What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and tightens separated or stretched muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. It is not a weight-loss procedure.
Even individuals of normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes, or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:
- pregnancy,
- aging,
- significant fluctuations in weight,
- heredity,
- prior surgery.
What a Tummy Tuck won’t do
A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed, or improved, if they are located on the excess skin that will be removed, generally the treated areas below the belly button.
Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you:
- are physically healthy and at a stable weight with a normal, or near normal, BMI.
- have realistic expectations, and
- do not smoke.
The Procedure
A tummy tuck is done under general anaesthesia. The procedure takes two to three hours.
An incision will be made from hipbone to hipbone, close to the pubic area. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured while excess fat, tissue and skin is removed. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Finally, the incisions will be closed and dressings will be applied. Dr. Thomson does not use drains for his abdominoplasties. He uses a quilting suturing technique to prevent fluid accumulations under the skin.
Recovery and results
Your tummy tuck procedure will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. The final results will become apparent as swelling diminishes and internal healing proceeds. Patients are discharged the same day as surgery and generally return to light activity after 10 days. Normal activity is often resumed after one month.