Abdominoplasty

Everything You Need To Know About Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty After losing a lot of weight and finally reaching your desired weight loss goals, you may have extra tummy skin, which can make things look a little flabby. After all the hard work you’ve put in, it’s time to finish the process and get your desired look. A tummy tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty, can help remove this excess skin and help you get your desired look. Here is everything you need to know about Abdominoplasty.

What is an Abdominoplasty Procedure?

An Abdominoplasty procedure, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure that helps remove loose and excess skin around the tummy. Occurring in the lower portion of the abdominal area, loose and excess skin can commonly be the case for those who have rapid or significant weight loss results.

During the procedure, a long, thin, and horizontal incision is made on the waistline, and it is done along the waistline. The length and width of the incision line can vary from person to person as it depends on a few different variables such as how much skin is being removed, desired results, etc. After that is determined, the surgeon will then contour the muscles, tissue, and skin in the area to help provide a more natural look.

Am I a Good Candidate For Abdominoplasty?

Great candidates for a tummy tuck procedure are those who have good skin elasticity, good general health and do not smoke. This procedure is great for individuals looking to flatten and tone out their tummy and remove excess skin in the process.

This procedure may not be suitable for those who have lung, liver, or heart disease. This may also not be the right procedure for you if you plan on getting pregnant or are currently still on your weight loss journey. It is best to schedule a consultation to see if an Abdominoplasty procedure is right for you.

Maintaining Results

After your procedure, you’ll want to maintain your stunning results. Exercising frequently and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent gaining any more weight and maintain your tummy tuck results. It is important to avoid sugars, eat moderately, and avoid starchy food as much as possible. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to not only maintain tuck results but to feel energized as well.

Give Us a Call Today!

We know how important it is to feel your best and look your best, so we want to help do just that. Dr. Ryan C. Frank and our team of healthcare professionals located in Calgary, CAN look forward to helping you achieve your dream physique and figure. Give us a call at 403-245-1228 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us at www.ryanfrankmd.com for more information.

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About That Sagging Tummy of Yours…

Abdominoplasty

Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty Calgary ABPart of aging is slackening of both our skin and the support tissues beneath. This creates sagging across the body, but especially in certain areas such as the lower abdomen, the tummy. If you’re a woman and have had a couple of kids, it’s almost guaranteed. Clinically known as abdominoplasty, the goal of a tummy tuck is to tighten and change the contour of the abdomen area. The procedure removes excess fat and skin, and restores weakened or separated muscles, resulting in a flatter, more contoured abdomen.

Abdominoplasty is a specialty of Dr. Frank and his patients from Calgary and the surrounding areas are thrilled with their slimmer contours afterwards.

What causes the sagging that merits a tummy tuck?

When the skin is overstretched for a long period of time, it has trouble rebounding to its former degree of tautness. That’s what happens during the weight gain of pregnancy, or if the patient has gained a good deal of weight and has then shed the pounds. In many cases, the muscles that control the area have become stretched and separated, diminishing their ability to tighten the area as they formerly did. Plus, simple aging tends to make both our muscles and the underlying tissues less tight. A tummy tuck is more about skin and muscle than fat.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

If you have loose, inelastic skin, with some pockets of fat, a tummy tuck is the best option (combined with light liposuction to remove the fat). Pregnancy is especially hard on the abdominal muscles because the way it focuses the weight gain in such a small area. This can permanently stretch and separate the abdominal muscles and they won’t return to their former degree of tautness without surgery.

However, if you think you may want to have additional children, your tummy tuck will have to wait. The effects of pregnancy will negate the results of your tummy tuck. Also, people who plan on losing additional weight should delay their tummy tuck because the additional weight loss will create more loose skin. It’s important to remember that abdominoplasty is a body-contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure. You should be at a healthy weight prior to surgery, with a BMI (Body Mass Index) no greater then 30.

Are you interested in a slimmer contour on your lower abdomen? Call Dr. Frank at (403) 245-1228 and set up a consultation for abdominoplasty.

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A Couple of Tummy Tuck Options

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty CalgaryIf you’ve had children or lost a good deal of weight, odds are your abdomen isn’t what it once was. Loose skin and a little pooch — that’s the usual situation. Why? Because when skin and connective tissue beneath is stretched, due to pregnancy or weight gain, it can only maintain its ability to return to its former tautness for so long. After that, the elasticity is lessened. The result? The tummy pooch or worse.

But Dr. Frank can bring your abdomen back closer to its former self with a tummy tuck. There are a few options when it comes to Dr. Frank’s tummy tuck procedures.

