Procedures
Abdominoplasty
Is abdominoplasty right for you?
Abdominoplasty is a way for patients to achieve dramatic contouring results in the midsection of the body. Our patients may choose abdominoplasty to reverse the effects of pregnancy or weight gain, removing stubborn fat or tightening stretched abdominal muscles to restore a smoother, flatter abdomen. Some patients also undergo abdominoplasty after massive weight loss, because we can trim away loose folds of skin that are often left behind after shedding pounds quickly. With extensive experience to draw from, we can tailor this procedure to the unique needs of each of our patients, ensuring their results are both natural and beautiful.
Dr Hall-Findlay’s philosophy is to do the right thing (surgery or not) for the right patient at the right time for the right reason.
You can click on each heading below for more information.
Abdominoplasty is often called a tummy tuck, but this name can be misleading because its simplicity can imply an easy procedure with a fast recovery. A full abdominoplasty, however, is a major operation that involves the removal of all of the skin between the belly button and the pubic area. We also lift the skin above the belly button and pull it down over the abdominal wall, creating a new “button hole” for the belly button in the process. We further shape and flatten the abdomen by tightening up the fascia (tissues around the muscles), and treat the hips and pubic area with liposuction.
Abdominoplasty focuses on contouring the front of the abdomen to help patients achieve a flatter, more toned stomach. It does not tighten the skin of the hips or legs and it is definitely not a method of weight loss. We can add liposuction around the hips, flanks and back if necessary to produce additional sculpting around this area.
At Banff Plastic Surgery, we use customized surgical plans and specialized techniques to ensure your comfort, safety and satisfaction during your surgery and beyond. Our hallmark drain-free abdominoplasty technique uses quilting sutures to prevent fluid buildup in the surgical site. These “progressive tension advancement sutures” replace standard surgical drains, (which are usually uncomfortable and must be removed at an early follow-up appointment). Quilting sutures help prevent seroma formation, decrease swelling and take the tension off the incision which ultimately leaves a better scar. Quilting sutures demand more time and skill in the operating room, but we find our patients are more comfortable and have less swelling than those patients who have drains.
Good candidates for abdominoplasty are close to their ideal body weight and in good health. They are preferably non-smokers who are committed to maintaining their weight and physique following their surgery. For optimal results, patients should have a relatively flat abdomen when they lie down. If you have a history of blood clots or other pre-existing health conditions that affect circulation, be sure to tell us during your consultation so that we can make sure you will be safe during your surgery. The results of a tummy tuck can last a lifetime if you are prepared to take care of your body, but natural changes in your abdomen due to pregnancy or future weight gain can still occur. If you are not finished having children, we may recommend that you wait until your family is complete before undergoing abdominoplasty.
We will also work with you to ensure that you have realistic expectations of what an abdominoplasty can do for you. If you are overweight, this procedure cannot remove excess fat from inside your abdomen. If you have stretch marks or sun-damaged skin on your abdomen, a tummy tuck will not necessarily improve these concerns. There will also be a long and permanent scar that stretches from hipbone to hipbone. While the scar will fade over time, it could take up to a year or more before settling into its permanent appearance. It may always be somewhat visible in low-cut bathing suits or lingerie.
Many of our patients are finished having children and want to feel better about the way they look after pregnancy. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight may also find that abdominoplasty is the way to put the finishing touches on their weight loss efforts. An abdominoplasty can improve the way your clothes fit or the way your stomach looks in two-piece bathing suits. Most patients who have had children or significant weight changes will benefit from tightening of the abdominal muscles. The facial between the muscles has been stretched and a repair (fascial plication) can give a significant improvement. Many patients also have breast changes that they want corrected or improved; the combination of breast and body sculpting procedures is often called a “mommy makeover”. We encourage you to visit us for an in-person consultation with Dr. Elizabeth Hall-Findlay. After an evaluation of your needs and your body type, we will be able to recommend a procedure or a set of procedures that will be best for you. Even if a tummy tuck is not right for you right now, we may be able to suggest other possibilities or help you create a plan to achieve your body sculpting goals over time.
During your consultation with Dr. Hall-Findlay, you will also talk about your interest in an abdominoplasty and what has led you to seek one at this point in your life. Since a tummy tuck is a procedure that takes so much time and effort, we want to make sure that you will be able to fully enjoy your results and make your surgery and recovery completely worthwhile. It is our priority to be sure we can meet your expectations and leave you feeling happy and confident in your new body for a lifetime.
Optimal physical and mental health is required for the best possible results. Some of our patients may find it is appropriate to wait for surgery until they are in a better situation to move forward, such as establishing a diet and exercise routine, completing their families or achieving a weight loss goal. We will also work with you to make sure that this is the right decision at the right time. Sometimes the trade-offs will not be worthwhile and Dr HallFindlay will be honest in telling you that surgery might not be indicated for you.
