Dr. Harlow Hollis, FRCS (C)
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Who is a candidate?
If you have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin frequently associated with abnormal relaxation of the anterior abdominal wall muscles (frequently secondary to multiple pregnancies or prior surgery).
If you are unable to tighten abdominal wall skin with exercise.

Intended Results
A smoother, flatter abdomen.

Procedure Description
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia either within the hospital or in an outpatient setting (mini and modified abdominoplasties are similarly performed).
Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only (shortest scar).
Modified abdominoplasty addresses conditions where just the muscle wall or just the abdominal skin requires repair.
Standard abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles (standard scar).
Extended abdominoplasty tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides (longest scar extending around the flanks onto lower back).

Recuperation and Healing
Abdominoplasty can be one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures and probably requires more time-consuming and limiting recovery.
One to three days of hospitalization or skilled nursing care or assistance at home is usually indicated.
You will be encouraged to be moving and walking regularly within 1 to 2 days.
Light activity is comfortable in 10 to 20 days. Sports will not be comfortable for about 6 weeks.

Other Options
Additional procedures that may enhance the result are liposuction, breast procedures, or thigh lift.

Insurance Guidelines
This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.

Note
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Liposuction
Who is a candidate?
If you have excess subcutaneous fat, which is resistant to diet and exercise.
If you wish to change the contours of your body. Commonly involved areas are the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), upper arms and armpits, male chest/breasts, trunk, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, calves, and ankles.
Most patients are near normal weight and desire permanent contour changes. Liposuction is not for weight loss.
Improved techniques now allow larger amounts of fat removal. Liposculpture can be useful to heavier persons as well.

Intended Results
A permanent improvement in the contour and proportion of the treated areas.
A more flattering figure or physique, in or out of clothing.

Procedure Description
The procedures are done on an outpatient basis.
General anesthesia is usually used for safety and comfort.
Small suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted through very short incisions placed in inconspicuous locations near the fat deposits, and excess fat is removed.

Recuperation and Healing
The patient goes home with a compression garment (or tape) covering the treated areas. Compression is advised for about a month as it helps reduce swelling and helps you achieve the final result more quickly. Once pain and soreness decrease, it is frequently more comfortable to wear lycra or spandex exercise pants.
Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.
Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2 to 4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 2 to 3 months.

Other Options
Additional procedures that may enhance the result are tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation, thigh lift, or buttock lift.

Insurance Guidelines
This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.

Note
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

 
Dr. Harlow Hollis


Canadian Society for Aesthetic Surgery
The Canadian Society for Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery was
established in 1972 with a membership of certified (FRCS(C)) Plastic
Surgeons specializing in cosmetic surgery...

 Dr. Harlow Hollis MD FRCS (C)
100 1830 Oak Bay Avenue
Victoria, BC  V8R 6R2
Tel: (250) 592-7368
Fax: (250) 592-8998
email: hollismd@shawcable.com

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