You want a tummy tuck but have a high BMI. You may have been rejected as a candidate for surgery by other surgeons. It is true that a high BMI is associated with increased risks; however when performed by a skilled board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Atul Kesarwani, a tummy tuck is still considered safe and can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
That means if you have a BMI that is considered overweight or obese, you can still get a tummy tuck!
Our Hourglass Tummy Tuck™ can transform your appearance, eliminating the excess fat and loose skin you haven't been able to get rid of. Dr. Kesarwani specializes in tightening of the abdominal muscles, so that you'll have a more cinched-in waist. You'll finally be able to fit in your clothes better! Embarking on a tummy tuck journey is a significant decision, and it could be a transformative one with positive lasting benefits to your appearance and self confidence.
HIGH BMI Questionnaire
Do you have a higher BMI and aren't sure if you're a candidate for a tummy tuck? Complete this questionnaire to find out.
Why BMI Matters
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a formula based on the height and weight of a person. A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is the normal range, 25-29.9 is considered overweight, and anything over 30 is considered obese.
Patients with a higher BMI should know that there are additional considerations when planning for a tummy tuck.
A high BMI can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. These may include wound healing issues, seroma formation (fluid accumulation), deep vein thrombosis, and even more serious complications like heart attack or stroke.
Therefore, patients with a high BMI are typically advised to reach a stable and healthier weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. A lower BMI generally makes the surgery safer and results more aesthetically pleasing.
However, this doesn't mean that you can't undergo a tummy tuck if you have a high BMI. Dr. Kesarwani, our head board certified plastic surgeon, has extensive experience performing the Hourglass Tummy Tuck™ on patients who are considered overweight and obese. These patients have obtained their desired results safely.
Having a tummy tuck can bring significant benefits. It can improve your body contour, enhance your self image, and even make clothing fit more comfortably. It's like turning a new leaf, starting fresh with a body that feels more 'you.'
Our Tummy Tuck Expert
The expertise of Dr. Atul Kesarwani makes him a world renowned surgeon. His techniques will:
Leave you with no visible scarring around your belly button.
Maintain your belly button so it will look totally natural.
Prevent puckering of the skin along incision lines. If puckering does occur, it goes away faster.
Give you a cinched-in waist for an hourglass figure.
Make sure you're warm throughout your surgical experience to improve comfort.
Dramatically reduce risks and speed up healing by using drains.
The First Step
A personal consultation with Dr. Atul Kesarwani is the first step toward realizing your goals. This private medical appointment is with Dr. Kesarwani. He will take the time necessary to answer your questions and explain how this procedure can fulfill your aesthetic goals.
Dr. Kesarwani has become a go-to provider for patients who have had tummy tucks with other surgeons and are looking to improve their outcomes further. Please read more about Revision Tummy Tuck here.
Unhappy with your previous surgery?
Results may vary.
We often treat patients who are unhappy with the results of their tummy tuck with another surgeon. As a result, we have experience treating the following issues:
Less than optimal scarring
The location of the scar can be adjusted.
The symmetry of the scar can be improved.
The prominence of the scar can be reduced, whether it be overly thick, raised or depressed.
A further reduction of circumference (girth) can sometimes be improved
This may be done with secondary liposuction or further tightening of the abdominal wall (although sometimes optimizing weight is first necessary).
Lateral "dog ears"
Dog ears may be eliminated, usually requiring surgical excision.
One of the key points that potential patients with high BMI should bear in mind is that a tummy tuck is not a treatment for weight loss. A tummy tuck is an aesthetic procedure that improves your appearance by removing excess skin and stubborn fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles. If weight loss is the primary goal, a procedure like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy may be more suitable.
Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck
The preparation process can be smoother with the proper preparation, and recovery can be accelerated.
1. Attain a Stable Weight: Before undergoing a tummy tuck, it's crucial to achieve and maintain a stable weight for at least six months. This will reduce surgical risks and help in maintaining your results.
2. Diet and Exercise: Incorporating a balanced diet and regular exercise routine is key in preparation for a tummy tuck. These habits not only help in weight management but also boost overall health and immunity, which is crucial for recovery post-surgery.
3. Complete Health Evaluation: A thorough medical examination is necessary to assess your overall health status. This helps to identify any underlying conditions that may affect the outcome of the surgery. Ensure that you disclose your complete medical history to Dr. Kesarwani, including past surgeries and medications you are currently taking.
4. Stop Smoking: It's crucial to quit smoking at least six weeks before the surgery. This will improve your healing rate and reduce the risk of negative outcomes.
5. Follow Pre-surgery Instructions: You'll receive a set of pre-surgery instructions. It's important to adhere strictly to these instructions to ensure a smoother experience.
6. Mental Preparation: The recovery process can be lengthy and may involve making changes to your lifestyle.
7. Arrange for Help: Post-surgery, you will require assistance with daily activities, at least for the first week or two.
What Happens During Surgery
Dr. Kesarwani employs a unique anesthetic blend, ensuring minimal discomfort during and up to 8 hours post-surgery. Pumps are placed on your legs as a precautionary measure against blood clots and deep venous thrombosis.
The procedure involves lifting the skin off the abdominal wall, allowing the upper flap to descend. The skin on the sides is left attached by Dr. Kesarwani to maintain blood flow and reduce the risk of complications such as necrosis. Electrocautery is used to minimize bleeding and bruising. Excess tissue is removed, and liposuction may be performed if necessary. Only a moderate amount of skin is removed to prevent an overly taut, unnatural look.
Dr. Kesarwani then repairs the separation of abdominal muscles along your body's mid-line and tightens the oblique muscles. This approach results in a more defined waist that mimics an hourglass shape. It's similar to having an internal corset, but it's secured in the front without visible seams.