You will also need to take your own schedule into consideration as well, since it is important to give yourself ample time after surgery for a safe and healthy recovery process. While some abdominoplasties can be performed on an outpatient basis, patients may need an overnight recovery. Surgery is performed at the Mineral Springs Hospital in Banff. After you have returned home from your abdominoplasty, it takes about one month to get back to normal activities and about two months to get back to a more active lifestyle. It can take a few more months for all residual swelling to fade, and up to a year before your scar has settled into its permanent appearance.
If you are interested in learning more about whether an abdominoplasty is right for you, we invite you to visit Banff Plastic Surgery in Canmore for a consultation with Dr. Hall-Findlay. During this in-person meeting, we can fully evaluate your needs, your goals, your body type and your lifestyle to help you decide whether you are the right patient and it is the right time for a tummy tuck surgery. Call us today at 403-762-2055 to learn more.
“To most of our patients, having an abdominoplasty means that they can get back to buying clothes they like and look attractive in. An abdominoplasty can give mothers the confidence to again wear bathing suits and spend time swimming with their family without feeling self-conscious. Our focus is to give you as natural a result as possible, while taking into account your particular issues and desires. We can use our experience to give appropriate recommendations for your individual circumstances – information that is sometimes hard to figure out from the internet. We want to work with you to determine what’s best for you and how we can help you accomplish your goals.”
– Dr. Hall-Findlay, plastic surgeon
Abdominoplasty FAQ
Are there different types of abdominoplasty?
Yes, there are several different variations:
Full abdominoplasty is the procedure we perform most frequently. This involves a hip-to-hip incision, full fascial tightening, and removal of the skin and fat from the belly button to the pubic area. The belly button is still your original belly button, but it is sewn into a new opening. Small amounts of liposuction are used to contour the ends of the incision and the pubic area if necessary.
Modified abdominoplasty can occasionally be used when the skin above the belly button does not need any correction. The fascial plication can still be performed and the only difference is that there is no scar around the belly button.
Mini-abdominoplasty involves a similar incision (sometimes slightly shorter), with removal of only some of the lower abdominal skin and no detachment of the belly button. This is a more limited operation that can benefit women who have a smaller amount of loose skin located below the belly button.
Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is occasionally done for women who have lost a large amount of weight and need tightening in both vertical and horizontal directions. This involves a long vertical incision in addition to the hip-to-hip incision, and ends up looking like a large “T.”
You will need a consultation in person to determine what technique is best for you.
How can I determine if I need an abdominoplasty or liposuction on my abdomen?
Liposuction is a good option for women who have good skin tone and are at or very close to their ideal body weight. There is no overhang of the lower abdominal skin, but there is a pooch in the midsection that won’t respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction can thin the layer of fat under the skin, but does not offer any skin tightening benefits.
Many of our patients interested in abdominoplasty worry that they still look pregnant even after having their children. If you dislike your abdomen because of loose skin, stretch marks, and loose or separated abdominal muscles, you’re probably a better candidate for abdominoplasty. Liposuction is often used for extra contouring with an abdominoplasty, but it cannot correct loose skin or stretch marks by itself. Many of us who have had babies have some loose abdominal skin and stretch marks, and these are usually best addressed with abdominoplasty.
Why do I need to quit smoking in order to have an abdominoplasty?
Because smoking can significantly affect your ability to heal due to altered blood supply, we will not perform abdominoplasty on active smokers. You will need to quit smoking in order to be a safe candidate for this surgery.
Is abdominoplasty part of a mommy makeover?
Yes, abdominoplasty is often part of a mommy makeover. Mommy makeover refers to combinations of cosmetic breast and abdominal surgery such as abdominoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation and lift, which aim to reverse some of the changes that happen to women’s bodies after pregnancy and childbirth. We don’t promote the use of the term mommy makeover, since the term is non-specific. However, we do offer all of the usual components of the mommy makeover, either in combination or as stand-alone procedures. We will tailor that procedure combination to each patient, to ensure the results meet her aesthetic goals.
Is it safe to combine other procedures with abdominoplasty?
In very healthy women, we commonly combine cosmetic breast and abdomen procedures. We endeavor to keep surgery times under five hours whenever possible. The risk of developing blood clots in the legs is higher in longer procedures with longer recovery times. We occasionally prescribe a mild blood thinner for a short time after abdominoplasty in order to prevent blood clots from developing.
What other risks are associated with abdominoplasty?
Bleeding and infection are risks with any surgery, although they happen quite infrequently. If blood supply to the remaining skin and the belly button are not good, there can be healing problems with these areas. Fluid can collect under the skin (seroma), requiring drainage with a needle. Numbness on the skin of the abdomen is expected after surgery, and can be permanent in isolated areas. Scars usually fade well with time, but occasionally can be raised, red, uneven, bumpy, or itchy, even in the longer term.
Will I need a drain?
One of the advances that we have made in our abdominoplasty technique has been the elimination of drains in almost all cases. While many surgeons do use drains (and that is perfectly acceptable), we prefer instead to use quilting or progressive tension sutures. It takes a bit more time and effort in the operating room to place these extra sutures, but they allow us to fasten the abdominal skin back down to the underlying fascia without placing a drain. The result is less swelling, fewer seromas, less tension on the incision, and happier patients!
