Abdominoplasty / Tummy tuck at our Montreal plastic surgery clinic
Abdominoplasty
, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgery to remove 
excess
skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdomen wall. This tummy tuck surgery can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.
The best candidates for a tummy tuck(abdominoplasty):
The best candidates for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against having a dummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr.Benchetrit.
Planning Your Surgery at our Montreal Plastic Surgery Clinic:
In your initial consultation, Dr.Benchetrit will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell him if you smoke and if you're taking any medications, vitamins or other drugs. Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr.Benchetrit. He will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives, and the risks and limitations of each.
If, for example, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also known as a "mini-tummy tuck," which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result.
In any case, Dr.Benchetrit will work with you to recommend the procedure that is right for you and will come closest to producing the desired body contour. During the consultation at our Montreal clinic, Dr.Benchetrit will also explain the anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk:
Thousands of tummy tucks (abdominoplasties) are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. During your consultation, Dr.Benchetrit will explain in detail the risks associated with this surgery. Safety is our first priority at our plastic surgery clinic!
Preparing For Your Surgery at our Montreal Plastic Surgery Clinic:
Dr.Benchetrit will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop an infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed. Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital.
The surgery : A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) usually takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of work required.
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An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen
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Most commonly, a long incision will be made from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.
Next, the skin will be separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and the skin is lifted to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.
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The surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches them, therby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall.
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The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.
After Your Surgery at our Montreal Plastic Surgery Clinic:
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort that can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for one night. Dr. Benchetrit. will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible. Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days in our Montreal clinic, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.
Getting back to normal:
After your tummy tuck, it may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably. Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
Your New Look:
A Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty), whether partial or complete produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a potentially lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.
Contact us TODAY to obtain your consultation with Dr.Benchetrit. It would be our pleasure to provide you with our experience and to guide you throughout this important decision making process: 514-695-7450