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Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck Surgery in Vancouver

At Pacific Plastic Surgery in Vancouver, we offer tummy tucks, a transformative surgical procedure designed to sculpt and contour the abdomen, providing patients with a firmer, flatter midsection. Whether you’re seeking to restore your pre-pregnancy figure, address the effects of significant weight loss, or simply desire to enhance the contours of your body, a tummy tuck may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Here, we will dive into the tummy tuck procedure, benefits, surgery, results, and recovery to help you decide if a tummy tuck is right for you and your aesthetic goals.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck procedure targets excess skin and fat while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles, resulting in a more toned and proportionate appearance. This is a cosmetic surgical procedure that requires the use of general anesthesia and a moderate amount of recovery and downtime.

Before & After

before and after abdominoplasty / tummy tuck
before and after abdominoplasty / tummy tuck
before and after abdominoplasty / tummy tuck

Who Is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is typically an individual who has achieved a stable weight but struggles with excess abdominal skin, fat deposits, or weakened abdominal muscles that cannot be effectively addressed through diet and exercise alone. This individual may be bothered by a protruding or sagging abdominal area caused by factors such as pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging. Additionally, candidates should be in good overall health, stop smoking for 2-6 weeks before and after surgery (depending on the surgeon), and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Arko Demianczuk, Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss, or Dr. Janine Roller is crucial to determining candidacy as well as creating a tailored treatment plan that is unique to your anatomy and goals.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes 2-3 hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure because once your surgery and in-hospital recovery are complete, you are able to go home the same day. It is common for patients to combine their tummy tuck procedure with other cosmetic surgeries like liposuction. The surgeon begins by making an incision along the lower abdomen, typically spanning from hip to hip, and another around the navel to access the underlying tissues. The abdominal muscles are then tightened and sutured together to create a firmer abdominal wall. Excess skin and fat are carefully removed, and the remaining skin is pulled downward to create a smoother, flatter contour. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures, and dressings or compression garments are applied to support healing and minimize swelling.

Tummy Tuck Results and Recovery

Following a tummy tuck procedure, patients can expect to experience a significant improvement in the appearance of their abdomen, with excess skin and fat removed and abdominal muscles tightened to create a firmer, flatter contour. While swelling and bruising are common in the initial stages of recovery, these gradually subside over the following weeks. Patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities during the first few weeks post-surgery to promote proper healing. After surgery, patients will wear a compression garment for 6 weeks. Most patients will need 2 weeks off work following surgery and can resume full activities after 6 weeks.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about tummy tucks and if this procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation at Pacific Plastic Surgery Group today. To get in touch with our team, head to our website and fill out an online contact form.

The Surgical Experience

A tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes 2-3 hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure. It is frequently combined with liposuction. After surgery, patients will wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks. Patients will be encouraged to move around after surgery in order to promote blood circulation. Most patients will need 2 weeks off work following surgery, and can resume full activities after 6 weeks.

Cost

The price for abdominoplasty will vary depending on the technique used, the patient’s condition and aesthetic goals, as well as other factors relating to the surgical case.

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FAQs

  • What is a tummy tuck and who is a good candidate?

    A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the abdominal muscles. Good candidates are individuals with loose skin, stretch marks, or weakened abdominal muscles due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.

  • What will the scar be like?

    The scar is a low transverse scar that runs from hip to hip, examples of which can be seen in our abdominoplasty gallery. Depending on individual preference (style of underwear worn regularly) the scar can be sited higher or lower in the groin region. There is also a circumferential scar around the umbilicus (belly-button) as in most abdominoplasties this has to be re-sited.

  • Do I have a drain after a tummy-tuck?

    Use of a drain is dependent on the treating surgeon, and based on the nature of your specific abdominoplasty. In some occasions, a “No Drain Abdominoplasty: is possible, while in other settings, one or two drains may be used that stay in for 3-5 days post-operatively, again depending on the individual case.

  • How much pain will I have after a tummy tuck?

    Pain relief:

    Pain is controlled and limited by providing analgesia pre-operatively, intraoperatively and post-operatively. In close conjunction with our anesthesiologist, our surgeons will use a combination of local anesthetics, intravenous and oral analgesics to make you as comfortable as possible.

    In spite of this some patients will experience discomfort after a tummy tuck, more so in the first few days after surgery, settling rapidly thereafter. The severity of pain experienced varies between individuals as well as the specifics of the surgical technique. For example, muscle tightening during the tummy tuck procedure (if required) is associated with greater post-operative discomfort.

    Pre-operatively our surgeons will provide prescriptions for pain relief medication and will check-in with you post-operatively to tailor your analgesia requirements and minimize discomfort.

