Julie Khanna MD, FRCSC, Plastic Surgeon
Abdominoplasty, or what is commonly known as a “tummy tuck”, is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen in order to contour the body into a slimmer, more youthful shape. Patients who have had multiple pregnancies or have undergone rapid weight loss are usually the better candidates for this procedure. It is important for patients to understand that surgical body contouring procedures should never be a primary solution for overall weight loss. Patients who are deemed very overweight should be denied surgery due to the increased risk of complications. Once you are within approximately 15 % of your ideal body weight, you may be a candidate for an abdominoplasty.
The procedure itself takes approximately 2-4 hours under a general anesthetic to complete, and will require an overnight stay at the clinic. A specially fitted compression garment will be provided post surgery and is to be worn 24 hours a day (except when bathing) for the first 6 weeks.
Undergoing any surgical body contouring procedure can be life altering and it is essential for patients to make good nutritional choices both pre and post surgery for optimal results. Patients can slowly incorporate exercise regimes about 6 weeks post surgery, but any abdominal exercises should be avoided for at least 3 months post-operatively and a healthy diet will also be essential in maintaining long term results.
