Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

After weight loss, pregnancy, or lower abdominal surgery it is often very difficult — if not impossible — to regain your shape. Skin is often permanently stretched and has lost the ability to tighten adequately. Supportive tissue called fascia surrounds our abdominal muscles and gives critical support to the muscles. If this tissue has been stretched and damaged, surgical tightening of the tissue is often the only solution. Excess fat in the lower abdomen contributes to the unflattering appearance of this area for both men and women. Good nutrition and regular exercise will often help but this area is more resistant to change than many other areas. Tummy tucks or abdominoplasty surgery addresses the loose skin, excess lower abdomen fat and muscle wall laxity to the degree needed to improve your shape.

If you have excess skin and fat folds on your abdomen caused by weight loss or pregnancy it is likely that you will benefit from an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. Loose and damaged skin will never adequately tighten spontaneously and it must be removed to improve the appearance of the lower tummy. This lower abdominal skin is often where the worst stretch marks are located and, therefore, these can also be removed and the remaining skin tightened to restore a better appearance.

A critical part of this procedure is determining if the underlying abdominal muscles need to be tightened. Pregnancies and abdominal surgery can often permanently stretch or damage the tissue that supports your tummy muscles. In many cases the muscles are "toned" but the shape continues to bulge forward when you relax. The only way to tighten the supportive tissue for these muscles (known as "fascia") is to use surgery. Tightening these deeper layers and removing loose skin and fat is how a tummy tuck will make your stomach firmer and flatter. The best results are achieved in healthy patients who do not smoke, eat a healthy diet, are near their ideal body weight and are already involved in a regular exercise program. Candidates for surgery must have a Body Mass Index of less than 35 to be considered for this surgery.

• A smoother and flatter abdomen.
• A shapelier torso that looks better and allows clothing to fit.

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PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION

There are several approaches to this procedure depending upon the nature of your problem and your goals. Dr. Mosher will talk to you about the method he feels will achieve the best result in your case.

This operation is done under a light general anesthetic in our private surgical facility and allows you to go home on the same day as your surgery.

Incisions are carefully discussed with you and located to be as discreet as possible. An incision is made above the pubic area and extends to each side and upward towards your pelvic bone. The length of the incision is dependant on the degree of lower abdominal excess that is present. You can see the approximate location and length of the scar required by leaning slightly forward and pinching the tissue that is excessive. The fold that occurs naturally is the minimum length of scar to achieve a smooth look. Sometimes the length of the scar required for optimal shape is much longer that you had hoped for. In most cases, the scar length is easily justified but an open discussion of this will take place during your consultation. The goal is to keep this scar within your normal bathing suit and undergarment lines.

Mini-abdominoplasty usually has a shorter scar and tightens the lower abdominal skin only. This is often all that is required to get rid of problems related to a previous C-section scar. Once again, the scar length, shape and position is individualized to achieve the results you are looking for.

Standard abdominoplasty is used when there is more soft tissue excess and visible looseness of the abdominal muscles and fascia. In nearly all cases the muscle layer is repaired, the umbilicus is transposed to preserve an appropriate position and maximal amounts of skin and fat are removed.

Extended abdominoplasty procedures involve the same steps as a standard abdominoplasty but addresses more severe looseness problem. Often the incision in the lower abdomen must extend around the sides and occasionally there is also a vertical scar in the midline. The procedure is not uncommon for patients who had lost a lot of weight in the past.

RECUPERATION AND HEALING

Like other surgery that involves repairing muscles, abdominoplasty surgery requires a more time consuming and limiting recovery than most other plastic surgery.

• You will be encouraged to begin moving and walking within one to two days, with light activity becoming comfortable in 10 to 20 days depending on the extent of your surgery.
• When the muscle layer has been repaired you will not be allowed to sit or fold your abdomen for long periods of time during the first two weeks. This means that driving and working at a desk will be very limited.
• Sports and strenuous exercise will not be comfortable for about six weeks.
• Most patients are able to function well and return to work in to two-three weeks.

OTHER OPTIONS

Contouring of adjacent areas can be done at the same time to give you the best results. Liposuction of the flank and thighs, breast surgery, and thigh lifts can also be considered. In order to lower the risks of wound healing problems, excessive fat layer thickness on the abdomen may need to be treated separately before or after your tummy tuck. Only with a consultation can you learn what the best plan is for you.

Ask our very knowledgeable staff about Tummy Tuck or any of our other body contouring services. Speak to our staff directly or call 604-888-9378 (toll free 1-800-527-7697) to arrange your consultation.

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Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery and medical spa office located in Langley, British Columbia (BC), conveniently near the Vancouver area.