abdominoplasty plastic surgeon in edmonton

Abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck", is contouring of the abdomen after the tissue has been stretched out. It involves removing excess skin and tightening of the abdominal muscles.

A standard abdominoplasty involves taking out all the skin below the belly button and pulling the skin above it down. For this a new belly button must be made. Additionally the abdominal (rectus) muscles are tightened together as these are commonly stretched apart during pregnancy. A mini abdominoplasty only removes some skin below the belly button. No new belly button is made and no muscle tightening is done. Surgery is done under a general anesthetic at a private surgical facility.

For the first 24 hours after any general anesthetic you should not be alone. The first few days after surgery you will be sore. Your abdomen will feel tight and numb for a period of a few weeks to a few months after surgery.

You will have drains placed to prevent the accumulation of fluid in your abdomen which you will need to drain regularly and you will additionally need to wear an abdominal binder to help prevent this accumulation of fluid.

To prevent the formation of blood clots, Dr. Korus will have you wear compression stockings on your legs for the first few days after surgery and may place you on blood thinner.

You should not do any heavy lifting or exercise that increases your heart rate or blood pressure for 6 weeks after surgery.

Dr. Korus will generally see you the day after surgery, at 2 weeks and at 6 weeks to make certain that you are healing properly. These follow-up visits are usually at her office in Edmonton.

NO surgery is without risk or the possibility of complications. It is important to be aware of these prior to proceeding with surgery. Risks of abdominoplasty include:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Seroma

• Asymmetry

• Wound healing problems

• Poor scarring

• Umbilical necrosis

• Changes in feeling of the skin

It is important that you discuss these possible complications with your plastic surgeon so that you understand them fully.

Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (CSAPS)

www.csaps.ca

The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons

www.plasticsurgery.ca