Abdominoplasty (aka Tummy Tuck)

In Vancouver, WA

At Evergreen Plastic Surgery we help patients to feel confident in their own skin by surgically correcting things that no amount of diet, exercise, or grit can correct. Dr. Kate Impastato values getting to know each of her patients in order to get a great understanding of what led to them coming into her office and their goals. Each patient has a different story, different anatomy, and different goals. Having a true understanding of what their concerns are and their expectations helps her to formulate an individualized treatment plan for each patient.

Warm Atmosphere

Whether you are unhappy with the changes in your body after massive weight loss or after having children we understand how uncomfortable it can be to share your insecurities. We also know how much time and effort can go into a routine to hide the areas you are bothered by. We make every effort to make you comfortable so you can really share what bothers you most so that we can address those concerns.

Here we endeavor to educate and comfort you on your journey towards achieving exceptional results. Dr. Kate Impastato, our esteemed plastic surgeon, guides you through the transformative process of abdominoplasty with a focus on your well-being. Her humble approach ensures a personalized and supportive experience throughout your abdominoplasty journey.

Abdominoplasty (aka Tummy Tuck)

Frequently Asked Questions

Be The Best Version Of Yourself

What is an abdominoplasty (aka Tummy Tuck)?

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to address skin, fat, and muscle of the abdomen. Based on each patients anatomy Dr. Kate Impastato employs her expertise to sculpt a rejuvenated and contoured midsection through the smallest incision possible. She will discuss different options with patients and what each option can realistically obtain. Through education she empowers her patients to make an informed decision about the type of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) that will best address their concerns.

Who is the ideal candidate for abdominoplasty?

Ideal candidates are individuals who are in good overall health who are bothered by the appearance of excess abdominal skin, fat, and or weakened muscles, often due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging. It is also important that you do not use any form of nicotine. If you are actively losing weight, you should try to be within 10 lbs of your goal at the time of surgery. For those considering having more children, it is wise to wait until you are finished giving birth to ensure longer lasting results.

How do I choose the right combination of procedures for me?

During your one on one consultation with Dr. Kate Impastato, a thorough examination will be conducted, and your personal goals and concerns will be discussed. Dr. Impastato will help you to understand the different customized treatment plans that suit your unique needs based on your individual anatomy and help you to make a choice based on your goals. She will also discuss the postoperative course to ensure you have a realistic understanding of what will you need in terms of support to optimize your recovery.

What is the recovery process like following abdominoplasty?

The recovery period varies depending on the combination of procedures performed. Most patients can return to light activities within a week, with a gradual return to normal activities over the following weeks. Dr. Impastato will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. After abdominoplasty most patients will take 2 weeks off of work unless they work from home. Patients who work from home often return to work after 1 week and many patients with desk jobs do end up returning to work before 2 weeks are up if they are comfortable being at work with drains and have a safe mode of transportation.

Are abdominoplasty results permanent?

While the effects of aging and lifestyle factors may impact your results over time, the improvements achieved with an abdominoplasty are long-lasting. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, will contribute to maintaining your enhanced appearance. If you gain weight or become pregnant again your skin and abdomen will stretch to accommodate the weight gain or the growing baby. In these settings there is a higher likelihood you will need another abdominoplasty to re-tighten the muscles of your abdominal wall and address any excess skin or fat that have reformed.

What does the scar look like after an abdominoplasty?

This will be discussed with you during your consultation and again at your preop appointment with Dr. Impastato. Her recommendations are tailored to address each patients goals and anatomy. She will make recommendations that lead to the best outcome with the smallest amount of scarring. Some patients have a scar from hip to hip or smaller while others benefit from an additional up and down scar. Scars go through a normal maturation process where they become lighter and less noticeable with time. It takes scars 12-18 months to fully mature.

Is financing available for an abdominoplasty?

Yes, we offer financing options to make the transformative journey accessible to our patients. Our team will work with you to explore financing solutions that fit your budget.

Are there medications I cannot take prior to surgery?

Prior to undergoing surgery patients cannot take any medications that thin their blood for two weeks prior to surgery. In general any over the counter pain medications (ex. Ibuprofen, Aleve, aspirin, naproxen) cannot be taken for the two weeks prior to surgery. If you need an over the counter pain medication during that time, Tylenol is okay to take prior to surgery. Other supplements including Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, ephedra, St. John's wort, Kava, flax seed oil, and fish oil.

Why does Dr. Impastato need me to stop using nicotine for two months prior to surgery?

As a board certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kate Impastato's main goal is to keep you safe while helping you to achieve your goals. Nicotine in any form (cigarettes, patch, gum, or vape) can increase the risks of having problems after surgery that can effect your outcome and even be life threatening.

Decreased Blood Flow leads to Increased Risk For Complication: Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow, leading to a reduction in blood flow. Proper blood flow is crucial for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, especially during the healing process after surgery. Restricted blood flow can compromise the body's ability to heal and recover. Insufficient blood supply to the surgical site can delay the healing process, leading to prolonged recovery times and potential complications including infections
Higher Risk of Tissue Necrosis: Nicotine's impact on blood vessels can potentially lead to tissue necrosis, where a lack of blood supply causes tissue cells to die. This is a serious complication that can result in the need for additional surgeries or interventions to address the damaged tissue.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Nicotine use is associated with an increased risk of blood clot formation. Blood clots can pose a serious threat, especially in the postoperative period, as they may lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.