 

Full tummy tuck

A full tummy tuck is recommended for those women with a good deal of loose abdominal skin. During a full tummy tuck, a larger section of excess skin and fat is removed, and the underlying muscles are often brought back to closer to the center to produce a shapelier waistline. A full tuck will also include a second incision, through the belly button if possible, to address looseness above the belly button. In a full tuck, the belly button may be repositioned to a higher location, depending on the amount of skin removed.

Muscle repair

To create the tight, flat abdomen that everyone wants, Dr. Frank not only removes excess skin, but also may reposition muscles that have become separated in the center of the abdomen. It’s not that the muscles have lost their ability to contract, it’s that they may have separated and no longer provide the same support to the middle of the lower abdomen. Of course, every patient’s situation is unique.

Liposuction

There was a time when women chose between a tummy tuck and liposuction, but now the two procedures usually have at least some overlap. In addition to loose, saggy skin, most people also have pockets of fat that don’t respond to exercise or dietary changes. Liposuction removes these pockets.

Who says having a stomach pooch is a part of middle age? Let Dr. Frank tighten up your lower abdomen and give you back a stomach you like to show off in a swimsuit. Call us at (403) 245-1228 to schedule a consultation.

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Tummy Tuck After C-Section, Let’s Talk

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty Surgery Calgary, AB, CAAcross North America, approximately 1 of every 3 births are delivered using cesarean section. This surgical procedure may be necessary for some reasons, or it may be chosen by an expecting mother. However it occurs, a C-section birth often alters the abdominal profile to such an extent that a woman feel unhappy with her appearance. The popularity of Mommy Makeovers is a testament to the desire women have for satisfactory body contours after childbirth. An aspect of this process that may be of particular interest to a mother who has given birth via cesarean section is tummy tightening with abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is a procedure that addresses laxity in the abdominal wall. It is not intended to remove excess fat tissue, but to tighten the muscle tissue that has been stretched beyond its capabilities to bounce back. Here, we want to discuss a few tips for women who are considering a post-cesarean tuck.

  • Give your body time to recover. We understand how urgent the need to feel good can be. However, women who have undergone a C-section have undergone major surgery. The body needs time to recuperate from the stress of this procedure, and from the pregnancy itself. The general recommendation is that cosmetic surgery after childbirth occurs at 6 to 12 months post-delivery. Before that time, the sense of urgency can be addressed by choosing a qualified cosmetic surgeon and scheduling a consultation for the future procedure.
  • Work on fitness goals before surgery. Establishing healthy post-pregnancy lifestyle habits such as eating a well-balanced, low-sugar diet and exercising daily does a lot to support recovery from pregnancy and childbirth. These habits also prepare the body for an intended cosmetic procedure. Through diet and exercise, it is possible to achieve the noticeable reduction in body fat, which maximizes the results from abdominoplasty when this surgery can be performed.
  • Be patient. It’s hard to be patient when you want your body to go back to its pre-pregnancy shape. We understand. But health is the primary objective after giving birth, along with bonding with your bundle of joy. There is no value in rushing the process of physical recovery. In fact, trying to do so can create fatigue that inhibits the optimal quality of life.

Our friendly staff is happy to schedule an appointment for you in our Calgary cosmetic surgery office. Call (403) 245-1228.

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What Really Happens During Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty Surgery Calgary, ABAbdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is a common procedure that may be performed in conjunction with liposuction, or as a stand-alone treatment to top off one’s weight loss journey. If you’ve wondered about what a tummy tuck could do for you, chances are you’ve read a bit of misleading information somewhere along the line. Here, we will discuss three details of this procedure that you should know.

Muscle Repair

A common school of thought regarding abdominoplasty is that this procedure tightens muscles that have become loose due to pregnancy, age, or weight gain. In reality, the muscles of our body know how to extend and to flex, which means they most often recoil after being stretched. The looseness that is noticed across the midsection is most often related to the connective tissue that makes up the abdominal wall.  The tightening that is conducted during a tummy tuck can repair the rectus diastasis, which is integrated within the connective tissue across the abdomen.

Belly Button

The navel, or belly button, is an important structure that is preserved throughout the abdominoplasty procedure. It may be repositioned, but it is not removed and recreated. You could think of your belly button as a tube. What you see is one end of the tube; the other end is inside the abdomen, attached to connective tissue. With careful technique, the navel is released and then reinstated, or brought back through the uppermost layer of tissue, after the skin has been tightened. Surgeons attempt to preserve the same essential appearance of the belly button during abdominoplasty. However, it is possible for slight differences to be noticed, depending on suture technique and other factors.

