How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Toronto?
The cost of a tummy tuck in Toronto starts at $14,999 for a mini abdominoplasty and $17,500 for a full abdominoplasty. Prices may vary depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals.
There are also combination options, such as a mommy makeover that involves a tummy tuck and other procedures, which you can discuss with Toronto Plastic Surgeons.
Recovery Period Following a Tummy Tuck?
The recovery period depends on the type of tummy tuck performed. Generally speaking, patients will be able to resume most activities after 3 weeks, and a full recovery will be felt after 6 weeks.
A full tummy tuck surgery takes 3 hours. Those who undergo a mini tummy tuck can expect to spend 2 hours in surgery, while those who undergo modified, standard, or extended tummy tucks, with or without liposuction and breast surgery, will be in surgery longer.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat to tighten the appearance of the front abdomen. The procedure can also restore muscles that have been weakened or separated, creating a firmer profile.
No matter how often you train or how many sit-ups you do, extra skin over the abdomen won’t tighten on its own. For those who have lost a significant amount of weight or gone through pregnancy, stretched abdominal skin can be a problem.
The abdominoplasty surgery will remove all excess skin and stretch marks in the area to leave patients with a smooth, tight exterior that matches the reduced body mass.
Different Types of Tummy Tuck
The best option for your goals will be determined during your initial consultation with the surgeon. Our plastic surgery clinic offers mini, modified, standard, and extended tummy tucks.
Mini Abdominoplasty / Modified Abdominoplasty
A mini tummy tuck is a method of choice for those in good shape but who cannot achieve their aesthetic goals with diet and exercise. The procedure addresses the area below the belly button and only requires a small incision.
Patients with mild to moderate loose skin or muscle weakness benefit from a modified abdominoplasty. This procedure is similar to a mini tummy tuck.
Standard/Full Abdominoplasty
This procedure removes excess skin and fat both below and above the belly button, all while tightening the lax abdominal muscles. This procedure leaves a standard scar that can be hidden with undergarments.
The full tummy tuck method is the preference for patients with excess skin from pregnancy or obesity.
Extended Abdominoplasty
The extended tummy tuck method is an option for those who have excess skin that runs to the hips or love handles. The incision is increased from the flanks to the lower back to address these areas. The result is a slimmer profile from all angles.
4 Tummy Tuck Benefits
Boost Confidence
With a flatter stomach contour and improved muscle tone, you can feel confident wearing certain clothing or swimwear again.
Reduce Stretch Marks
When the skin is tightened, stretch marks become less visible. After conducting an assessment, Toronto Plastic Surgeons will explain what patients can expect regarding their stretch marks.
Reverse Pregnancy Belly
The procedure can remove the loose hanging skin that can be troublesome after pregnancy.
Toned Stomach
The procedure can remove fat, tighten skin and bring the loose abdominal muscles back together to achieve a toned stomach.
Abdominoplasty Risks & Complications
Like every procedure, a tummy tuck comes with a chance of potential complications. To minimize the likelihood of complications, the best thing to do is to select a trusted, experienced surgeon. The team at Toronto Plastic Surgeons has years of experience performing abdominoplasty procedures. Significant complications are uncommon and, in the rare event they occur, are expertly managed.
- Pain, swelling, and bruising: Pain, swelling, and bruising are common side effects that will be controlled with pain medication.
- Bleeding, infection, and fever: Although very uncommon, patients can experience bleeding, infection, and fever following surgery.
- Anesthesia complications: Anesthesia complications, such as nausea and dizziness, can occur. However, the Toronto Plastic Surgeons assess patient health beforehand to determine risk.
- Unfavorable scarring: Unfavorable scarring is a possibility. Our specialist team assesses your skin tone and makes strategic incisions to reduce scarring. A complimentary post-op program is offered to treat scars and minimize their appearance.
Tummy Tuck Scars
Despite its effectiveness in contouring the abdominal area, it is important for patients to understand that scarring is an inevitable part of the surgical process. The extent and visibility of scars can vary based on the type of tummy tuck procedure performed, the surgeon’s skill, and the patient’s healing capabilities.
- Full abdominoplasty requires a horizontal incision made just above the pubic area. Although this results in a significant scar, it is typically placed in a strategic location that allows it to be concealed by most undergarments and swimwear. The nature of the scar depends on individual healing processes, but it’s important for patients to have realistic expectations about post-surgical scarring.
- A mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdominal region with a smaller incision than a traditional tummy tuck. This less invasive approach results in a shorter scar, often making it less noticeable and easier to hide beneath underwear or a bikini bottom.
