A New You

INFORMATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

We all have a little pudge here and there. While some people don’t mind the extra curves, some choose to lose the excess weight with visits to the gym and a strict diet. Unfortunately for a few, it’s not that easy. In some cases, stubborn fat deposits are impossible to shed due to a number of health-related issues, some of which are beyond anyone’s control. The extra weight ends up becoming a burden, possibly causing future health problems and serious self-esteem issues that are more than just skin-deep.  

While plastic surgery may be an intimidating solution, with thorough consideration, the right doctor and the right procedure, you can not only look but also feel better. For instance, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened or separated muscles, creating a smoother and firmer abdomen. The procedure can also improve the appearance of stretch marks if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be removed, which are generally areas below the navel.

Most patients need to be under a general anesthetic to receive a tummy-tuck operation; however, plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nasim Huq says he is the only doctor in Canada who conducts tummy tucks on patients while they are under local anesthetic, thus greatly reducing the risk of complications.

After completing his studies in general and plastic surgery at McMaster University in 1998, Huq undertook a year of training in hand and microsurgery at the world-renowned Kleinert Institute in Louisville, Ky. His special training in the U.S. was crucial preparation for his role in helping to perform the world’s first successful hand transplant. 

Now, Huq specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery with a focus on face, neck, eyelids, breasts, hands and body procedures at the Niagara Plastic Surgery Centre, which serves the Niagara region and Southern Ontario. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and an assistant clinical professor of surgery at McMaster University where he also earned his master of science degree.

Having successfully completed his first tummy-tuck procedure without general anesthetic this past March, he has since performed the procedure numerous times with patients whom he says are pleased with the results.

A tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) and liposuction may be suitable for individuals of normal body weight and proportion who develop an abdomen that is loose, protrudes or sags mainly due to pregnancy, aging, significant fluctuations in weight, heredity and prior surgery.

Individuals who are planning to lose a substantial amount of weight, as well as women who are considering future pregnancies, may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck since a positive outcome can be diminished by large fluctuations in weight. Otherwise, candidates for abdominoplasty are non-smokers, physically healthy and at a stable weight with realistic expectations. 

Even though women make up the majority of patients requesting tummy tucks and liposuction, Vikki Livingston, the patient care co-ordinator at the Niagara Plastic Surgery Centre, says male patients do request tummy-tuck procedures for massive weight loss and liposuction for “love handles.”

Liposuction is a procedure that slims the body by reducing localized fat deposits of the thighs, hips and buttocks, abdomen and waist, upper arms, back, inner knee, chest, cheeks, chin and neck, and calves and ankles. It is a procedure that can be done alone or to enhance the result of other surgeries, like a facelift, breast reduction or tummy tuck.

Although there are many methods of liposuction, Huq is skillfully trained to perform a leading-edge liposuction technique called the tumescent technique that can reduce post-operative bruising, swelling and pain. The technique involves injecting areas of excess fat with anesthetic liquid, causing the compartments of fat to become swollen and firm (or “tumesced”) and allowing the liposuction cannula, or tube, to move smoothly beneath the skin to remove fat. The approach does not require general anesthetic, so there is a reduced chance of complications. If suitable, the anesthetic liquid and sedation may provide enough comfort during the procedure. Patients will notice a difference immediately after the surgery and are encouraged to eat healthy and exercise frequently to maintain the results. 

Huq and his dedicated staff work together to understand their patients’ needs and provide them with quality care before, during and after the surgery, so that their patients not only look but also feel their best.

» niagaraplasticsurgery.com

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

“Dr. Huq performed my tummy tuck under a local anesthetic. I did not have to be put to sleep, which alleviated a lot of anxiety about the procedure. Dr. Huq and the nurses at the hospital were wonderful and made me feel very comfortable throughout the entire procedure. The office staff was fantastic before and after the surgery. I am thrilled with the results. My tummy is smooth and firm. I’ve been able to wear the same string bikinis that I wore before having three children without having to worry about the scar! I wish I had had it done years ago!”
— Val, 42, local-anesthetic abdominoplasty

“Thank you, Dr. Huq, for the fantastic lipo surgery you recently did for me. I’m very excited with the results. Your cheerful personality and encouragement to do my part and lose weight before surgery was the motivation I needed, and to date I have lost 25 pounds. I feel healthier and have more energy to enjoy life. You and your staff have been wonderful, always so pleasant and helpful. I would like to thank all of you for making me so happy.”
— Marguerite, 69, lipoplasty 

“I really want to express my sincere appreciation for you and your talent. Another few millimetres and I would have lost my whole hand. Most important was that I did this when you were available to fix it. God seems to oversee stupid people like me! I simply want to thank you so very much for your dedication and talent. Your confidence and good humour left me comfortable and assured that my thumb was safe in your hands.”
— David, 52, traumatic hand injury 

In Good Hands: Hand Surgery

Patients can put their hands in the capable hands of Huq, knowing that he has an accomplished background in hand and microsurgery due to his training in the States. The Niagara Plastic Surgery Centre repairs injuries to the tendons, nerves, blood vessels, joints and bones, and also treats burns, cuts and other injuries to the skin, degenerative disorders and birth defects. Huq’s modern techniques can restore the hand’s functionality and improve the appearance caused by severe injury.

Some of the procedures Huq performs include grafting, which is the transfer of skin, bone, nerves or other tissue from a healthy part of the body to repair the injured part; flap surgery, in which skin with its underlying fat, blood vessels and muscle is moved from a healthy part of the body to fix the injured area; and replantation or transplantation, which restores amputated fingers or hands using precise and delicate microsurgery.

Depending on the type of surgery, recovery times vary. To ensure a full recovery, rehabilitation therapy facilitated by a trained hand therapist may be suggested post-surgery. •