Dr. Peter Lennox
1000-777 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4J7
Phone: (604) 876-6552
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
(Phone hours from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Vancouver, BC
Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and genetics are the major obstacles in our never-ending quest for fabulous abs. The abdomen is one area of the body that undergoes the most significant changes in our lives. It is also one of the areas most resistant to diet and exercise. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is extremely popular for people from West Vancouver and the surrounding area who have tried everything but just can’t achieve a flat, toned stomach. Vancouver tummy tuck patients choose Dr. Lennox for his exceptional training and attentive bedside manner.
Tummy Tuck
Before & After Photos
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Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery
You can benefit from a tummy tuck if you are healthy, at a stable weight, and want to attain one or more of the following improvements:
- Tightening loose, stretched skin after pregnancy or significant weight loss
- Flattening protruding abdominal muscles that separated during pregnancy
- Renewing the shape of the belly button
Are You a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
In addition to being in good overall health, ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery possess these traits:
- You have excess abdominal skin after sitting or standing up straight
- You’re at a stable, healthy weight prior to surgery
- You can set aside at least 2 weeks of downtime for your recovery
- You’re a nonsmoker
- You’re done having children and finished breastfeeding
Planning Your Custom Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck helps men and women achieve a firm, flat midsection. Dr. Lennox customizes tummy tucks for each patient based on their body shape, skin elasticity, and personal goals. Typically, he recommends a traditional approach, which involves an incision across the lower abdomen from hip to hip to remove excess fat, tissue, and skin and repair weakened abdominal muscles. Depending on the extent of skin that needs to be removed, Dr. Lennox usually makes an incision around the belly button to reposition it. He also performs other variations of the tummy tuck depending on the amount of correction required (see illustration).
Tummy Tuck Techniques
Dr. Lennox performs a variety of tummy tuck techniques based on your unique concerns and aesthetic goals. These include:
Mini Tummy Tuck
This modified approach addresses loose skin and fat below the belly button only; it does not repair weak or separated abdominal muscles.
Full Tummy Tuck (Traditional)
Your incision spans from hipbone to hipbone as we tighten the upper and lower abdominal skin and muscles.
Extended Tummy Tuck
Your incision extends further than a traditional tummy tuck to address the abdomen and flanks.
Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck
An additional vertical incision is necessary to address severe excess sagging of abdominal skin, usually after massive weight loss.
Tummy Tuck With Muscle Repair (Diastasis Recti Correction)
Repairs diastasis, or the separation of abdominal muscles that may occur following childbirth.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
It’s common to be unsure if you need a tummy tuck or liposuction. Here are some differences:
- Liposuction is used exclusively for fat removal.
- Tummy tuck surgery removes excess abdominal skin, repairs diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles), and reshapes the bellybutton.
If excess fat is your only concern, liposuction could be a good choice. Many patients benefit from a combination of the two procedures.
Tummy Tuck Scars: What To Expect
All tummy tucks result in a scar, but most patients find it to be a worthwhile tradeoff for a smoother, firmer abdomen.
Here’s what to know about tummy tuck scarring:
- The incision is placed low on the abdomen, typically just above the pubic area, so you can easily conceal it beneath underwear or swimwear.
- Dr. Lennox customizes scar placement based on your preferences and body type. He’ll discuss this with you in detail during your consultation.
- Stretch marks in the lower abdomen are often removed with the excess skin, which many patients find to be an added benefit.
While scars don’t fully disappear, they do fade over time, and you can further minimize them with proper aftercare.
Meet Dr. Lennox
Engaging, well-educated, and extensively trained, Royal College-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Lennox has earned the trust of his peers, his patients, and his students.
Meet Dr. LennoxWhat Should I Expect After My Tummy Tuck?
Most of Dr. Lennox’s patients describe moderate discomfort the first few days after surgery, but it is managed well with prescription pain medicine. After several weeks, you can gradually resume your normal activities, and Dr. Lennox will advise you of this.
Recovery After Abdominoplasty Surgery
While patients recover at different rates, most experience the following milestones along this general timeline:
- Gentle walking throughout the day: starting the day of surgery
- Surgical drains removed: 5 to 7 days
- Stand upright: 1 to 2 weeks
- Return to nonstrenuous work and activities: 2 to 3 weeks
- Stop wearing compression the garment: 3 to 6 weeks
- Resume strenuous exercise and heavy lifting: 6 to 8 weeks
- Final results: 3+ months
What Is the Fastest Way To Recover From a Tummy Tuck?
The fastest way to recover from tummy tuck surgery is to follow Dr. Lennox’s post-op instructions carefully, which include:
- Take it easy for the first few weeks.
- Wear the compression garment as directed to minimize swelling and provide support to your abdomen while it heals.
- Avoid bending, straining, or lifting anything heavy for up to 6 weeks to prevent putting stress on any internal stitches.
Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck With Other Plastic Surgery Procedures?
Definitely. Many patients benefit from combining abdominoplasty with liposuction to remove areas of stubborn fat. Oftentimes, moms who opt to have a tummy tuck combine it with complementary procedures such as breast augmentation and breast lift. This comprehensive surgical approach is referred to as a mommy makeover, which addresses the effects of pregnancy all over the body in a single operation.
Frequently Asked Tummy Tuck Questions
Is it worth it to get a tummy tuck?
Our tummy tuck patients find the procedure to be transformative. After years of dieting and exercise, most patients are thrilled to finally have the flat, tight midsection they’ve always desired.
How many dress sizes will I lose?
Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure, so don’t expect to lose a significant amount of weight. The good news is you will probably look like you’ve lost weight. Without the excess abdominal skin, bulging abdominal muscles, and swelling, many patients can wear dresses and pants that are 2 to 3 sizes smaller.
How long should I wear a compression garment following surgery?
Expect to wear an abdominal compression garment for 3 to 6 weeks. Initially, you will need to wear it 24/7, and after a few weeks, at certain times of the day as directed.
I’ve had a C-section. Can I still get a tummy tuck?
Yes. Dr. Lennox typically removes C-section scars when performing tummy tuck surgery. The resulting scar ends up looking cleaner and in a location that is easier to cover than the original C-section scar.
Can you get pregnant after getting an abdominoplasty?
It is safe and possible to become pregnant after abdominoplasty but not recommended. The growing baby will likely undo the improvements you gained from the surgery by stretching your abdominal skin and muscles.
How long before I’ll be able to stand up straight after a tummy tuck?
After surgery, the abdominal skin and muscles will be tight. To avoid straining your incision and abdominal muscles, you will need to keep yourself hunched over when sitting and standing. In most cases, tissues relax and swelling eases within 2 weeks, making it easier and more comfortable to stand upright again.
How long do tummy tucks last?
While tummy tuck results are long-lasting, you will need to stay at your desired weight and not become pregnant if you want to maintain your results as long as possible.
To take the next step, request a consultation with Dr. Peter Lennox. Or, call our office at (604) 876-6552 to schedule your appointment.
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