Ten Things to know about Tummy Tuck

Including: Should you Take Ozempic Before Tummy Tuck Surgery?

1. 1. Tummy Tuck remains one of the most popular of all cosmetic procedures, and has a 95% satisfaction rating on RealSelf.
2. 2. Tummy Tuck achieves different goals than liposuction. If you have loose, hanging skin, or a tummy that “overhangs,” then liposuction or CoolSculpting® will not be sufficient to give you the cosmetic result you need. However, tummy tuck can sometimes be combined with liposuction or CoolSculpting. For example, tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction or CoolSculpting of “love handles,” or “saddle bags.”
3. 3. There are three main types of Tummy Tuck
   • The “Classic “or “Conventional” tummy tuck in which the incision goes from hip to hip, fat is removed and muscles tightened, and the belly button is often repositioned.
   • The “Mini-Tuck” in which the incision is sometimes shorter, and the navel doesn’t need repositioning.
   • The “ Extended” tummy tuck, sometimes used after large amounts of weight loss, where the incision extends beyond the hip, to remove fat and tighten muscles over the flanks well.
4. 4. Recovery is Easier – Tummy Tuck procedures have improved over the years and recovery easier ever since the “no drains” method of surgery was pioneered. Dr. Weinberg was one of the first plastic surgeons in Canada to adopt a newer suture type that allowed him to avoid placing drains that then would need to be removed some time after surgery. This makes recovery far more comfortable and convenient.
5. 5. Management of pain has improved – The type of anaesthesia used, the use of nerve blocks, and pre-medication with pain meds before surgery have all made the discomfort associated with tummy tuck much less than in the past.
6. 6. Tummy Tuck is not weight loss surgery. In fact, immediately after surgery patients can sometimes weigh more due to excess fluid retention post operatively (one of the reasons to avoid getting on the scale right after surgery). Patients should be close to their ideal weight BEFORE tummy tuck surgery, so that their result will be long lasting.
7. 7. Crash dieting in order to lose weight rapidly before surgery is NOT recommended before Tummy Tuck. Using Ozempic to drop weight rapidly before tummy tuck is not advised. News outlets in the United States have reported a marked increase in patients seeking plastic surgery procedures after Ozempic to deal with loose skin, including an increase in tummy tucks. This poses a number of problems and risks. Ozempic is a medication that is indicated for treatment of diabetes, and to help those with significant excess weight to lose it, by suppressing appetite, and therefore to improve their diabetes and reduce other health risks from obesity. While it is a medication with a role to play in treating unhealthy weight, it does have serious potential side effects, and is therefore not recommended for weight loss in those who only need to drop smaller amounts (e.g. 20 pounds). Ozempic is also associated with very significant risks in surgery, therefore people are not advised to have surgery while on it, and should ideally avoid surgery for 6 months after stopping it.
8. 8. There are things you can do to optimize our Tummy Tuck result. Tummy Tuck is best done after you have finished having children. While this is not a hard and fast rule, in general it is best not to undergo significant fluctuations in weight after tummy tuck, as repeated stretching, of the abdominal muscles and skin can cause a recurrence of the “pooch.” Before tummy tuck, its best to be in good physical condition, and not to quit smoking if you can. Smoking affects healing, and significantly increases the risks of complications in tummy tuck surgery. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly , and not smoking will improve your skin quality and help you heal well.
9. 9. Scarring after Tummy Tuck can be improved with modern techniques in wound healing. Using silicone sheet dressings, and specific healing topical agents can help minimize scars. Dr. Weinberg has expertise in wound healing, and can help insure scars heal optimally.
10. 10. Tummy Tucks can be combined with other cosmetic surgeries. It is not at all uncommon for patients to have a tummy tuck combined with breast augmentation or breast lift surgery, as part of a mommy makeover. Tummy Tucks can also be part of surgery after major weight loss, and therefore combined with arm or thigh lifts.

Next Steps

If you are interested more about tummy tucks, come in for a consultation. Contact us at (905) 273-3045 or request a consultation online to book your appointment.