Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
By Dr. Douglas Grace B.Sc., M.D., F.R.C.S.C.

Those who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from Abdominoplasty.  Sometimes these conditions are inherited.  In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid.  Abdominoplasty may also tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy.  The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.

The goal of Dr. Douglas Grace and the entire staff at The Grace Clinic is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

How should I prepare for surgery?

If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.  Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for two weeks before surgery.  You are to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to your surgery.  If required, The Grace Clinic will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.

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What will the day of surgery be like?

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure.  Often, a general anesthetic is administered, so that you will be asleep throughout the procedure.  Abdominoplasty may be performed using local anesthesia and general anesthesia.  When surgery is completed, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored.  In many instances, small drain tubes will have been placed within the abdominal tissues to help avoid accumulation of fluids.  Gauze or other dressings may be applied to your abdomen.

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How will I look and feel initially?

The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks to promote blood circulation.  Although you may not be able to stand up completely straight, it is best if you do not sit for long periods of time during the first several days.  Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided since these activities might cause increased swelling and even bleeding.  You may be instructed to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees.

Any surgical drains probably will be removed within a week following surgery, at which time your dressings may also be changed or removed.  Depending on the Abdominoplasty technique used, you will be instructed to wear a support garment for six weeks.  Generally, stitches will dissolve.

You will notice swelling and bruising, which is to be expected.  The bruising and much of the swelling will disappear over a period of weeks.  However, it may be months before all swelling subsides and you see the final result of your Abdominoplasty.  You may notice some numbness over portions of the abdominal area, and this may persist for several months.  Incisions will initially be red or pink in colour.  They will remain this way for many months following surgery and may even appear to worsen before they finally begin to fade.

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When can I resume my normal activities?

It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.  Depending on the extent of your Abdominoplasty and your general physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work four weeks after surgery.  In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after four weeks.  You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during this time, but such feelings are normal.  Severe pain should be reported to The Grace Clinic.

Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of two weeks, and Dr. Grace may advise you to wait longer.

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Results of your Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty will enhance your body contour by making your abdomen firmer and flatter.  You may find that you feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident about your appearance.

The incisions from the procedure will heal and fade over time.  It is important to realize, however that the incision lines will be permanently visible.  In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines.  Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable.  Fortunately, the incisions for your Abdominoplasty are usually in locations concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments.

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How long will results last?

Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years.  However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually take their toll.  If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen, you may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful body contour.

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After Care

You will return to The Grace Clinic at prescribed intervals for follow up with the Nurse, at which time your progress will be evaluated.

Please remember that the relationship with Dr. Grace and The Grace Clinic does not end when you leave the operating room.  If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, feel free to contact The Grace Clinic,

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