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​What Does Abdominoplasty Involve?

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Abdominoplasty surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. It also tightens and restores weakened or separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis), creating a smoother and more contoured midsection.

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There are two main types of tummy tuck procedures:

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• *Full Abdominoplasty: This is the most common approach, involving a horizontal incision made just above the pubic area that typically extends from hip to hip. Most patients will require full abdominoplasty to achieve optimal results.  In this surgery, Dr. Klok removes the extra skin in the abdomen, liposuctions excess fat for contouring, and tightens the rectus abdominus muscles if the patient has a separation of their muscles (aka rectus diastasis). This is suitable for individuals who are at their ideal stable weight and have excess skin in the abdomen and/or separation of their muscles.  ​

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• Mini Abdominoplasty: This is a slightly less invasive option, with a smaller incision. However, very few patients are candidates for this procedure.  It’s typically performed for patients who have minimal excess skin or fat isolated to the area below the belly button. The procedure focuses on the lower abdomen and does not require making an incision around the belly button.

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Benefits of Abdominoplasty

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• Tighter, smoother abdomen: Removes excess skin and fat, leaving a flatter, more toned appearance.

• Improved body confidence: Many patients feel more comfortable and self-assured, especially when wearing clothing or swimwear.

• Enhanced posture: By tightening abdominal muscles, the procedure can improve posture and reduce back pain caused by muscle weakness.

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The Procedure

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• Anesthesia: Abdominoplasty is always performed under general anesthesia at the private surgical centre

• Incisions: The surgeon will make a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen (just above the pubic area) and a second incision is made around the belly button.  Essentially at the end of the surgery you have a scar that goes from 'hip to hip' and around the belly button.  This allows for removal of the excess skin in the area from the belly button to just above the mons area.  The skin is redraped and the result is a flatter, smother contour in the abdomen.  It can also help to lift the mons.  

• Repair of the rectus diastasis: Many patients, particularly women who have had children or patients who have had major weight loss, will require repair of their gap between their rectus abdominus muscles.  This repair is performed along the entire length of the muscles, with strong sutures in two layers.  The result can fix abdominal bulging that results from the gap between the muscles and it can also help to narrow the waist.  Many patients also experience functional relief from lower back pain.

• Liposuction: liposuction is often performed during this surgery to remove excess fat and contour the abdomen.  Sometime liposuction is performed in the mid and lower back area in a 360 degree procedure to really create an overall beautiful and contoured look to the abdomen and the front and back waist.  

• Closing the incisions: The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures, and the patient is placed in a compression garment to support the healing process.

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Recovery & Results

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• Recovery time: While recovery varies from person to person, most patients take about 4 weeks off from work or normal activities. Full recovery may take up to 6-8 weeks.

• Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after surgery but will subside over time. A compression garment is typically worn for 4-6 weeks to minimize swelling and support the newly contoured abdomen.

• Results: The results of abdominoplasty are typically long-lasting. Patients can enjoy a flatter, firmer abdomen and more youthful appearance, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle. However, it’s important to note that significant weight gain or future pregnancies may affect the results.

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