Hanging skin on the lower abdomen is tucked into the navel, thereby keeping the incision hidden. As the skin being moved into the navel is your own, no visible scar is left behind, giving you the confidence to show off your midriff without revealing a scar!
Finally, Dr. Kesarwani closes the remaining incisions and administers a local anesthetic in the abdominal region to alleviate pain for several hours following the cosmetic procedure. Pain medication is also prescribed.
Dr. Kesarwani meticulously places sutures in multiple tissue layers, reducing tension on the skin and resulting in a smoother, finer scar that is less likely to reopen. There is no lumpiness. Drainage tubes are inserted into the incision to prevent fluid accumulation.
Your Tummy Tuck Recovery
Remember, the recovery process is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience, proper care, and following your surgeon's instructions are key to a successful recovery and achieving the best possible result from your tummy tuck.
Generally, a compression garment is recommended for four to six weeks. The first week may require round-the-clock usage, decreasing to ten to twelve hours daily after that. After this period, the choice to continue using the compression garment for comfort or pain alleviation depends on your discretion.
Recovery is typically about 3-6 weeks. We'll guide you regarding activities to avoid, rest periods, and wound care. Abdominoplasty patients are usually advised to temporarily refrain from strenuous activities, particularly heavy lifting. You may also be asked to stop smoking until you've fully recovered.
Scarring
CytoDerma™ has proven to be an integral component of post-procedure recovery, aiding in the fading of scars as much as possible. This silicone gel is intended to be used for a period of three months. Learn more about silicone scar gel here.
While surgical scars do darken along with the rest of the skin when exposed to sunlight, they may remain darkened even after the tan on the rest of your skin fades. To avoid dark scars, diligent application of sunscreen is crucial, especially within the first 12-18 months post-surgery.
IS THE OUTCOME OF A TUMMY TUCK PERMANENT?
While the effects are long-lasting, they can be influenced by factors such as weight fluctuations, aging, and future pregnancies. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a stable weight can help preserve the results.
Frequently Asked Questions About High BMI Tummy Tuck Toronto Abdominoplasty
What’s a tummy tuck cost? What does tummy tuck cost in Canada? What is the average cost of a tummy tuck in Canada?
The cost of a tummy tuck depends on whether it’s a mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck and if additional liposuction is performed for your body contour. It normally ranges in the thousands of dollars. In Canada, the average cost for this plastic surgery procedure ranges from $8,500 to over $10,000. More information can be provided during your consultation.
Can tummy tuck procedures be covered by insurance?
Usually, abdominoplasty isn’t covered by insurance because it’s considered cosmetic rather than therapeutic. There are some cases where OHIP may cover a tummy tuck, but this is rare and can be further discussed with Dr Kesarwani and our staff during your consultation. A review of your medical history will be performed.
Are tummy tucks safe? How dangerous is a tummy tuck?
Yes, this cosmetic surgery procedure is very safe. We wouldn’t be doing them if they weren’t! We have countless satisfied patients to prove it. We have been performing tummy tuck for over 27 years. Complications that occur are extremely rare and can usually be resolved.
Can a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
To a certain extent, abdominoplasty can remove stretch marks if loose skin is removed. Most stretch marks that are removed are located below your navel. Anything that is above or on the sides may not be removed; however, their appearance may be improved.
Are tummy tuck revisions common? What is tummy tuck scar revision?
Usually, revisions aren’t common. The majority of our patients are extremely satisfied with their results after a single surgery. However, in the rare event that a revision is needed to achieve the desired results, it can be performed. A tummy tuck scar revision can also be performed to improve the appearance of the scar.
Do you lose weight after a tummy tuck?
The amount of fat and skin removed during a tummy tuck is generally not enough to decrease your weight substantially. At most, only a couple of pounds may be lost, making the body contour procedure an ineffective weight loss solution. However, patients have found that they love their new body, and consequently, follow a healthier lifestyle to maintain their results. This may indirectly lead to weight loss.
Will a tummy tuck help with back fat?
A tummy tuck focuses on the front and sides of your body. Liposuction can be performed at the same time to remove back fat. However, this step is generally not considered part of a tummy tuck. Back fat removal would be a separate treatment that can be performed at the same time. Visit our office to discuss your goals with us.
Will a tummy tuck reduce back pain? Will a tummy tuck help back pain? Will tummy tuck help lower back pain?
Back pain may be caused by the excess weight of the skin and fat on your front pulling forward and downward. If this is the case, then a tummy tuck may help reduce the feeling of back pain.
Can tummy tuck be undone?
The results of a tummy tuck Canada can be undone by gaining weight, aging and pregnancy. However, there is no predictable answer in which results may be impacted.
How long does a Toronto tummy tuck last?
The results of a Toronto tummy tuck last for as long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Most patients find it easier to follow a healthy lifestyle and go to the gym after the cosmetic surgery procedure. Aging, pregnancy and weight gain may negatively impact your results.
Why choose Dr. Atul KESARWANI
Dr. Atul Kesarwani is a board certified plastic surgeon at Cosmedical Rejuvenation Clinic. He has 30+ years of experience in the field.
You'll speak with Dr. A. Kesarwani directly during your initial consultation. He has a gentle approach and unwavering commitment to achieving the beautiful, natural looking results you want. He takes the time to discuss your goals and assess your situation before providing you with a custom tailored solution. No detail is overlooked. You will appreciate her fastidious and exacting nature — traits that are essential when performing any procedure, particularly those targeting the face!
Dr. A. Kesarwani is dedicated to delivering beautiful results while maintaining excellent patient safety and achieving superior patient satisfaction.
