What is an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?

Abdominoplasty is abdominal surgery that is intended to result in the firming an smoothening of the abdomen to provide a more esthetically pleasing look for the one undergoing the surgery.  The procedure used may reduce fat, will tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall and remove excess skin.  The surgery could also result in the improvement of stretch marks.

Those who want a Tummy Tuck in Toronto can be one who wants to have their abdominal wall muscles tightened up to correct separation and weakness due to pregnancy.  Others may have been obese, lost a large amount of weight and want to remove the excess skin left behind.

Surgical Brief

Typically, an incision is made horizontally just above or within the pubic area.  If there is loose skin above the navel an incision may be made around the navel so as to pull the skin above the navel down lower.  Again, the abdominal wall muscles may be tightened using sutures.  With minimal loose skin and if excess fat is located below the navel a mini-abdominoplasty is performed with a short horizontal incision.

Considerations

Complications rarely happen.  However, to lessen your chances further, get checked by your family doctor to ensure you are healthy enough to have the surgery.  Don’t consider the surgery if you intend to get pregnant or lose a large amount of weight in the future.  Postpone it.  BTW, please do not use the procedure as a weight loss technique.

Recovery time varies amongst individuals and the type of surgery undergone.  You could be returning to normal activities within weeks or months.  You may not feel completely normal for months.  Your surgeon will assess your situation and let you know what to expect.  Go here to see a checklist for selecting a surgeon.  Bruising and swelling will occur.  The bruising will disappear within a few weeks while the swelling may take months.  In addition, a scar from the incision will not completely disappear and will fade somewhat after a several months.

Risks

There are risks associated with every surgery.  Some risks include bleeding, infection and reaction to anesthesia.  Bleeding or blood clots under the skin flap is possible.  Those with poor circulation, liver, lung, heart disease or diabetes tend to be more likely to experience complications.  Check with your surgeon to get more information.