Fat Distribution

Some patients worry that fat removed during abdominoplasty may redistribute elsewhere. There are two answers to this theory. One is that tummy tuck surgery removes so little fat tissue that no dramatic changes occur. Fat reduction is a job for liposuction. Second, the fat that is removed from the body is gone forever. The results from either liposuction or abdominoplasty, or a combination of the two, are maintainable with healthy lifestyle habits.

Learn more about body contouring in a consultation with Dr. Frank. Call our Calgary office at (403) 245-1228.

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Planning Recovery from Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty

AbdominoplastyThe shape of a person’s body may change for a number of different reasons. Many women experience frustrating changes that stem from motherhood and the skin-stretching that occurs around the midsection. For both sexes, weight loss can lead to an undesirable appearance of loose, sagging abdominal tissue. In the office of Dr. Ryan Frank, we help patients address these concerns with abdominoplasty, also known as the tummy tuck.

According to expert opinion, one of the most vital aspects of a satisfactory outcome to plastic surgery is to have realistic expectations of your new appearance. We agree with this, and discuss expectations at length with our patients. In addition to knowing what to expect in terms of final outcome, we think that it is important to also identify ways to aid the recovery process.

Planning Translates into Greater Comfort

  • Your body knows, so listen. In the days following your procedure, the number one message your body is likely to send you is that it wants to rest. If you sleep a little extra, or a lot, it’s all part of healing so don’t deprive yourself of that.
  • Medication for pain relief is prescribed for a reason! Don’t wait until you become uncomfortable, take medication as a preventive. You’ll be glad you did. Make sure your medication is available when you return home from surgery; have it filled prior to your procedure date.
  • Comfort is of the utmost importance after surgery. Prepare a space with extra blankets, pillows, and entertainment that will ensure your ability to relax and rest as often as necessary.
  • Preparing healthy foods before your surgery can prevent you from feeling any need to cook during your recovery. Avoid carbonated beverages in order to prevent uncomfortable bloating. Drink plenty of water every day, and try to eat fresh foods, not processed meals.
  • Have support! Your recovery from abdominoplasty will go much more smoothly with a team of assistants who can make sure you take your medication, prepare and serve your meals, and care for kids and pets.

Plastic surgery is a big decision. Our team provides you with the information and support you need to complete your transformation process.

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What You Should Know About Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty

Tummy TucksTummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure to flatten your abdomen and waist. This is done by getting rid of excess skin and fat and tightening muscles through  surgery. The end result is a flatter, more appealing stomach.

What You Should Know

  • Qualities of a good candidate: You should have loose skin or fat pockets that have not been affected by exercise and diet. You should also be in a good physical condition. Older people who have lost elasticity of their skin can also undergo abdominoplasty. It is particularly helpful for women who have pregnancy related stretched muscles and skin. However, if you plan to have more children, then you should wait. It also helps if you lose weight before the procedure.
  • The procedure: Requiring around two and a half hours, the procedure is conducted with general anesthesia. There will be two incisions made: one around your navel, and another from one hipbone to the other, near your pubic area. The skin will be separated from the muscles. The latter are pulled together to give firmness and a shapely waist. Liposuction may also be required. The skin will then be pulled down on to the tightened muscles. The excess skin will be cut off and then the remaining will be sutured back together. Surgical dressings will then be placed.
  • Recovery, side effects, and complications: The time required to fully recover will range from two to three months. Sometimes, a tube may be inserted for a short period to drain out any excess fluid from the area of surgery. The results can last for a long time, provided you follow a proper diet and exercise regularly. Scars are inevitable but it is possible to make incisions in such a way that the resulting scars can be covered by a bikini. Of course, if you do not properly take care of yourself, you may require another surgery in due time. You may also need a surgery to deal with your scars, old and new.

Interested in Learning More about Tummy Tucks? Contact Dr. Frank.

If you are interested in abdominoplasty in Calgary, contact us today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you.

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4 Things To Know About Tummy Tucks

Abdominoplasty

Tummy TuckAbdominoplasty–commonly known as a tummy tuck–is an extremely popular surgical procedure that rejuvenates and reshapes the contour of the stomach an waist. If you’re considering this procedure, read up on these facts to get better acquainted.

