A flat stomach can be difficult to maintain, even with diet and exercise. Many factors such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or genetics can cause this to be a trouble area for many individuals. An abdominoplasty can address these main concerns that patients have.
A tummy tuck (the medical term is abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to remove fat, tissue and skin from the stomach with the goal of a flat, toned looking abdominal area. The abdominal muscles will also be tightened if they are separated or weak (usually due to pregnancy – diastasis recti). An incision is made horizontally across the lower abdomen and above the navel to remove a large portion of fat, skin and tissue and pulled tight and reattached along the bottom of the abdomen where the scar can be hidden beneath the patient’s underwear. The navel will remain attached to the abdominal muscles below, and will be reattached to the tightened skin with a new opening in the skin with a resulting flat, tight stomach. Many patients will combine this with liposuction or liposculpture to achieve a sculpted waistline and abs when possible.
Common concerns for abdominoplasty patients
No amount of exercise can get rid of loose skin or stretch marks caused by pregnancy or weight fluctuations. A tummy tuck will remove this loose skin on the abdomen and all or some of the stretch marks to reveal a tighter, toned looking stomach.
Pregnancy and/or weight gain can cause the abdominal muscles to become weak, thin and stretched out, causing the abdominal muscles to separate. This will result in a bulge in the stomach, even in patients who are very thin. Exercise cannot repair diastasis recti if the muscle separation is very large. When Dr. Arash Izadpanah performs the tummy tuck, he will repair the abdominal muscles, thus flattening the stomach with an internal waist trainer effect to slim the waist. Dr. Izadpanah will determine whether or not you have diastasis recti during your consultation.
During a tummy tuck, any fat that is attached to tissue will also be removed to provide a flatter and smaller stomach and waist area. Many patients will choose to combine liposuction with a tummy tuck to increase fat removal and maximize final results.
Find out if a tummy tuck is for you
If you are considering a tummy tuck, please review this information to give you guidance whether or not you may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty. Ultimately, Dr. Arash will determine if this is the best procedure for you, but in general you should be in good overall physical health and not pregnant or breastfeeding.
To ensure that your results are preserved, we do not recommend tummy tuck surgery if you have future pregnancies planned.
Tummy tuck candidates:
A tummy tuck may not be for you
Dr. Arash will give you an honest assessment and let you know if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, but if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, are planning to become pregnant in the future, or are currently ill or have an infection, you will not be a good candidate for abdominoplasty.
Pregnancy and weight fluctuation will alter the results of your tummy tuck. We recommend waiting until all pregnancies are finished before undergoing abdominoplasty, and maintaining a stable weight for 6 months to ensure that you have long-lasting and satisfying tummy tuck results.
Consider your abdominoplasty options
If you have determined that you may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty, then you will discuss what the best type of abdominoplasty procedure will be for your personal cosmetic surgery goals.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck focuses on a smaller area of the stomach, removing fat skin and tissue below the navel, and does not touch or move the navel. Liposuction can be included with a mini tummy tuck to remove additional fat. Mini tummy can only remove a small amount of skin so ideal candidates will not have an excessive amount of loose skin or fat to remove.
Fleur de Lys
A fleur de lys abdominoplasty is a tummy tuck procedure that can address a much larger amount of excess skin by using an additional vertical incision along the centre of the abdomen. Patients that have had massive weight loss are good candidates for this tummy tuck option to remove more excess skin than a traditional abdominoplasty can manage. Depending on the amount of excess skin a patient has in other areas of the body, Dr. Izadpanah may recommend a lower body lift to further enhance your outcome.
Extended Tummy Tuck
For patients who are bothered by excess fat or skin to the outer parts of the waist, hips or upper thighs, the extended tummy tuck can address these concerns. Commonly performed with an outer thigh lift, this is a beneficial option to massive weight loss patients.
Dr. Izadpanah will discuss all of your options during consultation, and will work with you to ensure you are on the same page to achieve your desired results. Our goal is for you to be completely satisfied and confident with your outcome. The entire process and experience is completely custom to each individual patient’s specific wishes.
Possible tummy tuck risks
Like any other surgery, there are of course risks associated with choosing to have tummy tuck surgery, including (but not limited to)risks associated with anesthesia, bleeding, or infection. Being aware of the possible risks will help you to make an informed decision to have your surgery. Other risks include:*
*Any additional risks will be discussed in detail in consultation with Dr. Arash Izadpanah
It is our goal at Dr. Arash Izadpanah plastic surgery to ensure that your entire experience from the initial consultation to your recovery is as positive and comfortable as possible. Dr. Arash and the surgical coordinator will go over your post-operative instructions and recovery with you as it is essential for your tummy tuck results that you follow care instructions diligently.
First 24 hours: Have someone in place to pick you up from your surgery and care for you at home
Back to work: 2 weeks depending on your job. Physical jobs will require 3 weeks off to fully recover.
Exercise: Light exercise after 4 weeks, regular activity (lifting weights, etc.) 6 weeks.
Swelling resolves: 2-3 months
Results: swelling resolves 2-3 months, scars continue to fade up to one year after surgery
Our office is always available for questions via email or text message should more questions arise.
To learn more about Tummy Tuck surgery, or to book a consultation, please contact our Clinic today!
Dr Arash Izadpanah is a highly skilled, compassionate and enthusiastic expert in abdominoplasty surgery.. He will work closely with you to help you achieve your ideal results.
What to expect when having a Tummy Tuck Surgery with Dr Izadpanah?
Prior to booking your tummy tuck with Dr. Izadpanah, you will have a consultation with him on location at his beautifully renovated clinic in the heart of Westmount, Montreal Quebec.
If you are unable to meet Dr Izadpanah in person, you may request a virtual consultation via Zoom. Please note that you will need to see Dr. Arash in person at some time before your surgery.
Dr. Arash Izadpanah will collaborate closely with you to determine the best plan of action for you. You will go over the risks and recovery together, as well as what your desired result is. It is extremely important to Dr Izadpanah that you make informed choices, and that you are on the same page regarding outcome expectations.
Only you can decide what your version of a beauty ideal is, so Dr. Arash Izadpanah will discuss this with you so that you will be satisfied with your abdominoplasty results. You are encouraged to bring in photos of what you are expecting so that it can be discussed, as well as a list of questions and/or concerns to your appointment.
ABOUT DR ARASH
Dr. Arash Izadpanah is a compassionate and enthusiastic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who is dedicated to patient care and satisfaction with natural-looking cosmetic surgery results.
As a highly esteemed Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Arash Izadpanah is driven by an intense passion for helping patients achieve a happier, more beautiful self through advanced cosmetic surgery procedures. He maintains a strong commitment to achieving the best possible results for all his breast, body, face and hand patients, of all genders.
We believe plastic surgery can achieve beautiful yet subtle results that accentuate your natural contours.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how Dr. Arash Izadpanah can empower you to take control of your look.
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