Tummy Tuck

Commonly known as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty helps flatten and shape the stomach area and waist. The surgery removes excess fat and skin, while also tightening muscles to create a more flat, sleek and trim midsection.

What Is the Procedure?

During the surgery, which takes approximately two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia, two incisions are made. One is from hipbone to hipbone, while the other incision is around the navel. The skin is then separated from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist.

The skin flap is then stretched down and over the newly tightened muscles, while excess skin is trimmed away and the navel is reattached in a natural position. The incisions are then carefully closed, with the hip to hip incision’s sutures located close to the pubic area so that it is as discreet as possible.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Do you have loose, stretched skin and belly folds because of pregnancy? Or do you have excess skin as a result of major weight loss? Then you are a great candidate for abdominoplasty.

Candidates should be in great physical condition and non-smokers. Many people who undergo abdominoplasty because they have pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty can also help older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.

What Other Factors Should I Consider?

Are you planning to have a child in the near future? Having a child can undo the results of the procedure, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to delay abdominoplasty.

Are you planning to lose more weight? Since further weight loss can cause more skin to become loose, we encourage patients who intend to lose a substantial amount of weight to wait  until they reach their goal weight before undergoing the procedure,

How Long Is Recovery?

The recovery process after abdominoplasty may include the temporary insertion of a tube that will drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Following the surgery, a patient’s recovery time can range from 8-12 weeks.

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 us today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!