Tummy Tuck and Pregnancy
Two questions that are frequently asked by women interested in tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) include: “Can I get a tummy tuck before having children?” and “Will my health or my child’s health be at risk if I become pregnant after a tummy tuck?” My response to these inquiries ultimately depends on the unique individual, but the following information can generally apply to most women seeking abdominoplasty. From a health perspective, receiving a tummy tuck prior to having children is typically fine for the majority of patients. However, for aesthetic purposes, I usually advise females to hold off on abdominoplasty until after they are done having kids, especially if they plan to have children in the near future. When women who have previously undergone a tummy tuck become pregnant, the skin and muscle tissues of their abdomen often restretch to accomodate the developing baby, frequently compromising the results of their former procedure. For many patients, this creates the need and/or desire for a revisional procedure to help regain the more toned and slimmer abdominal shape attained with their initial abdominoplasty. Regarding any wellness issues related to post-tummy tuck pregnancy, the majority of women do not need to be concerned. Aside from the cosmetic changes noted above, becoming pregnant after abdominoplasty should not pose any threat to a woman’s health or the health of her baby. For those who do become pregnant, […]
Will Pregnancy Harm My Breast Implants?
This is a question I hear commonly from prospective breast augmentation patients who desire and/or are planning to have children in the future. Prior to answering this question, it is important to first call attention to the fact that the various changes women experience during pregnancy and breastfeeding will be unique to every individual. As a result, some females will encounter entirely different physical changes than others. That said, the great majority of women with breast implants (as well as those who don’t have implants) will experience some degree of breast swelling during pregnancy, generally followed by subtle to significant volume loss once nursing has stopped. Regardless of the specific changes that may occur during and after pregnancy, the form and integrity of breasts implants should not be compromised, no matter the type of implants that were placed. This does not mean, however, that the look and feel of the breasts will return exactly to their pre-pregnancy state. Depending on the particular physical changes experienced, some women might notice an excess of skin or drooping (ptosis) in the breasts. If this is the case – and if desired – a breast lift (mastopexy) and/or larger implants may be an excellent option for restoring the breast shape, size, and projection achieved with the original breast augmentation. Ultimately, it is nearly impossible to predict the degree to which the breasts will change […]
Is Liposuction or Abdominoplasty Right for Me?
Is Liposuction or Abdominoplasty More Appropriate for Me? Many individuals who are interested in body sculpting around the midsection wonder if liposuction or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) would be a better option for achieving their aesthetic goals. Although these treatments can both be used to restore a flatter, more toned abdominal contour, liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are performed to address distinctive cosmetic concerns. Consequently, determining which would be more appropriate for each patient will be dependant upon the specific issue(s) he or she desires to improve. For men and women whose concerns consist exclusively of stubborn pockets of fat in and/or around the stomach region, liposuction will generally be the most effective option as it’s aim is to remove diet and exercise-resistant fat cells from numerous areas of the body. For individuals whose aesthetic concerns include redundant skin, lax abdominal muscles, and/or noticeable stretch marks, abdominoplasty will usually be the best technique. This popular procedure is designed to remove excess skin, tighten muscles of the abdominal wall, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. As a result of the removal of excess abdominal skin, a significant amount of fat is typically removed as well. However, if additional fat removal is needed and/or desired in other areas of the trunk, liposuction can also be incorporated with the tummy tuck procedure. Ultimately, liposuction and abdominoplasty can each be extremely beneficial for […]
What Will My Scar Look Like After Abdominoplasty?
