Published by Dr. George Marosan – May 4, 2026
What is a tummy tuck or Abdominoplasty?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that creates a firmer, flatter abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and repairing weakened or separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis). This is the traditional tummy tuck. It is used to tighten the abdomen after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging, and improves and strengthens one’s core. Besides its cosmetic shape improvements, it improves posture, diminishes lower back pain, fixes belly button hernias, and enables you to be able to exercise and participate in an active lifestyle.
Are there different types of tummy tucks?
Yes, there are different types:
- A full tummy tuck, most patients are candidates for this.
- A mini tummy tuck for patients who have a small pooch below the belly button only.
- An extended tummy tuck for patients who have excess skin on the hips or love handles.
- A Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck is used for massive weight loss patients who need extensive skin removal, both in the horizontal and vertical direction.
- A reverse tummy tuck for patients with loose skin above the belly button, but no skin looseness below it.
At Bellevue Plastic Surgeons in Bellevue, WA, Dr. Marosan, our board-certified plastic surgeon, helps guide you through your options to achieve and regain your youthful body.
Can liposuction be done together with a tummy tuck?
Yes, this is a very common procedure at Bellevue Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Marosan goes beyond the traditional tummy tuck of skin excision and muscle tightening only. Liposuction adds 3D contouring to the abdomen by defining the muscles of the abdomen. This lipoabdominoplasty technique is very powerful in creating athletic youthful bodies. Dr. Marosan’s technique evolved through decades of body sculpting surgeries. This is for patients who are close to their ideal body weight. Dr. Marosan’s technique begins by using VASER liposuction to remove fat and contour the torso, followed by the excision of skin and muscle tightening. While liposuction on the skin flap must be done carefully to maintain blood flow, modern techniques (like sparing certain perforator vessels) allow for safe, concurrent liposuction.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Bellevue, WA?
The cost can vary based on the surgeon’s experience and advanced techniques, added liposculpting or fat grafting vs a traditional tummy tuck. Costs include anesthesia fees (more expensive in a hospital vs. a surgeon’s office operating suite), supplies used, and the surgeon’s fee. Dr. Marosan individualizes his treatments based on the patient’s desire and the best outcome based on the patient’s bony and muscle anatomy.
Is a drain always used with a tummy tuck surgery?
Not necessarily, but in Dr. Marosan’s lipoabdominoplasty, advanced techniques, a drain is used to allow for a better long-term surgical outcome. Progressive tension sutures are used under the skin flap to the muscle fascia, limiting space for seroma formation and also to minimize tension on the skin closure.
Are there potential complications from a tummy tuck surgery?
Complications and risks are very low at Bellevue Plastic Surgeons due to Dr. Marosan’s attention to detail both during surgery and the postoperative period. He is fully involved in every step of the process. Minor complications can happen, like wound infection, separation, or seroma. Dr. Marosan is a strong proponent of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to prevent some of these potential complications, increase blood supply to the surgical site, decrease swelling, and speed up healing. Potential major complications could involve blood clots and a pulmonary embolus. The patients are encouraged to be ambulatory the same day after surgery.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
The ideal candidate is a healthy non-smoker female or male. Dr. Marosan at Bellevue Plastic Surgeons prioritizes each patient’s needs based on safety and tailors each patient’s surgery to achieve their goals and desires.
When can I go back to work after a tummy tuck?
Usually, 2-3 weeks after surgery. Additional liposuction does not add extra discomfort or recovery time. Although you are still healing, Dr. Marosan allows his patients to go back to full physical workout in 6-8 weeks without limitations.
Schedule Your Tummy Truck
Schedule your consultation for a tummy truck with Dr. George Marosan in Bellevue, WA. During your appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and learn more about the procedure. Don’t wait—contact us today and take the first step toward achieving the look you’ve always dreamed of!
