Tummy Tuck Surgery | Abdominoplasty
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Life events such as pregnancy or weight change, age-related tissue changes, or prior surgery all play a factor in your abdomen’s appearance. In many patients, the abdomen can be resistant change despite diet and exercise efforts. Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the abdomen. Our Surrey tummy tuck surgery removes the excess, loose skin and fat, and in most cases, restores the weakened or separated abdominal ‘six-pack’ muscles, creating a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. The procedure also helps lift the suprapubic (mons) area in patients who experience some descent.
Many patients report a boost in self-esteem and confidence following the procedure. Tightening of the abdominal muscles can improve posture and reduce back pain. Abdominoplasty is designed to remove excess and loose skin and fat that hangs below your belly button. This fat removed sits above your six-pack muscles just below your skin. The fat inside your abdomen contributes to a round, protruded abdomen. This fat inside the abdomen cannot be treated with surgery and is best managed with lifestyle measures, such as diet and exercise. For this reason, individuals who have a round, protruding abdomen without any loose skin and fat may not be good candidates for a tummy tuck.
Tummy tuck surgery is suitable for individuals who:
For individuals who carry excess fat in their upper abdomen between the belly button and the rib cage (the epigastrium), liposuction to the upper abdomen can help improve your contour together with a tummy tuck. However, this must be approached cautiously. Plastic Surgeons cannot perform excessive liposuction to the upper abdomen at the same time as your tummy tuck, as this can affect the blood supply network supporting your abdominal wall and contribute to wound healing issues. Therefore, you may need to achieve your goals in two surgeries.
The first surgery would be your tummy tuck surgery. This will remove excess skin and fat below your belly button, as well as contour your flanks/hips and suprapubic area (mons) with liposuction. The second surgery would focus on liposuction to the upper abdomen, and any residual fullness to the flanks, hips, as well as the back if ‘360 liposuction’ is needed.
A mommy makeover is a term used to describe a combination of cosmetic procedures designed to address the physical changes that occur in a woman's body after pregnancy and breastfeeding. It typically involves a customized set of surgical and non-surgical treatments aimed at rejuvenating the breasts, abdomen, and other areas affected by childbirth and breastfeeding.
Components of a mommy makeover commonly include:
Fleur-de lis abdominoplasty is a variation of the traditional abdominoplasty procedure commonly used for individuals who have undergone massive weight loss or who have experienced significant weight fluctuation and eventual loss from pregnancy, medical conditions, or aging. In cases where there is significant excess skin and fat not only horizontally but also vertically (resulting in a shape resembling the fleur-de-lis symbol), a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is performed. As a result, this procedure is more extensive than a traditional abdominoplasty.
In addition to the horizontal incision made in a traditional tummy tuck, a vertical incision is made in the midline of the abdomen. This allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat not only horizontally but also vertically, resulting in a more comprehensive reshaping of the abdominal area. The incisions are typically strategically placed to minimize visible scarring post-surgery.
This procedure is often chosen by individuals seeking a significant transformation of their abdominal contour after substantial weight loss or other body changes. It aims to create a smoother, tighter, and more aesthetically pleasing abdomen
Abdominal appearance varies from person to person. Dr. Ratanshi will review your specific concerns and tailor a treatment plan that works best for you. Tummy tuck surgery takes 2 to 3 hours. Prior to your surgery, incisions and measurements are planned while upright to account for your natural lower abdomen crease and hide your scar below your underwear line.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety. You will be put to sleep by a board-certified Anesthesiologist. A horizontal incision is made low, between your pubic hairline and belly button. The shape and length of the incision will depend on the amount of excess skin. If separated, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and stitched together. Excess skin and fat are trimmed away, and the remaining skin is pulled down and sewn together. Two drains will be placed to help offload any fluid which may be produced in the early healing phase. Multiple layers of dissolving stitches are used to close your incisions. Your belly button stays attached and will be brought out through a separate incision in a natural position. Surgical tapes, dressings or bandages are applied to incisions, and a compression garment may be used to minimize swelling and support the abdomen as it heals.
Expect some swelling bruising and discomfort which can be managed with prescribed medications. You'll need to limit strenuous activity for several weeks, but light walking is encouraged to promote circulation. Regular follow-ups with your surgeon to monitor your healing process will be organized. While initial results are visible immediately, the final outcome will be apparent after swelling subsides, usually within 6 to 12 months.
Your tummy tuck scar is planned to lie low below your underwear line. If you wear a typical undergarment the day of surgery, Dr. Ratanshi will mark this to help plan your incision. Depending on the amount of skin to be removed, your scar will extend just beyond the outside of front prominence of your hip bone (the anterior superior iliac spine). Longer incisions are needed for individuals with skin excess extending into their love handles or flanks.
Frequently Combined with Tummy Tuck Surgery
If liposuction is required with your surgery, additional risks you should be aware of include, but are not limited to:
You will have to wear a supportive, compressive garment for 6 weeks after surgery. Individuals should avoid heavy lifting (> 10 lbs) for 6 weeks. You can get the area wet in the shower after 5 days. If drains are placed, you can shower 48 hours after drain removal. Any surgical tapes, if used, are removed at 2 weeks. Your stitches are dissolvable. You may return to work within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your activity. You may return to the gym for light activities at 4 to 6 weeks. You should avoid any swimming, hot tubs, steam showers, baths (showers are OK) or lake/ocean water for 4 weeks assuming normal healing. Scars will mature over the course of a year.
Tummy Tuck Surgery is a cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of the abdomen. Because it is essential for an optimal aesthetic result, Dr. Ratanshi includes minor liposuction to the mons and lower flanks with his starting quotation. Additional liposuction would be subject to additional fees. It is not a benefit of MSP and often not a benefit of Private Insurance.
Patients with excess skin and fat extending into the flanks or back will require more time for excision, closure, and potentially repositioning while asleep. This is referred to as an extended tummy tuck.
During your private consultation for your tummy tuck Surrey plastic surgeon, Dr. Imran Ratanshi, will assess your needs provide you with a detailed quotation during your consultation process.
Dr. Ratanshi has also partnered with Beautifi and iFinance Canada to provide alternative options for you if needed. You can review rates and terms at the links below. You may also wish to discuss financing with your private lender.
Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. It is best suited for individuals who are already at or near their ideal weight but have excess skin and weaken muscles that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise alone. Individuals who have undergone abdominoplasty do report improvements in mobility and self confidence. These can be significant motivators to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to protect your investment in your surgical result.
Yes, abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction, breast surgery, or other procedures at part as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach for your goals.
The results of abdominoplasty can be long lasting, especially if you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies can affect your outcome, so it is best to have the procedure when you do not plan to have more children.
Dr. Ratanshi prioritizes patient safety and satisfaction above all. He is a double subspecialty-trained Plastic Surgeon and regularly performs aesthetic and reconstructive breast and body surgery as part of his practice. Dr. Ratanshi aims to utilize the latest evidence-based techniques and technology to deliver exceptional results. Dr. Ratanshi is committed to making your journey to enhanced beauty as comfortable and rewarding as possible.