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
While it is very common for abdominoplasty patients to go home on the day of surgery, we typically perform our abdominoplasty procedures at Mineral Springs Hospital in Banff. This allows our patients to get the benefits of nursing help for 1-2 nights before heading home. By the time you are discharged, you will be more mobile and able to travel home more comfortably.
What type of pain control will I need?
We can often place a nerve (TAP) block in the abdominal wall during surgery, and this can be quite effective for pain control the first day. We also prescribe a variety of pain medications both before and after your surgery which are designed to keep you comfortable. This “multimodal” approach to pain control has made recovery from abdominoplasty much easier for patients.
What will my abdominoplasty recovery be like?
Some discomfort and overall fatigue is to be expected for several weeks after abdominoplasty. When you first go home, you may feel most comfortable bent at the waist, in a recliner, or propped up a bit in bed. We encourage getting up to stretch your legs and doing deep breathing exercises every couple of hours. Pass off household chores and childcare at first – you need time to rest and recover. Not everyone likes wearing the garments, but compression can be very helpful once you are up and moving around because otherwise the swelling tends to collect just above the scar and this can be uncomfortable. You can go for short walks as soon as you feel up to it, but exercise which raises your heart rate and blood pressure should wait for at least two weeks. Heavy lifting should wait for six weeks to allow for full healing before placing that much strain on the abdomen.
Many women are surprised to learn how long the swelling can stick around after abdominoplasty. It can take 3-4 months for most of the swelling to go away, and a year or more for complete recovery including full reduction of swelling and fading of scars.
When can I return to work after abdominoplasty?
We generally suggest three weeks off work, and possibly longer if you have a very strenuous job. Heavy lifting should be avoided for about six weeks while the muscle tightening has time to heal. You will then find that you need to ease back into your previous activity level.
A tummy tuck offers our patients dramatic body contouring that can be permanent as long as a healthy weight is maintained after surgery. To find out whether abdominoplasty is the right option for you, contact Banff Plastic Surgery at 403-762-2055.
Abdominoplasty Compression Garments
What should I wear after abdominoplasty surgery?
Dr. Hall-Findlay uses quilting sutures during the procedure to secure the abdominal flap to the muscle wall. Because she uses this effective technique, our patients do not need drains after surgery. Wearing a compression garment in post op is therefore NOT mandatory.
Statistically patients who don’t wear a garment at all will be at the same place in healing at 6 weeks as someone who wore it continuously. However, at two weeks someone who is wearing a garment may have less swelling overall than someone who is not.
Wearing compression is not necessary and is completely up to individual preference. When choosing a garment after Abdominoplasty surgery look for one that:
Does NOT have a tight waistband.
Tight and constricting waist bands can interfere with circulation that you need to heal properly after surgery.
Choose pants or a garment with a high and wide top.
Garments that start just below the breasts and extend to the hips are best for distributing the pressure of the waistband evenly. Hint: They also help to hold the dressing in place.
Resist choosing a size that’s too small.
Even if you want to fit the smaller size it’s actually better to go a size up so that you can comfortably wear your garment when you are swollen. Once the swelling goes down you can decide whether you want a smaller garment or not.
How tight is too tight?
Your garment should not blanche your skin (make it turn white underneath). That means there’s not enough blood flow. You should be able to comfortably slip your arm into them to straighten your dressings. You should be able to breathe comfortably.
Remember that you will have to go to the bathroom.
Don’t choose a garment that is too hard or complicated to get on and off. Plan to go to the bathroom several times per day. Consider garments with a clasp or opening that allows you to go without having to remove it.
Do I have to buy a garment?
Absolutely not. If you already own garments that follow the guidelines above we encourage you to use those. Yoga pants with a high & wide waist strap can be a great option.
I want to buy a garment and need a recommendation.
Thee Lingerie Shoppe now carries all of our garments as well as the exact ones that we’ve recommended here. These are our top two favorites:
Hookedup Shapewear Spanx
For the inside scoop on where you can find the perfect fitting garment.
We recommend Thee Lingerie Shoppe:
Phone: 306-359-3373
Address:
A #104 1600 90th Ave SW
Calgary, AB
Website: http://www.tlsbras.com/
You can either book a personal appointment, pop in or call to order.
I want to buy a garment and need a recommendation.
Thee Lingerie Shoppe now carries all of our garments as well as the exact ones that we’ve recommended here. These are our top two favorites:
Hookedup Shapewear Spanx
For the inside scoop on where you can find the perfect fitting garment.
We recommend Thee Lingerie Shoppe:
Phone: 306-359-3373
Address:
A #104 1600 90th Ave SW
Calgary, AB
Website: http://www.tlsbras.com/
You can either book a personal appointment, pop in or call to order.
We're Worth the Trip
To learn more about our practice or the services we offer, contact Banff Plastic Surgery today at 403-762-2055.
Address
#217, 304 Old Canmore Road
Canmore, Alberta T1W 0J7