Following abdominoplasty – commonly known as tummy tuck surgery – the final appearance of your scar(s) will depend on a combination of factors, including the specific surgical technique employed, how much skin is removed, how well you care for your incisions postoperatively, and your body’s natural healing process. Keeping this in mind, there are a few general principles that can often apply to tummy tuck scarring as a whole. During a full abdominoplasty procedure, an incision will typically be made from hipbone to hipbone along the lower abdomen (usually at or below the location of a C-section scar). This scar tends to heal well and can be hidden by most underwear and bathing suit varieties. Similarly, the incision for a mini tummy tuck is generally made below the bikini line, though it’s shorter length is similar to that of a C-section scar. In fact, the mini abdominoplasty scar can often be designed to replace an existing, unsightly C-section scar for patients who have previously undergone a cesarean delivery. With a regular tummy tuck, a second incision will be made circumferentially inside the lip of the belly button, hidden within the navel’s natural curvature. With a mini tummy tuck, a much smaller (3 mm) incision is made at the inside lip of the belly button to remove fat via liposuction, which blends nicely with surrounding skin. Ultimately, it is the plastic […]
What’s the Difference Between a Mini and Full Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty) is a popular body sculpting option for individuals seeking to enhance the appearance of their abdominal midsection because it typically involves less surgery and a quicker recovery than a full tummy tuck. These advantages can be credited to a key difference between the two surgical techniques: the size of the targeted treatment area. A full tummy tuck – also called a full abdominoplasty – is performed to rejuvenate the entire abdominal region, extending from the upper pubic area to just below the ribcage. This approach involves removing excess skin and fat, minimizing stretch marks, and tightening abdominal muscles located both above and below the belly button. In contrast, a mini abdominoplasty is a less extensive procedure with shorter incisions designed to address concerns mainly below the belly button level. While this technique also involves the removal of excess skin as well as the tightening of abdominal muscles, the amount skin removal is more limited, and muscle tightening is concentrated on the lower abdomen. Fat removal via liposuction, however, is performed throughout the entire abdomen during a mini tummy tuck. Based on what each procedure can accomplish, a mini tummy tuck is typically better suited for patients whose aesthetic concerns are: excess fat of the abdomen, minor skin excess in the lower abdomen, and muscle laxity below the belly button. A full tummy tuck is […]
Plastic Surgeon in Toronto Highlights Recovery After Asian Blepharoplasty
Dr. Lawrence Tong of the Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery discusses what patients can expect in regard to the recovery process for Asian blepharoplasty. Toronto, ON — Asian blepharoplasty, also known as double eyelid surgery or Asian double fold surgery, is a specialized technique for upper eyelid surgery designed to create a crease above the lashes in the upper lid, states Toronto plastic surgeon Lawrence Tong, MD. Referred to as the supratarsal fold, he continues, this crease is one characteristic that differentiates an Asian eyelid from a Caucasian eyelid, and many individuals of Asian descent find the fold to be more attractive for both women and men. Depending on the extent of the procedure, Dr. Tong explains that Asian blepharoplasty can be performed either under IV sedation or local anesthesia. Following the operation, he says patients will awaken from sedation in an anesthesia recovery area where they will be closely monitored by his experienced and attentive nursing team. When the effects of anesthesia have subsided, he notes that patients are generally able to return home under the care of a close friend or loved one. Once home, the Toronto plastic surgeon says patients are advised to relax and get plenty of rest, though activities that might cause eye strain – such as reading or watching television – should be avoided initially. Swelling and bruising are common side effects that may […]
Asian Blepharoplasty: What to Expect
Sometimes called a double eyelid surgery or Asian double fold surgery, Asian blepharoplasty can often be a great option for many individuals of Asian descent who are interested in enhancing the appearance of their upper eyelids. This specialized form of upper lid blepharoplasty is performed to produce a crease (supratarsal fold) in the upper lid, effectively creating a “double fold” that can make the eye appear larger and more expressive. In addition, excess skin and fat can be removed during Asian blepharoplasty, helping to achieve a rejuvenated and improved overall appearance. The Asian double fold procedure is usually performed under IV sedation, though some patients may only require a local anesthetic, depending on the extent of their needs and/or desires. During treatment, an incision is made at a specific height above the eyelashes, and then dissected down to the muscle responsible for opening the lid. When appropriate, excess skin and fat tissues in the area can be removed at this time. Fine stitches are then used to attach the skin and muscle layer at the desired fold level, ultimately creating the anatomy commonly associated with Caucasian upper eyelids (and Asian eyelids that naturally have double folds). A simplified alternate method of Asian blepharoplasty that does not require any incisions can also be performed (the suture technique). This non-incisional method is limited to creating the fold, without the option of skin […]
