Tummy Tuck

Which Body Contouring Procedure Is Right For You?

LiposuctionMany people struggle with areas of the body marked by pockets of excess fat, loose skin or cellulite. There are two main surgical procedures available for both men and women that rejuvenate trouble areas and help sculpt and shape the contours of the body.

While Dr. Frank will work with you to create a custom plan tailored to meet your needs and goals, here is a guide to two of the most common body contouring procedures.

Liposuction

One of the most common cosmetic procedures, liposuction creates a slimmer contour by removing excess fat from a targeted area of the body. This procedure not only slims the area, but ensures that fat will not return. It is important to note that liposuction is designed to remove small areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is not a weight loss method, and it cannot remove cellulite or loose skin.

During tumescent liposuction, a solution comprising saline solution, lidocaine (an anesthetic) and epinephrine (a blood-vessel contractor) is injected into the area being treated. The solution causes the targeted tissue swell and become firm, which makes it easier to remove via the cannula. The advantages to this technique are that the anesthetic is built in, and blood loss is minimized because the epinephrine constricts blood vessels. Depending on the size of the area to be treated, local or general anesthesia is used.

The most common areas of the body on which liposuction is performed include the thighs, abdomen, arms, back, hips, buttocks, chest and chin. Liposuction can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, helps flatten the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening muscles. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition, with pockets of fat or loose skin that have not responded well to diet and exercise. This procedure is popular among women who wish to achieve a flatter, smoother contour after pregnancy. Abdominoplasty can also be appropriate for slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity. Anyone planning on losing a significant amount of weight, and women planning on having more children, should wait before undergoing an abdominoplasty.

Plastic Surgery in Calgary

If you are interested in learning more about any of the cosmetic 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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What Is An Abdominoplasty?

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!

What Is An Abdominoplasty? Read More »

Abdominoplasty: Tummy Tuck FAQ

Tummy TuckCommonly 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!

Abdominoplasty: Tummy Tuck FAQ Read More »

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