Tummy Tuck

For many women and men in the Vancouver area, tummy tuck surgery is the only way to achieve the slim and toned midsection that is one of the hallmarks of health and fitness. Weight fluctuations, previous surgery, pregnancy, and genetics can all contribute to skin excess, muscle laxity, and fatty deposits in the abdominal area that cause the belly to protrude and sag. Diet and exercise may help to some degree, but often the only solution is abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck. In Langley, BC, Royal College-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mathew Mosher performs tummy tuck surgery on patients from Abbotsford to Burnaby and throughout western British Columbia.

Tummy Tuck
 Before & After Photos

WARNING:

This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty is a body contouring plastic surgery procedure that addresses the loose skin, stretched muscles, and excess fat that cause the bulging and sagging of the abdominal area.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Vancouver, BC?

A typical abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery ranges from $7,300 to $13,000. If liposuction or other body contouring procedures are performed with a tummy tuck, additional costs will be incurred. At your consultation, Dr. Mosher will develop a customized surgical plan designed to meet your aesthetic goals. The cost of your procedure is determined by the length of time in the operating room as well as the extent of your surgical plan.

Tummy Tuck Candidates

At YES Cosmetic Surgery Center, abdominoplasty candidates need to be in optimal health. If you are overweight with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, smoke, or have other poorly controlled medical conditions, an abdominoplasty will not be offered to you.

What Are the Different Types of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Dr. Mosher offers his patients from British Columbia several tummy tuck options that he personalizes to their unique needs. He will help you to determine which of these approaches will best achieve your desired results.

tummy tuck options infographic
tummy tuck options infographic

Mini Tummy Tuck

This procedure addresses the lower abdominal area only, including problems related to a previous C-section scar. A mini tummy tuck will do nothing to help with excess skin or protrusion above the bellybutton. The incision length is determined by the degree of skin laxity, and the incision shape and position will be determined by your anatomy. To refine results and improve contours, sometimes Dr. Mosher uses liposuction for mini abdominoplasty patients.

Standard Tummy Tuck

Also called a complete or traditional tummy tuck, this option is used when there is moderate to significant skin excess in the upper and lower abdomen and visible looseness of the abdominal muscles and supportive tissue (called fascia). It involves an incision above the pubic area that extends horizontally across the lower abdomen. Excess tissue and skin will be removed and the underlying muscle layer will be tightened to correct any convexity of the abdominal wall. The length of the incision depends on the degree of excess tissue present. There will also be a small incision placed around the belly button to allow for further tailoring of the upper abdomen skin.

Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 90 View #1 View in Vancouver, BC
Before & After Standard Tummy Tuck
Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 90 View #2 View in Vancouver, BC
Before & After Standard Tummy Tuck

Extended Tummy Tuck

These procedures address more severe laxity of the abdominal skin. In addition to the same steps as a standard tummy tuck, the incision in the lower abdomen must extend around the sides of the torso; occasionally, a vertical scar in the midline is also required. This procedure is common for patients who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with severely stretched skin and muscle tissue.

Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 94 Front View in Vancouver, BC
Before & After Extended Tummy Tuck
Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 94 Right Oblique View in Vancouver, BC
Before & After Extended Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes pockets of fat from specific areas of the body. If your skin retains much of its elasticity and will “shrink-to-fit” the abdomen’s new contours after the removal of fat, liposuction alone may be the best approach. But if you have loose skin or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), a tummy tuck is needed. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck to remove fat and ensure smooth, contoured results.

Your Abdominoplasty Procedure

Dr. Mosher performs abdominoplasty surgery with the patient under a light general anesthetic in our private onsite surgery centre. He carefully places a horizontal incision above the pubic area so that the scar can be covered by most bathing suits or underwear. The length of the incision depends on the degree of correction needed. Dr. Mosher often creates a second incision around the inside edge of the bellybutton to release it from the abdominal skin.

After elevating the abdominal skin, Dr. Mosher repairs the muscle layer, smooths the skin down, creates a new opening for the bellybutton, removes the excess abdominal skin and fat, and sutures the incisions. He can also perform liposuction to reduce fat on the hips and thighs. Abdominoplasty surgery is routinely performed as a day surgical procedure, so patients return home the day of surgery.

standard tummy tuck infographic
standard tummy tuck infopgrahic

Tummy Tuck for Men

While most of our tummy tuck patients are women who have had one or more pregnancies, men make good candidates for the procedure as well, especially after significant weight loss. During this surgery, Dr. Mosher removes sagging abdominal skin using an incision low on the abdomen, where it will be concealed by underwear and swimsuits. He can also enhance the contours of the abdominal muscles and waist with liposuction.

Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 384 Front View in Vancouver, BC
Before & After Male Tummy Tuck
Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 384 Right Oblique View in Vancouver, BC
Before & After Male Tummy Tuck

Can a Tummy Tuck Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes, Dr. Mosher often combines procedures to help women improve multiple areas after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss. He combines breast augmentation with or without a breast lift, liposuction, and tummy tuck surgery—often called a Mommy Makeover—to give Vancouver patients a complete rejuvenation with a single surgery and recovery period. (See Mommy Makeover photos.)