Facts About Abdominoplasty

  1. It is the most effective procedure for eliminating stubborn belly fat. A tummy tuck is the most effective solution when it comes to getting rid of excess pockets of fat and loose, sagging abdominal skin. This procedure creates a smoother, curvier contour and a more taut stomach.
  2. It tightens both muscles and skin. Mothers are one of the most common tummy tuck patients, and for good reason. A tummy tuck not only trims away excess fat and skin, but also tightens the muscles of the abdomen, which can become separated and bulge following the rigors of pregnancy and child birth. This effectively creates a firmer, more narrow waist for women looking to restore their bodies following pregnancy.
  3. It is not a major weight loss solution. While abdominoplasty is very effective at removing small pockets of fat from a targeted area, the procedure is not designed for patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight. In fact, A major change in weight following a tummy tuck can alter the results for the surgery. Therefore, patients who wish to lose weight are encouraged to do so before undergoing the procedure.
  4. Results are gradual. Since a tummy tuck is an invasive surgery, your body takes time to heal. A typical recovery period following abdominoplasty can take anywhere from two months to several months. Temporary drains may be required to eliminate fluid at the surgical site. Though a scar spanning hip-to-hip will be present, it is made so low that it can be covered by a bathing suit. With a balanced diet and regular exercise the results of a tummy tuck will last for a long time.

Interested In Learning More About Abdominoplasty? Contact Dr. Ryan Frank Today

If you are interested in tummy tuck surgery in Calgary, contact us today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you.

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What Is An Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck

tummy tuckAbdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that improves the contour of the abdomen and waist. A tummy tuck flattens the stomach area by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles.

What does the tummy tuck procedure involve?

In most cases, the abdominoplasty procedure takes about two to three hours, and is performed under general anesthesia. The surgery requires two incisions– one from hipbone to hipbone, close to the pubic area, and another around the navel.   The skin is then separated from the abdominal muscles which are then pulled together and stitched. This provides a taut abdomen and smoother waist. Next, liposuction is performed on the abdomen and flanks. The remaining skin flap is then pulled down over the tightened muscles and excess skin is removed. The navel is reattached in a natural position.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

This procedure is designed for individuals in overall good health and who have a normal body weight, but loose, sagging or stretched skin in the abdomen that does not respond to diet or exercise. These conditions are common in women who have experienced pregnancy and delivery, or those who have undergone significant weight loss. It is also important that abdominoplasty patients do not smoke.

Women who are considering future pregnancies are encouraged to postpone a tummy tuck until they are done with child bearing. This is because pregnancy can have an adverse effect on the results of the surgery.

How long is the recovery for a tummy tuck?

The complete recovery time following a tummy tuck varies from case to case, but typically takes up to 3 months. The recovery process may include the insertion of a temporary tube to drain excess fluid from the site of the surgery.

The procedure will leave a scar spanning the length of the abdomen, from hip to hip. Dr. Frank will make the incision as low as possible so that the scar can be covered by a bathing suit.

With proper diet and exercise, the results of a tummy tuck will be long-lasting.

Abdominoplasty in Calgary

If you are interested in abdominoplasty or would like to learn more about any of the other cosmetic surgery procedures we offer, contact Dr. Frank today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

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5 Common Plastic Surgery Myths

Abdominoplasty, Breast Augmentation, Male Breast Reduction, Plastic Surgery

plastic surgeryAs plastic surgery procedures increase in popularity and more people opt to “go under the knife,” the abundance of myths and misinformation surrounding plastic surgery grows as well.

  1. Plastic surgery is only about looks. Though the nature of plastic surgery addresses cosmetic issues, research shows that consumers feel that looks are a major component of a person’s  overall well-being. Many patients feel healthier and more confident after surgery.
  2. Cosmetic and plastic surgery are the same thing. Don’t be fooled by titles and marketing tricks–cosmetic and plastic are not one and the same. Cosmetic procedures refer to any type of treatment that enhances aesthetics, while a person must undergo years of specialized surgical training to earn the title of a plastic surgeon.
  3. Only the rich can afford it. It used to be that elective plastic surgeries were reserved for the rich and famous. But now, thanks to advances in medicine and technology, plastic surgery is more accessible (and affordable) than ever. In fact, the cost of certain procedures has dropped in the last decade. The rise of non-surgical cosmetic treatments also helps individuals enhance their appearance without breaking the bank.
  4. Breast implants prohibit women from breastfeeding. Despite popular belief, there is no clinical evidence that suggests women with implants cannot breastfeed. While it is not guaranteed, many women who undergo breast augmentation go on to successfully breastfeed their children.
  5. It’s only for women. Once upon a time, plastic surgery was considered a woman’s game. But increasingly these days, men are throwing their hat into the ring and opting to undergo facelifts, liposuction, rhinoplasty and even breast reductions. Studies have shown that the number of men choosing cosmetic procedures has jumped 273 percent between 1997 and 2013.

Cosmetic Surgery in Calgary

If you are interested in undergoing a cosmetic procedure, contact Dr. Frank today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

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