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!

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