Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
How can an Abdominoplasty enhance your life
You’ve put in the hard work to achieve your best body – let us help you reveal the ultimate reward. Whether as a mother, after a substantial amount of weight lost, or a combination of both – excess skin can leave you feeling self-conscious and hide the results you’ve worked so hard to reach. There’s beauty at every size – and with an abdominoplasty, you can remove excess skin and repair muscles to unveil your best body ever.
Abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck re-contours the abdomen area after the skin elasticity has become brittle or the muscles have been affected by extreme changes like pregnancy or weight loss. This life-changing procedure can:
- Remove excess skin & fat
- Restore weakened and/or separate muscles
- Create a more firm and smoother abdomen
Both the skin and muscles of the abdominal wall undergo a lot stretching after pregnancy. These tissues may not be restored to their original condition. When this happens, tissues can have trouble responding to exercise and diet. A tummy tuck can help in such cases because it repairs the muscles.
Excessive weight loss can cause loose skin similar to pregnancy. Some cases may need muscle repair. Patients who have loose skin around their abdomens can benefit greatly from a tummy-tuck.
Is is right for You
Are you a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck
What can you expect on Tummy Tuck
Procedure
Tummy tuck is usually performed under general anesthesia and typically takes between one and five hours to complete. The skin is removed from the underlying tissues, the abdominal tissue is stitched and any excess skin is removed. During your consultation, we will discuss with you the exact location of the incisions.
Muscle repair can be done with permanent internal stitches. Tummy tuck patients often get liposuction to reduce fat and shape their flanks. During your initial consultation, we will discuss whether you will need liposuction or muscle repair.
Recovery
All You Need to Know About Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Tummy tucks or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure which improves the appearance and the shape of the abdomen.
Candidates for tummy tucks are those who have loose skin around the tummy region especially after significant weight loss or pregnancy. In addition, the individual considering abdominoplasty should have realistic expectations about the outcome and be committed to a healthy lifestyle and be in good general health. At the initial consultation visit, the surgeon will determine if an abdominoplasty is suitable for the client.
Before you get to your abdominoplasty consultation, it is important to prepare so you and your surgeon have the same information. First, consider your reasons and ideal outcome for the tummy tuck and communicate this to your surgeon so your expectations can be met and if not, you understand the reasons why. Take a list of all your current medications including herbal supplements, vitamins and over the counter. Have a list of questions ready to ask the doctor, including whether the surgeon is board-certified.
There are alternatives to abdominoplasty including liposuction, ThermiTight (heat applied to the abdomen), CoolSculpting (freezing fat cells in the tummy area), EmSculpt (device to contract abdominal muscles) and Renuvion (using a stream of energy to tighten and contract skin). However, it is worth noting that none of these treatments will remove excess skin. The alternatives as well as abdominoplasty can be discussed at the initial consultation visit to determine the right procedure to suit the client’s cosmetic goals. The Best You® offers CoolSculpting.
In Canada, the cost of abdominoplasty surgery can range between $6,000 (mini tuck)-$11,000.
Before having tummy tuck surgery, it is important to have a pre-operative assessment to ensure you are in good health and this will be discussed with you by your surgeon. Also, it is important to stop smoking so that your healing will not be compromised. If you are taking medications, let your doctor/surgeon know as they may need to adjust the dosages. Additionally, you should avoid any medications that will increase your risk of bleeding like anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal supplements.
Yes, you can have multiple tummy tucks or revisions.
The recovery time for tummy tuck surgery will vary slightly from person to person, but generally, full recovery will take at least 6 weeks.
Tummy tucks are considered permanent since fat cells and skin that is removed do not grow back. However, it is important to maintain a healthy and stable weight.
Tummy tucks are considered permanent since fat cells and skin that is removed do not grow back. However, it is important to maintain a healthy and stable weight.
After you’ve given birth or finished breastfeeding, you should wait approximately 6 months before having abdominoplasty. This will allow your body to heal properly before undergoing surgery and your hormones to return to their normal levels.
The tummy tuck scars are horizontal and located a few centimeters below the navel and the scars are usually hidden by underwear. The scar can vary in length but is in the lower abdomen.
While both procedures remove fat cells, only a tummy tuck surgery will remove excess skin and contour the muscles of the abdomen.
Both procedures are beneficial, and it is hard to compare them as they are used in different scenarios. It is best to discuss which of the two procedures are best for you with your surgeon.
People that are good candidates for tummy tucks include those who are unhappy with the appearance of their abdomen, non-smokers, in good general health and at a stable weight and have realistic expectations about the outcome.
A mini tummy tuck concentrates on loose skin, lax muscles and fatty deposits in the lower abdominal region (below the navel).
If the stretch marks are below the navel, then they will be removed when the excess skin is excised. However, any above the belly button will remain.
Because abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure, you will need recovery and full rest post-surgery. If you do plan to have a tummy tuck with young kids at home, either plan to have someone stay with you and take care of the children or take time away from your family to heal.
The best surgeons for an abdominoplasty in Ontario, Canada are those who are reputable and board-certified. The Best YouÒ has several such surgeons either working in or affiliated with our clinics – Dr. Akyurekli (Owen Sound, Collingwood and Brantford), Dr. Seki (Orillia), Dr. Gencarelli (Owen Sound, Collingwood) and Dr. Borsuk (Ottawa).
The Best You is a top choice for abdominoplasty in Ontario, Canada because our team of doctors, nurses and medical aestheticians are not only highly-trained and well-reputed, but have a wealth of experience and knowledge to offer to clients. From your initial consultation to the surgery and beyond, you will find our team to be caring, compassionate and attentive to all the details that will make your personal enhancement experience and journey second-to-none.