancies will disrupt a diastasis repair. Some patients will benefit from physical therapy prior to or instead of a rectus diastasis repair. During your plastic surgery consultation, female plastic surgeon Dr. Megan will assess your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals in order to devise the best surgical plan for you.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:
During your Seattle plastic surgery consultation, female plastic surgeon Dr. Megan will examine your abdomen both in a standing position and while laying down. Doing a simple leg lift during examination helps Dr. Megan to feel the size and location of the rectus diastasis. A separation of the rectus muscles can occur anywhere along the length of the muscles, from the xiphoid process to the pubic bone. It is often widest around the belly button.
THE PROCEDURE:
A rectus diastasis repair is not performed as an isolated procedure but rather in conjunction with a tummy tuck. This is an outpatient plastic surgery procedure performed at our AAAASF Ambulatory Surgery Center located on the 16th floor of the Nordstrom Medical Tower in downtown Seattle. Patients will undergo a general anesthetic for their Seattle tummy tuck surgery. Abdominal skin elevation during the procedure will allow direct visualization of the muscles and their separation. Two layers of non-absorbable sutures are placed to relocate the muscles back to their original position in the midline. Excess abdominal skin is removed, the belly button is relocated, and the incision is closed using dissolvable sutures placed underneath the skin.
RECOVERY:
Recovery after a rectus diastasis repair will generally take 4-6 weeks. The abdomen will feel tight and patients will often hunch over for the first week. Patients will also be in an abdominal binder for a minimum of one week to help support the abdomen. Walking immediately after surgery is encouraged, and exercise levels may be increased a few weeks after surgery depending on patient healing and the type of activity. Dedicated abdominal exercises should not be performed until a minimum of 6-8 weeks following this plastic surgery procedure.
01
Can I Get A Recurrence Of My Diastasis After Correction?
Yes, while unlikely to reoccur, pregnancy, weight gain, non-compliance during the healing period or anything that causes significant increase abdominal pressure over time can cause recurrence
03
I Have A "Mommy Pouch". Is This From My Diastasis?
Yes, bulging of the abdomen after pregnancy is caused by loose abdominal fascia and muscle separation, both of which can be addressed surgically with a Seattle tummy tuck.
02
When Can I Start Exercising After My Rectus Diastasis Repair?
Generally, 6-8 weeks is required before returning to vigorous abdominal exercise. Lighter exercises can be performed sooner with the approval of your plastic surgeon.
04
What Exercises Can I Try To Correct My Diastasis?
Isolation of the transverses abdominis, NOT traditional ab exercises, is the best way to help correct the muscle separation. This muscle lines the innermost layer of your core.
RECTUS DIASTASIS
REPAIR
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