    Some patients who are concerned about their post surgical pain control, a Pain Pump can be used to minimize discomfort. Discuss this with your treating surgeon.

    Nausea and sickness:

    Some people find that the anesthetic medication used during surgery can cause them to feel nauseous. You can try taking ginger drinks or Gravol tablets from the pharmacy, but if it persists a prescription for stronger anti-sickness medication can be provided. Even if you are feeling sick it is important to keep taking fluids to prevent dehydration and constipation.

  • How long is the recovery period for a tummy tuck?

    Initial recovery usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks and wear compression garments to aid healing. Full recovery, including the fading of scars and complete healing of the muscles, can take several months.

    Showering and bathing:

    Strip-washing can begin the day after surgery as your dressings are water-resistant. Showering and bathing are discouraged until the first post-operative visit (Typically 5-10 days post-op). After this visit the majority of patients can begin showering if our surgeon is happy with your healing.

    Movement and exercise:

    The first week you will need to rest frequently. Additionally, you should also mobilize (keeping the hips flexed, see below) frequently, every 1-2 hours during waking hours to minimize the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.

    Every 2-3 hours take deep breaths to expand your lungs. Hold your incision while coughing.

    Avoid picking anything up greater than 5 lbs. for the first week.

    You will not be able to stand up straight for the first week. It will be normal to walk at a 30-degree angle bent at the hips. Your back may become sore in this position. You can try to stand up straight after the first week as tolerated.

    Very light regular daily activities are allowed by day 2 after surgery, but these may be sore initially. Depending on the recovery and the first post-operative visit, you can increase your activity level after the first 2 weeks. You should not do any activity that increases your heart rate above 120 beats per minute for the first 4 weeks. It is important to ‘listen’ to your body: if an activity hurts or causes much discomfort then wait longer. Do not participate in any strenuous activity until 6 weeks after your surgery. This includes: heavy lifting/weight lifting, extreme stretching exercises such as yoga, strenuous sporting activities

    Driving:

    You must not drive for 48 hours after a general anesthetic. Driving can typically begin again 7-10 days post-surgery, depending on comfort levels.

    Sleeping:

    For the first week post-surgery sleep on your back with your head elevated and knees bent with a pillow underneath them. This will keep the tension off your abdomen. Do not sleep on your side.

    Work:

    Return to work depends very much on the individual and the type of work activity you perform. Most individuals can return to work in some capacity 2-4 weeks post surgery, but varies depending on individual progress and recovery and type of work.

    Follow-up:

    Follow-up is tailored to the individual case but typically occurs, 1-2 weeks post-surgery, 4-6 weeks, and 3-6 months post surgery.

  • Will the results last?

    Yes, typically the results from this procedure will last a long time, as long as your weight remains stable. Subsequent pregnancies or large fluctuations in weight are likely to have an adverse effect on your long-term cosmetic outcome.

  • Will a tummy tuck help my stretch marks?

    Yes, a tummy tuck will enable the majority if not all of the stretch marks over the lower abdomen to be removed. Our surgeons will be able to assess your individual case and advise you on the likely outcome during your consultation.

  • Do I need to have a tummy tuck, or can I just have liposuction?

    Liposuction helps to remove excess fat from underneath the skin and this can be very effective for some individuals. However, many people (for example those who have experienced significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies) have excess loose skin that can only be removed surgically. Whilst liposuction alone works very well for some individuals, it is not a suitable substitute for a tummy tuck in others. Our surgeon’s assessment will help to determine which procedure(s) are indicated in your particular case.

  • Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

    Yes, pregnancy is still possible after a tummy tuck and there are no additional risks as a result. Pregnancies after a tummy tuck will however, almost certainly have a detrimental effect on the cosmetic appearance. Women who plan on possibly becoming pregnant in future are sometimes good candidates for liposuction alone.

  • Will I need to wear a compression garment after surgery?

    Yes, you will be provided with a compression garment after your surgery that you must wear for 6 weeks. It is essential that you wear this all the time for 6 weeks for the optimal cosmetic outcome. Failure to wear the garment will result in sub-par aesthetics outcomes.

  • What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?

    A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen, from the lower ribcage to the pubic area, and involves tightening of the abdominal muscles. A mini tummy tuck targets only the lower abdomen below the belly button and is suitable for patients with a smaller amount of excess skin or fat.

  • What are the potential risks and complications of a tummy tuck?

    Risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, fluid accumulation (seroma), and blood clots. Some patients may also experience numbness or tightness in the abdominal area. These risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon and following post-operative instructions.

  • Will a tummy tuck help with weight loss?

    A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. It is designed to contour and flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, but it is not a substitute for weight loss. Maintaining a stable weight before and after the procedure is essential for long-lasting results.

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