Tummy Tuck Surgery in Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario
Who is a candidate?
Men and women who have excess fat or skin in the lower or mid-abdomen which will not respond to diet and exercise may be good candidates for a tummy tuck. Women who have had one or more pregnancies or who have had previous weight gain or loss are particularly helped by this surgery. Stretch marks on the lower abdomen are often removed during the procedure as an added side benefit. The stomach muscles are tightened to help produce a flatter abdominal contour.
How is a tummy tuck performed?
A low incision is made in the pubic region extending toward the hips on each side. Every effort is made to conceal the incision within the "bikini line." The excess skin and fat are carefully removed and the stomach muscles are tightened. Normally, the umbilicus (belly-button) needs to be repositioned also. The stomach muscles are also tightened to help produce a flatter abdominal contour. Surgical drains are used to collect any fluids that may accumulate after the procedure.
The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and it can be done as an outpatient procedure; an overnight stay can be arranged if preferred. The surgery takes approximately three hours.
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A tummy tuck can be performed with other procedures at the same time, such as liposuction and/or breast surgery.
What is the recovery period like?
You will be up and about immediately after surgery. The drains are left in place for about a week and are easily removed in the office. Swelling, bruising and discomfort after surgery are normal for a few days. Dr. Hynes will prescribe pain medication for you, as well as antibiotics to minimize the chances of infection. You will be able to shower within a week. The stitches are hidden below the surface of the skin and will be absorbed by the body.
Depending on your type of work, you may return within two weeks of surgery. Although the skin will be healed within a week or so, it will be three or four weeks until full activities can be resumed (i.e., sports or heavy lifting). A support garment is required for one month after surgery to give you the best possible result.
What are the risks?
All surgery carries certain risks and abdominoplasty is no exception. These include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, delayed healing and minor asymmetries. Blood clots can occur, but this is rare and steps are taken to minimize this risk. There is a visible scar following a tummy tuck, but this is hidden in clothing or bathing suits and usually fades with time.
Smoking increases the likelihood of complications and it is therefore strongly recommended that you stop smoking before undergoing a tummy tuck. Dr. Hynes will review all the risks of the surgery with you in detail during your cosmetic consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you considering a tummy tuck surgery in Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario? If so, browse through our comprehensive FAQ section below to find out more about the tummy tuck surgical procedure before booking your consultation with Dr. Hynes.
Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty in medical terms, is an effective surgical procedure that requires the patient to undergo general anesthesia. During a tummy tuck procedure, your surgeon will make an incision across the abdomen to strategically remove excess fat and skin between the pubic area and your belly button. Your surgeon will then tighten the connective tissues that lay over your abdominal muscles with sutures before repositioning the skin and sticking the incision. Patients can expect their surgical procedure to take anywhere from two to three hours before it is complete.
Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
While the tummy tuck surgical procedure can effectively remove excess skin, fat, and tighten weakened abdominal muscles, it may not be a suitable surgical option for all individuals considering this form of treatment. Therefore, to determine if you are a good candidate for this medical procedure, please take note of the following requirements listed below:
- You are in good physical health
- You are at a stable weight
- You are a non-smoker
- You have done your research on this surgical procedure and have realistic expectations
- You are bothered by the look of your current abdomen area
What's the difference between tummy tuck and liposuction?
Patients contemplating a tummy tuck procedure to remove excess skin and fat from their lower abdominal area may also be considering the benefits of undergoing liposuction. While these procedures provide similar body contouring results, they do differ. Below, you will find a comparison between the tummy tuck and liposuction.
- The tummy tuck procedure removes excess, loose skin, and fat around the abdominal area
- Liposuction removes excess fat deposits on the thighs, hips, abdomen, and buttocks areas
- The tummy tuck procedure offers patients permanent results while liposuction, although said to be a permanent solution for fat loss, can still result in weight gain in the future. However, weight gain is not typically seen on the areas of the body that have undergone liposuction
Recovery after tummy tuck: How long is recovery from a tummy tuck with or without liposuction?
Following a tummy tuck procedure, patients can expect to undergo a two to six week recovery process with or without liposuction. Patients may experience discomfort and pain during their recovery; however, this can be managed with medications prescribed to you at the direction of your surgeon. As your body heals, it is highly important that patients rest as much as possible and follow their surgeons' orders to ensure the risk of infection at the site of incision remains low. Additionally, you may also be advised to wear a surgical garment to aid your abdominal tissues in adhering to their new form during your recovery.
How can I obtain more information?
It’s important to have realistic expectations and to be properly informed about expected results and potential side effects, with any procedure.
If you would like to book a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Hynes at our office in Hamilton, ON, please call us at (905) 645-5640 or book an appointment.
Lotus Cosmetic Surgery Centre + Medispa
Hamilton, Ontario
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