Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A protruding abdomen as a result of weak abdominal muscles, weight gain or pregnancy is a condition that causes distress to a great majority of people. This condition does not respond well to dieting or exercise because the skin and underlying muscles have been stretched. Today, a remarkable procedure called abdominoplasty has been designed to flatten a protruding abdomen through the tightening of the abdominal wall muscles and the removal of excess fatty tissue and skin.

Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss. The objective of the surgery is to improve the contouring of the body by flattening and narrowing the abdomen.

Who is a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?

The best candidate for this surgery is someone who is of normal weight, but who has excess loose overhanging skin and fatty collections in the abdominal area. Women who have had multiple pregnancies and have stretched their abdominal muscles benefit greatly from this procedure.

Before Surgery

During your initial consultation, the doctor will cover all areas of concern, including pre and post-operative care, risks, and answer any other questions you may have. He will also discuss what surgical procedure would be best for your specific situation. For example, if your fat deposits are below the navel, then you may only require a mini tummy tuck. In most circumstances, you may require a full abdominoplasty. This procedure is frequently done in conjunction with liposuction of the flanks and hips.

After your initial consultation, the doctor will do a complete physical examination and blood work at a second consultation. He will also take photos, which will allow you to better see the physical changes once the operation is complete. The doctor will again review with you all the important issues regarding the surgery including pre and post-operative care, expectations and fees. He will also tell you what medications to avoid, such as aspirin, as it increases bleeding. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to avoid smoking two weeks before and after the procedure, as it can seriously affect the healing process.

The risks associated with abdominoplasty are uncommon, but include reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, hematoma (blood collection), seroma (fluid collection), lung problems, blood clots in the leg, scarring, minor asymmetry, and numbness.

The Surgery

The surgery is performed in our fully equipped surgery center under intravenous sedation and local anesthetic. The patient sleeps comfortably through the procedure and wakes up in the recovery room with no ill effects of general anesthetic. The procedure starts with making an incision below one hip-bone, and across the pubic area to under the other hip bone. A second incision is made around the navel. The skin and fat is the separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up to the breast-bone, exposing the loose tissue that covers the abdominal muscle. Often, loose or stretched muscles are sutured in order to tighten and strengthen them. The skin is then lowered over the abdomen and excess skin and fat is removed. Before the incisions are closed with small sutures, the navel is repositioned, and usually drains are inserted to eliminate fluid buildup. With a mini tummy tuck, the incision is much shorter and the navel is not repositioned. The excess skin and fat are removed to the level of the umbilicus only, and the remaining skin is stretched down and stitched back into place.

After Surgery

The procedure is performed as a day surgery. After approximately one to two hours after surgery, patients are ready to be picked up by a responsible adult. If drains are used, they may be removed in 3 to 7 days once drainage levels decrease. Pain or discomfort from the surgery is controlled with oral medication. Sutures are removed approximately 14 days after surgery and an abdominal support garment is then fitted (must be worn for several weeks). Pain, swelling, and bruising will disappear within a few weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 1 month. You may return to work in two weeks, however you may not feel your normal self for 1 month. Scars from the procedure will appear more prominent during the first three to six months, but this is normal. Between 9 and 12 months, the scar will appear significantly lighter. While the scar will never fully disappear, it eventually becomes a faint, thin, white line that can be easily hidden underneath underwear or swimwear.
Follow up appointments are booked for 10 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery.

The Results

Each year, thousands of abdominoplasties are successfully performed. Patients are happy with a new body contour and the result is an improved body image and new self confidence. If you would like to learn more about abdominoplasty, please contact the office to book a complimentary private physician consultation.