Before & After Mommy Makeover Case 146 Front View in Vancouver, BC
Before & After Mommy Makeover: Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck
Before & After Mommy Makeover Case 146 Left Oblique View in Vancouver, BC
Before & After Mommy Makeover: Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck

In most cases, there is no significant increase in risk associated with combining breast and body procedures as long as surgical time is within safe limits. When determining whether specific procedures can be combined into one surgery, Dr. Mosher considers the extent and length of each procedure and whether the recovery phases are compatible.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

The name “tummy tuck” is somewhat misleading in that it makes the abdominoplasty procedure seem quicker and simpler than it actually is. Because the surgery usually involves repairing muscle tissue, the recovery period is longer and more restrictive than most plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Mosher, though, incorporates many advanced techniques that make recovering from this procedure easier than ever. For example, Dr. Mosher rarely uses surgical drains, sparing patients the inconvenience of having to maintain them during the first few days of recovery. If your surgery involves muscle layer repair, we provide you with a Comfort Management System that delivers targeted pain management medication directly to the muscle layer. Dr. Mosher’s expertise and innovative surgical techniques also allow the majority of our patients to recover without the use of postoperative drains.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline

Even though each patient recovers at her or his own pace, these are some general guidelines about what to expect:

Day After Surgery: We encourage patients to gently move around and briefly walk around the house within a day or 2 after the procedure. It’s important to have someone stay with you during these first few days. Wearing a compression garment at all times promotes the healing process and helps minimize swelling.

First Week: Patients can shower 48 hours after the surgery. You should continue wearing the compression garment for several weeks and get as much rest as possible. You should avoid lifting anything heavy, including toddlers. Continue to sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated for 2 to 3 weeks. Take pain medication exactly as instructed. When the muscle layer has been repaired, it is not recommended that you sit or flex your abdomen for long periods of time during the first two weeks. This means that driving and working at a desk will be very limited.

Weeks 2 to 3: Most patients can return to non-physical jobs at some point during the second or third week of recovery. It’s important to take short walks every day but still avoid lifting anything that would put a strain on your abdomen. Most patients can stand straight by the third week after surgery.

Weeks 4 to 6: Most bruising and swelling disappears, but you should continue wearing the compression garment as often as possible. Although you’ll begin feeling more “normal” at this point, continue to refrain from physically strenuous activities. Most patients can resume exercising after 6 weeks.

Dr. Matthew Mosher

Dr. Mathew Mosher

Royal College-Certified Plastic Surgeon

As the Medical Director at YES Medspa & Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Mosher takes great pride in helping patients understand their procedures, explaining the details and answering questions so that they are confident in their choices. Dr. Mosher and the rest of the experienced team at YES take a personalised approach to patient care utilizing experience and expertise sets them apart.

Meet Dr. Mosher Doctor credentials Doctor credentials

Tummy Tuck FAQ

Are tummy tuck results permanent?

Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat to create a flatter stomach. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, the results will last for many years. As you age, you may notice the skin becoming looser and some weight gain.

Will I have drains after the surgery?

Dr. Mosher’s expertise and innovative surgical techniques allow most of our patients to recover without the use of postoperative drains. More than 90% of our abdominoplasty patients are spared the inconvenience and discomfort associated with these devices.

How painful is tummy tuck recovery?

At YES Cosmetic Surgery Centre, a “Comfort Management System” makes tummy tuck recovery much more comfortable. This device, also known as a “pain pump,” greatly reduces the need for stronger pain medications during the first days after surgery. Our patients are more comfortable, more independent, and have less nausea after surgery with the use of these devices.

Will my stomach be completely flat following an abdominoplasty?

Dr. Mosher strives to flatten the abdomen by repairing stretched and separated abdominal muscles that are often responsible for a belly bulge and removing excess skin and fat.

How long do you have to take off work after a tummy tuck?

Most patients are able to function well and return to work in about two to three weeks.

Will tummy tuck scars go away?

While a tummy tuck scar is permanent, Dr. Mosher places the incisions where the scars can be covered by clothing or bathing suits. At our partner company, YES Medspa, different laser treatments are available to help improve the appearance of your scars after surgery.

How many dress sizes can I lose after a tummy tuck?

This is difficult to predict because each patient’s condition is unique and a tummy tuck isn’t weight loss surgery. In many cases, though, women may wear dresses 2 to 3 sizes smaller than before a tummy tuck.

Will I get a new belly button?

You will keep your belly button, but Dr. Mosher will make it look like new. He releases it from the abdominal skin, inserts it through an opening in the tightened abdominal skin, and sutures it in place, giving it an attractive, more youthful, natural appearance.

Is tummy tuck surgery worth it?

This procedure has a high satisfaction rate, with many patients wishing they had done it sooner. While tummy tuck recovery can be challenging, patients are typically thrilled with their improved contours and renewed confidence in whatever they wear.

Worth the Wait

It’s natural to be eager to schedule your procedure once you’ve decided to get plastic surgery. Instead of rushing into the procedure, it’s worth waiting for an exceptional plastic surgeon such as Dr. Mosher who:

Star icon

Has earned a reputation for excellent results which has made him one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the Vancouver area

Heart above hands icon

Is dedicated to personalized patient care that consistently exceeds expectations

Clock icon

Takes the time to understand your individual needs and aesthetic goals

Getting breathtaking results is worth the wait

The best plastic surgeons often have their calendars fill up quickly. Learn more about what to look for when choosing a plastic surgeon.

How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon

Alternative Options

At YES Medspa & Cosmetic Surgery Centre, we offer a broad range of highly effective nonsurgical options that you can choose instead of, or in addition to, surgery:

If you would like to learn more about abdominoplasty, click here to request a consultation with Dr. Mosher, a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring procedures. Or you can call our Langley office at (604) 888-9378, and one of our helpful staff will schedule your appointment.

Our Surgery & Medspa Office

Our Surgical Centre

Our on-site, state-of-the-art surgical centre is one of only three private ambulatory surgery facilities in the Province that meets the most current Canadian Standards Association standards. Many other private ambulatory surgery centres in the Province continue to operate without restrictions even though they do not meet current CSA standards for environmental safety and control.

Learn More

 

Back to Top