Sometimes, our bodies just do not respond to diet and exercise the way we want them to. Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures can reshape many areas by removing excess fat and skin and toning muscle. If you are interested in rejuvenating your physique and gaining the dream body you’ve always wished for, be sure to give Dr. Ryan Frank a call at (403) 245-1228 for a personalized consultation in Calgary and the surrounding areas of Alberta.
Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that is meant to enhance the appearance of a patient’s abdomen. This is achieved by cutting away the excess skin and fat to tighten the abdominal muscles. Tummy tucks are commonly sought after by people who have gone through pregnancy, lost a significant amount of weight, or want to reduce the effects of natural aging.
Although tummy tucks can help people achieve their aesthetic goals, it is critical to understand how the procedure works, as well as the benefits and risks involved.
What Are The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks can provide patients with a wide variety of benefits.
These benefits include the following:
- Removal of excess fat
- Tightening the abdominal muscles
- Enhanced body contour
- Reduced appearance of stretch marks
- Better fitting clothes
- Correcting post-pregnancy changes
- Improved self-confidence
- Long-lasting results
What Are The Risks of a Tummy Tuck?
As with any kind of surgical procedure, there are risks you need to be aware of before making a final decision.
These risks include the following:
- Bleeding - Bleeding is one of the standard surgical risks. Tummy tucks can cause bleeding, but Dr. Frank will take precautionary measures to minimize the risk. If excessive bleeding occurs, it may require additional surgery to fix.
- Increased risk of infection - Infections can potentially occur after a tummy tuck procedure. However, Dr. Frank can prescribe antibiotics to help minimize the chances of an infection occurring. Furthermore, it is important to care for your surgical wounds as you recover properly.
- Seroma or hematoma - Seroma is when there is an accumulation of clear fluid around the surgical site. Hematoma is similar, except it is the accumulation of blood. If any of these occur, drainage may be required after the procedure.
- Scarring - In the case of a tummy tuck, there will be a permanent scar on your lower abdomen. However, despite being permanent, the appearance of these scars can fade away over time.
- Skin necrosis - Skin necrosis is when the skin tissue dies. This can occur if there is not enough blood flow to the skin flaps. People who are smokers are more at risk for skin necrosis as smoking is notorious for reducing blood flow.
- Changes to skin sensation - After a tummy tuck, it is normal to experience a temporary change in your skin’s sensation. It is also possible to have numbness around the abdomen. However, some patients can experience these side effects in the long term or permanently.
- Allergic reaction to the anesthesia - Anesthesia is required to perform a tummy tuck. However, some patients can potentially have an adverse reaction to it, such as cardiac issues and respiratory problems. Before the operation can begin, Dr. Frank carefully examines each patient to reduce the risk of complications.
Dr. Frank will discuss the risks in more detail of a tummy tuck during your consultation with him. He will assess your medical history, lifestyle, and any medical conditions you may have.
Who Are Not Good Candidates For a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks can provide many patients with improvements to their abdomen. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure.
You may not qualify for a tummy tuck if you meet the following criteria:
- You plan on becoming pregnant in the near future.
- You are a smoker.
- You have a certain medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.
- You have unrealistic expectations regarding weight.
- You have unrealistic expectations regarding the procedure.
- You do not have enough skin elasticity.
It is important to note that a tummy tuck is not, nor will it ever be, a weight-loss procedure. While it can remove excess fat, the procedure is best suited for individuals who are near their ideal weight.
Schedule Your Body Surgery Consult In Calgary, AB!
If you are interested in the various body surgery services offered by Dr. Frank, or if you wish to determine whether you are a candidate, reach out to our office by calling (403) 245-1228 today! You can also fill out the appointment request form on our contact page.
Read what our patients are saying!
"Dr Frank and his staff are fantastic. I had a rhinoplasty done and the personalized service is second to none. Dr Frank makes sure you survived the first 2 days by calling you himself. The nursing staff are all so kind and amazing as well. Dr Frank also does a wonderful job of managing expectations with respect to what to expect for results, pain, swelling, time lines etc. If you are going to trust your face to anyone I would choose Dr Frank!"