Asian Blepharoplasty vs. Traditional Blepharoplasty
A significant proportion of Asian men and women either do not have a crease above the lid margin of their upper eyelid, or they have a low-lying fold that is barely noticeable. This characteristic – commonly referred to as a “single fold” lid – is one key element that distinguishes the appearance of the upper eyelid in Asian patients from that of Caucasian patients who tend to have a “double fold” lid. Also known as “Asian double fold surgery” or “double eyelid surgery,” Asian blepharoplasty is a specialized upper lid blepharoplasty technique designed to remove excess skin and fat – if necessary/desired – while also creating a crease (supratarsal fold) in the upper lid. This supratarsal fold is widely considered to be more attractive for both genders, and it can help enhance the size, expressiveness, and overall aesthetic of the eye for many individuals of Asian descent. Asian blepharoplasty is considered a niche procedure outside of Asia, especially in North America. Not all plastic surgeons may have experience or a level of comfort in performing this type of procedure. Despite the name of the procedure, it’s important to note that not every Asian patient needs to receive Asian blepharoplasty to attain their eyelid enhancement goals. Some Asian patients naturally have a double fold and simply seek to rejuvenate their eyelids in similar fashion to a non-Asian patient. For these individuals, […]
How Can I Benefit from Lower Eyelid Surgery?
How Can I Benefit from Lower Eyelid Surgery? Noticeable “eye bags,” fine wrinkles, crepe-like skin, and dark circles under the eyes are some of the many signs of lower eyelid aging that numerous men and women begin to experience over time. Typically caused by protruding pockets of fat combined with loss of skin elasticity and chronic sun exposure, these common aesthetic concerns can often make people appear tired or worn out, despite how they truly feel. For individuals interested in reversing some or all of these aging indications in the lower lids, lower blepharoplasty – commonly referred to as lower eyelid surgery – can often be an excellent option. Using this technique, fat removal and sculpting can be performed to eliminate under-eye “bags” and achieve a smoother contour. If necessary, a small amount of skin can also be e xcised to reduce wrinkles, and the remaining skin can be tightened. Following the procedure, the lower eyelid and cheek should blend seamlessly together, and no fat bulges or “bags” should be present. Other improvements from this procedure include removal of lax or redundant skin, and reduction in wrinkles. If you are considering lower eyelid surgery, I highly recommend seeking the expertise of board certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience and proven results with all forms of eyelid surgery, as lower blepharoplasty is widely considered a technically demanding procedure. By doing […]
What Are the Benefits of Upper Blepharoplasty?
Do you feel the appearance of your eyes (more specifically the upper eyelids) makes you look older than you actually are? Over time, the elasticity of our eyelid skin begins to diminish, frequently leading to drooping of the upper lids as well as the formation of creases and wrinkles, puffiness, and various other signs of aging that can add years to our facial aesthetic. In some instances, the excess skin can even obstruct our upper field of vision. For individuals experiencing concerns about the appearance of the upper lids, upper blepharoplasty can be performed to rejuvenate the look of the eyes. Also called upper eyelid surgery or upper eyelid lift, this popular procedure can be customized to help: Eliminate excess skin causing drooping of the upper lids Excise pockets of fat in the upper lids Reduce bagginess and/or puffiness of the upper lids Smooth out upper eyelid lines, wrinkles, and/or creases Improve upper visual field obstruction caused by drooping lids In addition to these benefits, upper eyelid surgery can often be performed in conjunction with lower blepharoplasty for a more inclusive rejuvenation that also targets under-eye bags, fine lines on the lower lids, and dark circles beneath the eyes. – Dr. Lawrence Tong, Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Contact Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery To learn more about upper eyelid surgery, or if you are interested in this procedure and […]
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