The Basics: What is Abdominoplasty Surgery?
Abdominoplasty surgery, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a type of plastic surgery that removes excess fat and skin from the tummy and abdominal area. Sometimes, a tummy tuck can also offer up the additional benefit of improved tone, strength, and function of the abdominal muscles. Although often considered an elective surgery it can provide both cosmetic and restorative benefits.
Having Abdominoplasty Surgery: An Overview
Preparing for Surgery: If you have experienced significant weight loss and want to remove excess tissue from the midsection, or perhaps you have tried multiple methods but cannot gain the shape and look you want after having children, an abdominoplasty surgery might be right for you. Before choosing to undergo this cosmetic procedure it is important to:
- Do your research
- Complete a thorough consultation with your surgeon of choice
- Weigh out risks and benefits of a body contouring surgery
- Decide whether or not to include Liposuction as they are often completed at the same time to reduce multiple recovery times
Having a Tummy Tuck: Once you choose your desired surgeon, he or she will help you select the right type of surgery for you. Abdominoplasty can either be minimally invasive by laparoscopy or a traditional open surgery. Your doctor will recommend one of the two types of tummy tuck:
- A complete tummy tuck which is an abdominal incision to thoroughly remove fat and skin all throughout the abdomen. This type of tummy tuck often includes the creation of a new belly button.
- A partial tummy tuck is usually a much smaller incision and will involve the same technique as a complete tummy tuck, but with much less tissue removed.
- A reverse tummy tuck is similar to a partial abdominoplasty but is localized to the upper part of the abdomen, whereas a partial is typically used for shaping and contouring the lower stomach area.
- Diastasis repair often is included with Abdominoplasty surgery to mend the abdominal muscles that get separated, typically due to pregnancy. These muscles will be sewn back together to produce the desired look around the stomach, and also to help improve their functionality.
Tummy Tuck Recovery: Abdominoplasty surgery recovery time will vary but can be expected to take two weeks to two months. Generally speaking, if your wound is larger and you have had a substantial amount of skin and fat removed (Complete Abdominoplasty), you can expect a longer recovery period than if you have a partial tummy tuck.
Abdominoplasty After Care: After surgery it is important to keep the area clean and dry. Your doctor will teach you how to care for your wounds and how to replace the wound dressing. You will also have a drain in the area to avoid fluid build up which your surgeon will teach you how to care for. You will be expected to wear a compression bandage for some time to avoid swelling. As with most surgeries, there will be a scar, or multiple incision points that will fade over time.
Booking Your Body Contouring Surgery Consultation
Choosing to undergo tummy tuck surgery is an important decision, but can help you if you are looking to have a flatter, slimmer stomach. Before choosing to go ahead it is important to have an open conversation with your plastic surgeon about the risks and benefits of this type of body contouring surgery.
If you want to experience the best in class plastic surgeon with decades of experience, Dr. Brian Peterson MD is Kelowna’s best plastic surgeon. Located in the serene and beautiful Okanagan, you can contact his team at (250) 868-9099 or fill out the form below to book a consultation.
FAQs
Q: Where is Dr. Peterson Located?
A: Dr. Brian Peterson operates out of the Okanagan Health Surgical center in Kelowna, BC. It is a private, top-of-the-line facility, providing surgery to people from all over the world since 1996.
Q: Is a tummy tuck a day surgery?
A: Abdominoplasty is considered day surgery, although sometimes you may spend 1-2 days in the centre, or hospital, depending on your situation.
Q: When is body contouring surgery a good idea?
A: Body contouring surgery is an effective way to give your body a slimmer, smoother look after a substantial weight loss, or if you have excess skin and tissue that cannot be rid of through other types of weight loss methods. Body contouring surgeries include:
- Liposuction
- Tummy tuck
- Arm lift
- Thigh lift
