Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal (tummy) region, resulting in a flatter, tighter stomach and a thinner waistline. It is one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery.
Loose folds of skin are removed, fat is reduced, and the muscles are tightened (muscle tightening helps to improve protrusion of the lower abdomen, creating a flat contour).
Abdominoplasty should not be considered a substitute for weight reduction. The best results are seen in people with average body weights who can’t get rid of hanging folds despite diet and exercise. The surgery is especially beneficial after pregnancy, as well as in older patients with loose skin, and after numerous weight gain and loss cycles. Financing a tummy tuck is an available option if necessary.
What type of anesthesia is used during the operation?
What else is done during the procedure?
How long will I stay at the surgical facility?
When are the stitches removed?
What happens after the surgery?
Tummy Tuck Before and After Photo
Dr. Edelstein discusses anesthesia
The tummy tuck Canada procedure is performed under General Anesthesia. An Anesthetist is always present. If you have any particular problems with anesthesia, please let us know.
The actual surgical time varies depending on the amount of surgery necessary for each patient, but usually is about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
The incision is usually made across the lower abdomen, a little above the pubic area and beneath the bathing suit line. An incision is also made around the belly button to free it from the surrounding skin.
After tightening the underlying muscles, the excess skin and fat is removed. The incisions are then sutured and the belly button brought out through a new opening in it’s natural location.
Liposuction is usually also used to help reduce bulges, achieving an optimum result.
Occasionally, a mini tummy tuck can be done when loose skin is present only below the belly button. The advantages of this procedure are that the incision is shorter, and no incision is needed around the belly button.
Most patients stay overnight and go home the day after surgery.
Most of the stitching is dissolvable and woven under the skin to prevent stitch marks. Stitches around the belly-button are non-dissolvable and will be removed 2 weeks after the surgery.
Immediately after surgery, the skin will feel tight. For the first 2-3 days, you are encouraged to walk slightly bent forward to avoid pulling on the incision line, and to put pillows under your knees when you’re reclining. Most people feel tender and bruised after surgery, but are not in a great deal of pain. Pain medication will make you comfortable. This procedure is much less painful than regular abdominal surgery (eg gall bladder) because we don’t go into the inner abdominal cavity.
Dr. Edelstein talks about pain management with the pain pump following tummy tuck surgery.
You should plan to be off work for two weeks. During that time you should take it easy – a little walking is okay but not much more. Avoid straining, lifting, and bending completely over. Strenuous physical activity (like lifting weights or sit-ups) is not permitted until 6 weeks after surgery. An abdominal support garment is worn for 6 weeks – night and day for the first three weeks, and then during the day only for another three weeks.
Drains are usually placed to remove any excess fluid under the skin, and will be removed within one week.
Showering is permitted after the first post-operative visit. Scars will initially be red and a little raised, but over 3-6 months they usually get lighter in colour and flatten out.
The results of your tummy tuck can be dramatic and very pleasing. You’ll experience a nice flattening of the stomach with removal of excess rolls and that muffin top gradually appear in the recovery time after tummy tuck surgery. Loose skin and stretch marks are improved. The tummy tuck scar is nicely hidden by your underwear. Most patients are very happy with their results, which are generally much more satisfying than non surgical tummy tuck methods and contraptions, like the Tummy Tuck Belt.
Make sure you let us know your complete medical history as well as any medications, drugs, vitamins, or natural herbs you are taking before your tummytuck. For example, diabetes is known to affect wound healing.
Smoking also affects your ability to heal, and I recommend that you stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory pills (like anaprox or motrin), and vitamin E also should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery because they can cause extra bleeding.
We strive to make sure all of his patients are well informed. Your questions are more than welcome regarding your tummy tuck surgery.
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