What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery—also referred to as abdominoplasty—is a cosmetic procedure performed to eliminate lax, excess skin and repair stretched and/or separated abdominal musculature for a tighter, more toned abdomen. If present, stubborn fat in and around the treatment area can also be removed via liposuction, further sculpting the abdomen while improving the contour of the entire midsection.
At our Kelowna practice, board-certified plastic surgeon Brian J. Miller, MD has more than 15 years of experience performing tummy tucks for women and men seeking to improve the appearance of their abdominal region. By tailoring a surgical plan based on your unique cosmetic concerns and goals, he can help you attain a flatter, more sculpted abdomen and midsection with exceptionally natural-looking results.
For more details about abdominoplasty, we invite you to continue reading the sections provided below, or contact our office today. We are happy to help you book a consultation with Dr. Miller, at which time he can answer any questions you might have as they relate to your specific case.
- Tummy Tuck Candidates
- Tummy Tuck Procedure
- Tummy Tuck Recovery
- Tummy Tuck & Complementary Procedures
- Tummy Tuck Scars
- Tummy Tuck Cost
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Good abdominoplasty candidates typically include individuals who desire one or more of the following:
- To remove loose, redundant, and/or hanging abdominal skin
- To repair stretched or separated muscles of the abdominal wall
- To eradicate stretch marks from the abdomen (depending on location)
- To get rid of a diet- and exercise-resistant belly bulge (or “pooch”) after pregnancy or significant weight loss
- To alleviate back strain created by the weight of extra, hanging abdominal skin
- To resolve rashes or irritation underneath excess skin
- To improve one’s look and fit in various clothing options, including swimsuits
Furthermore, patients should be at—or near—their ideal weight to be considered good candidates for tummy tuck surgery, as notable weight fluctuations following treatment can have a negative impact on the final results.
How Is the Tummy Tuck Procedure Performed?
Dr. Miller offers two tummy tuck options: standard abdominoplasty and mini abdominoplasty. When excess skin and damaged musculature are located both above and below the belly button, the standard approach to tummy tuck surgery is usually necessary. In the event these issues are mild in severity and limited to below the belly button, a mini abdominoplasty may be an appropriate option.
During the tummy tuck procedure, an incision is first made along the lower abdomen. In a standard abdominoplasty, this incision typically extends from hip to hip, while a shorter surgical mark is generally utilized for mini abdominoplasty. Through the incision, stretched and/or torn musculature is repaired and excess skin is removed. If necessary, liposuction can be employed to eliminate extra fat and maximize abdominal sculpting. Finally, the remaining skin is pulled tight and the incision is carefully closed to promote optimal healing and reduced ultimate scar visibility.
Total treatment time for abdominoplasty is approximately two to three hours, depending on the technique utilized and the specifics of the procedural plan. Once complete, patients are usually allowed to return home with the aid of a friend or family member later the same day.
What Is Recovery from a Tummy Tuck Like?
Immediately following tummy tuck surgery, some extent of swelling and bruising throughout the treatment region can be expected, though these symptoms should fade with time. Discomfort can virtually always be controlled effectively with oral medication, and this should also lessen as days pass. After about one to two weeks, you will likely be able to resume normal, non-strenuous daily routines—such as office work, errands, etc.—but any strenuous activities will need to be avoided for at least four to six weeks. Following this period, the gradual resumption of all activity is usually possible.
Can a Tummy Tuck Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Tummy tuck surgery can be combined with other treatments like breast augmentation, breast lift, and liposuction; however, combining major procedures can increase surgical risk. The decision to perform procedures at the same time is therefore made on a case by case basis. Performing abdominoplasty with these complementary procedures is a common request, especially for women who have had children and want to revitalize their body and overall appearance. A tummy tuck can be a great method for slimming the abdominal region and when combined with other cosmetic treatments, it can comprehensively enhance the body’s contours.
Will I Have a Tummy Tuck Scar?
Just like any other procedure, tummy tuck surgery will leave a scar; however, the incision is made in the lower abdomen which makes it easier to conceal under most types of clothing, including undergarments and swimsuit bottoms. Because every person heals differently, it’s impossible to predict how noticeable and visible the scars will be over time. Many patients find that residual scars flatten and fade as time goes on, often for 1-2 years after their surgery. To help the incisions heal properly and minimize scarring, we highly recommend following the detailed post-operative instructions that Dr. Miller provides after surgery.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The cost of tummy tuck surgery will vary for each patient due to their individual needs. Factors that can affect the overall expense of the procedure include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, the complexity of treatment, and whether other complementary surgeries were performed. Our team will be able to provide a more accurate price quote for your personalized abdominoplasty procedure at your initial consultation. For your convenience, we accept a variety of different payment methods, including payment with major credit cards. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns about financing.
If you want to learn more about tummy tuck surgery and its many benefits, contact our practice today to schedule a consultation!