Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck offers an effective way to smooth your stomach and refine your waist if pregnancy or weight loss has left you with loose skin, laxity, and stretch marks. Dr. Daniel Demsey personalizes each procedure with both cosmetic enhancement and functional integrity in mind, creating a firmer, tighter midsection that lasts. 

Demsey Plastic Surgery welcomes tummy tuck patients from Calgary and throughout Alberta, including Edmonton, Red Deer, and Lethbridge.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It creates a flatter midsection and more defined waistline, but it is not a weight loss procedure. It is frequently performed to address changes after pregnancy or significant weight loss. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Ideal tummy tuck candidates are healthy men and women who are at a stable weight and within 10 to 15 pounds of their target size. 

Dr. Demsey often performs tummy tuck surgery for patients who have: 

• Stretched or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) 

• Loose or sagging abdominal skin 

• Stubborn fat pockets around the midsection 

Patients planning to lose significant weight or have additional children should wait to get a tummy tuck, as future weight changes can alter surgical results. 

Your Tummy Tuck Options 

Every body—and every journey—is different. Dr. Demsey takes a personalized approach to address each patient’s needs, combining technical skill with an eye for natural proportion and balance. 

Depending on your needs, Dr. Demsey may recommend: 

• Full Tummy Tuck: Tightens both the upper and lower abdominal muscles, removes excess skin, and contours the belly button for a natural appearance. 

• Mini Tummy Tuck: Focuses on the lower abdomen only. This procedure is ideal for mild skin laxity below the navel but does not address muscle separation. 

• Tummy Tuck With Liposuction: Combines muscle tightening and skin removal with fat reduction for comprehensive contouring. 

During your consultation, Dr. Demsey will help you understand which approach best aligns with your goals and recovery preferences. 

Your Tummy Tuck Consultation

Your consultation with Dr. Demsey is your chance to discuss your goals openly, explore your surgical options, and understand what’s realistic for your body. He will give you his honest treatment recommendations and ensure that you have the support and information you need to make a decision at your own pace. 

You are never rushed or pressured. We invite you to continue the conversation at a later time if you have further questions or would like to discuss your options in greater depth. 

Your Abdominoplasty Procedure 

A standard tummy tuck typically takes between 2 and 5 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Demsey makes two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area and another around the navel.  

He separates the skin from the abdominal muscles, which he then pulls together and stitches into place to achieve a firmer abdomen and a narrower waist. Dr. Demsey then stretches the skin flap down over the newly tightened muscles, removes excess skin, and creates a new opening for the navel. He closes the incisions and applies sterile surgical dressings over the sutured areas.

Popular Procedure Pairings 

Tummy tuck surgery is often combined with complementary procedures for more comprehensive results, particularly as part of a larger mommy makeover. Popular combinations include:

• Breast lift to raise sagging breasts
• Breast augmentation or breast reduction to improve body proportions 
• Liposuction to contour the waist, hips, or thighs

Combining treatments is a great option for patients looking to contour multiple areas with one surgery and one recovery period.

Tummy Tuck Recovery and Results

Most patients return to light activity within about 2 weeks after a tummy tuck, though it’s normal to experience some tightness or pulling across the abdomen as your tissues heal. Swelling gradually improves over several months, revealing smoother, firmer contours.  

Dr. Demsey will provide you with clear postoperative instructions so you know exactly what to expect. He closely monitors your progress and is available to answer any questions you have during your recovery. 

The results are generally long-lasting, so you can enjoy your flatter stomach for years with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. 

Tummy Tuck FAQ

Will a tummy tuck help with stretch marks?

A tummy tuck can help improve the appearance of stretch marks, depending on their location. Dr. Demsey can usually remove stretch marks below the belly button and can reposition higher ones lower on the abdomen (as the skin above the belly button is pulled down and sutured into place). 

Will my tummy tuck scar be noticeable? 

Dr. Demsey makes a meticulous incision low on the abdomen, where you can cover it with underwear or swimwear. Your scar will fade significantly over time with proper care.

Is tummy tuck surgery painful?

Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate, with steady improvement over the first couple of weeks. We’ll provide you with detailed pain management options and support throughout your recovery.

Talk to Dr. Demsey About Tummy Tuck Surgery 

If you would like to discuss your body contouring options with Dr. Demsey, please request a consultation using the online form or call Demsey Plastic Surgery at (403) 209-4333 to get started.