One of the most common complaints made by women about their bodies is a loose, sagging or protruding abdomen. Pregnancy causes abdominal muscles to weaken and protrude as well as abdominal skin to permanently stretch. Substantial weight loss can cause abdominal skin to become loose and flaccid. In addition, genetics may predispose some individuals towards a concentration of fat and loose skin in the abdominal area.

Both men and women can undergo Abdominoplasty, however, it is much more common for women to pursue this type of surgery due to the changes that occur during pregnancy. Often, even moderate changes associated with pregnancy can result in significant permanent changes to the abdominal skin and underlying tissues.

These problems often remain despite extensive weight reduction and exercise programs designed to improve the appearance of the abdominal area. This is because loose skin, separated muscles and stretch marks are completely unaffected by diet and exercise.

Abdominoplasty surgery will accomplish the following:
• Remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen
• Tighten the underlying abdominal muscles
• Remove stretch marks related to pregnancy or weight gain.

The Procedure
During this procedure, an incision is made across the lower abdomen and extended bilaterally toward the pelvic bones. Placed just above the pubic area and beneath the bikini line, the incision is well hidden within panty or bathing suit lines. In situations where the amount of excess skin is minimal but the patient is bothered by a protruding lower abdomen, the incision is much smaller, usually remaining within the pubic area. There are several different approaches to this surgery depending upon the amount of fat and skin to be removed. This can be discussed in detail during the consultation process.

Through the incision, the excess skin and fat in the abdominal area is removed and the underlying muscles tightened to give the abdomen a flat and narrow appearance. Any stretch marks between the umbilicus (belly button) and pubic hair are permanently removed. In most patients, it is recommended that the patient also undergo ultrasonic liposuction of the waist region to enhance the hourglass shape in women, and to remove the "love handles" in men.

This procedure is performed using general anaesthesia and the patients remain in the Surgicentre overnight.

Post-Operative Course
Due to the use of a new pain management system for Abdominoplasty patients, Dr. Barr's patients now experience essentially no discomfort post-operatively associated with the Abdominoplasty procedure. A small girdle is provided and is worn during the first 4 to 6 weeks following surgery.

Dr. Barr requests that patients return at 3 to 5 days after surgery for removal of a small drainage tube and 10 days after to check the incision area. Dr. Barr uses dissolving sutures for this procedure so patients do not require suture removal.

Dr. Barr requests that patients limit their activity for the first 5 days following surgery, although light activity around the home during this time is fine. Patients can return to normal work within 7 to 10 days and can return to full activity, including all sports and fitness pursuits 6 weeks after surgery.

Concurrent Procedures
Procedures requested most frequently in combination with the Adominoplasty procedure are Liposuction, Breast Reduction, Breast Augmentation and Mastopexy.

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