What Is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic as a day surgery procedure. Your plastic surgeon will make a horizontal incision just above the pubic line. The size of your incision will be dependent on the level of correction needed for optimal results. Through this incision, your surgeon will repair and suture weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess tissue (fat and skin). A second incision around your belly button may be necessary to remove tissue from the upper abdomen and to reposition the navel into a natural location. Your surgical wound will be closed with sutures.
What You Need To Consider:
A tummy tuck will give you a firmer, flatter abdomen and slim your waistline. But there are a few things to consider before deciding that an abdominoplasty is right for you.
1. Abdominoplasty Has A Significant Recovery Period
Abdominoplasty is a major surgery and the time to heal can be significant. You will need assistance for most activities for the first several days. You will have stitches, drains, and an incision that needs care. Although manageable, you will have pain and swelling for the first couple of weeks after surgery. You will not be able to drive, you will have to take a couple of weeks off of work, and avoid exercise and strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks. Some patients feel mostly recovered after about 4 weeks, but some can experience discomfort and fatigue for up to six weeks post-op.
2. A Tummy Tuck Is Not A Shortcut To Weight Loss
Abdominoplasty is designed to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from your tummy and as such you will experience some weight loss. For most patients, this amount is typically under 5 pounds. You will also experience a decrease in the size of your clothing as your newly sculpted belly is tighter and firmer. But a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. In fact, your plastic surgeon will recommend that you be within 10 pounds of your desired weight and that you have maintained that weight for at least six months prior to abdominoplasty. This stability will help you achieve optimal and sustainable results from your tummy tuck surgery.
3. Abdominoplasty Leaves A Permanent Scar
A tummy tuck can produce dramatic body contouring results, but it will leave a scar. The scar from an abdominoplasty procedure will run just above your pubic line, almost hip to hip. Your surgeon will be very careful to place the scar where it can be mostly covered by your underwear or bathing suit and it will heal and fade over time, but it is a significant surgical scar that will always be visible.
4. Results Take Time
You may notice a difference in your abdomen immediately following surgery, but more likely you will experience swelling, bruising, and redness for several weeks following surgery. Most patients feel mostly recovered by about week three or four and can resume most normal activities like work and driving, but it is possible the picture-perfect “after” of your abdominoplasty will take a longer period of time to be revealed. The majority of swelling and bruising will subside by week 4-6, most discomfort and numbness should be gone, and you will likely be quite happy with the results at this point in healing, but be prepared to wait up to one year before the final results of your surgery are apparent.
Dramatic, Lasting Abdominoplasty Results With Dr. Peterson MD
Abdominoplasty is an amazing plastic surgery procedure to repair damaged and weakened abdominal muscles and tighten and sculpt the skin and tissues of your belly. Tummy tuck surgery can provide dramatic and successful results and restore your midsection after weight gain and weight loss, pregnancy, and aging. But there are some important factors to consider before deciding that abdominoplasty is right for you.
To explore your options for abdominoplasty or any other surgical and non-surgical options for body contouring, contact our clinic in downtown Kelowna by calling 1-250-868-9099 or by filling out our online contact form. Dr. Peterson and the team at Peterson MD are Kelowna’s choice for surgical cosmetic procedures including tummy tuck, liposuction, and arm lift surgery. Dr. Brian Peterson and the team at Peterson Surgery are committed to patient education and providing surgical and non-surgical treatments to help patients look and feel their very best.
FAQ
Q: How much weight should I lose before having a tummy tuck?
A: It is ideal to be within 10 pounds of your desired goal weight and to maintain a stable weight for at least 6 months to achieve optimal results from a tummy tuck procedure.
Q: Can I combine abdominoplasty and liposuction?
A: It is not always necessary, but you can combine these two procedures and your plastic surgeon may recommend that to achieve the most ideal results. It is smart to consult with Dr. Peterson at a complimentary consultation to discuss your goals for body contouring and to find out which procedures or combination of procedures will help you achieve optimal outcomes.
Q: How long does an abdominoplasty surgery take?
A: On average, abdominoplasty will take between three to five hours and is performed under general anaesthetic as a day surgery procedure.
