Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Silicone gel implants are also available in Canada. These implants are made of a solid gel are called “gummy bear” implants because inside, they look and feel like gummy bears. Dr. Wallman and Dr. Kao will discuss with you what choice of implant will best help to achieve your desired results.

Once the incision is made, Dr. Kao or Dr. Wallman will create a pocket to place the implant. Depending on your size and shape of your breasts, this pocket will either be made directly behind the breast tissue or beneath your pectoral (chest) muscles. The implant is then inserted to complete the procedure.

Most women return to work and their usual activities in about one to two weeks following the insertion of implants. Following the procedure, it is normal to experience swelling and bruising. However, this will dissipate quickly.
Other potential complications include infection, blood accumulation in the breast which may require draining or side effects from anesthesia.

As part of the natural healing process, scar tissue forms around the implant. In a small percentage of women, the scar tissue becomes firm and tight. This is called a ‘capsular contracture’ and may result in the implant being compressed, causing the breast to feel more firm than usual. This can be treated through the removal of the scar tissue or, in more rare cases, the removal and reinsertion of a new implant.

Breast augmentation does not usually affect a woman’s ability to breast feed, unless nipple sensation is reduced, however some women do report changes in the sensitivity of the breast and nipples. It is important for women with implants during their routine mammograms to inform their health care practitioners of their implants as they may require additional imaging to capture a full view of their breasts.

People usually return to their regular activities in about two weeks after a tummy tuck. Exercise may be resumed in about four to six weeks. Candidates for this procedure can expect some scarring. Immediately after the procedure, there will likely be swelling and tenderness. Pain can be controlled with medication. In some cases, blood or fluid may collect beneath the skin which may require draining if it is a large amount. Some people experience numbness after the procedure but sensation generally returns to the area where the incision was made in approximately one year. Pneumonia and blood clots to the legs are very rare complications and are preventable with proper intra-operative and post-operative care. In addition, there are potential side effects resulting from anaesthesia. It is important to discuss these potential side effects with Dr. Wallman and Dr. Kao prior to your surgery.

Some candidates who wish to remove additional weight in other areas of their body often choose to complement their tummy tuck with liposuction. Others choose to do so with procedures in other areas of their body such as breast reductions, breast augmentations and breast lifts.