Unfavorable scarring is a concern with any cosmetic plastic surgery, more so without skilled care. Our specialists minimize this risk through careful planning and precise incisions, complemented by a post-op care program to reduce scarring. For evidence of our success in ensuring minimal, discreet scarring, we invite you to view our before and after photos, demonstrating our dedication to superior, aesthetically pleasing results.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Abdominoplsty Surgery?
While there are no specific traits that dictate candidacy, proper physical health and realistic expectations can make the recovery process more seamless. Fundamentally, a candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who would like to remove excess skin around the waistline without affecting the belly button or abdominal muscles.
The ideal tummy tuck candidate is in good physical and mental health and within 15 pounds of their ideal weight. In addition, they are a non-smoker and have realistic expectations about the outcome of their tummy tuck procedure.
How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
Before the procedure date, there are certain steps to follow which will shorten the recovery period and lessen the chance of any complications:
- Stop smoking 4-6 weeks before and after surgery (6 weeks is
preferred)
- Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs 2 weeks prior.
- Eat nutritious meals the week leading up to the procedure.
- Avoid drinking alcohol at least 2 weeks before and after surgery.
- Arrange travel home.
- Prepare your home recovery space with entertainment, food and comforts.
Our best surgeons for tummy tuck will provide additional guidelines during your initial consultation. For optimal results, the guidelines must be followed.
Before the incision is made, the process begins with the surgeon or anesthesiologist administering anesthesia.
The location and size of the incision depend on the type of tummy tuck decided by Toronto Plastic Surgeons. The primary incision is made from one hipbone to the other. A smaller incision is used in a mini abdominoplasty. Meanwhile, in a full abdominoplasty, another incision is made around your belly button.
From here, the surgeon repairs the weakened abdominal muscles. If desired, excess fat will be removed by liposuction before excess skin is trimmed and incisions are stitched back together.
Patients are sent to our comfortable recovery area and stay overnight under the monitoring of our specialist nurses. Patients can usually go home the following day.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
Post-procedure: Most patients stay in our facility under the supervision of our nurses the night following abdominoplasty surgery. Patients are discharged the following day with a compression garment dressed around the midsection that must be worn 22 hours a day.
You should have help from a friend or family member for the first couple of days of home recovery.
Day 3: While patients should still relax as much as possible, they are encouraged to walk around the house to promote the healing process and reduce blood clot risks.
Day 10: Discomfort is subsiding, and bruising is fading. Patients can resume light physical activity but should remain cautious of their incisions and take it slow.
Week 2: Most tummy tuck patients return to work, but heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity should still be avoided.
Weeks 3-6: The time the compression garment has to be worn is reduced to 12 hours a day.
After 6 weeks, the compression garment can be taken off and, at this point, most patients resume normal activities. Strenuous activities should only be resumed at their doctor’s discretion.
After 12 weeks, the compression garment can be taken off and, at this point, most patients resume normal activities. Strenuous activities should only be resumed at their doctor’s discretion.
Abdominoplasty Alternatives
TPS is also Canada’s leading non-invasive centre with multiple fat destructions, skin tightening and muscle toning technologies, including EMSculpt, Evolve, CoolSculpting, Vanquish, and Sculpsure
Why The Toronto Plastic Surgeons?
The Toronto Plastic Surgeons are led by two award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in body contouring and tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Asif Pirani brings refined expertise in abdominoplasty and natural-looking results, while Dr. Peter Bray is recognized as one of Canada’s foremost body contouring specialists and a leading BodyTite liposuction expert. Together, they use the latest techniques to ensure outstanding outcomes while making the process as safe and comfortable as possible.
Our renowned team customizes every procedure to each patient’s anatomy and goals, providing natural, long-lasting results. With the Toronto Plastic Surgeons, you’re in expert hands before, during, and after your procedure.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
The Toronto Plastic Surgeons team, led by Dr. Asif Pirani and Dr. Peter Bray, has performed thousands of abdominoplasty procedures over the years. In that time, they’ve answered countless questions from patients preparing for surgery. Below, you’ll find responses to some of the most commonly asked questions. During your initial tummy tuck consultation, you’ll also have the opportunity to discuss your personal concerns directly with your surgeon.
Is Getting a Tummy Tuck Painful?
If the muscle repair is included in your tummy tuck, the most intense discomfort will come in the days after surgery. This can be managed with pain medication. In truth, most of the soreness will subside after one week. The procedure requires significant downtime, and people need help with daily chores following the procedure.
Skin-only tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks have relatively little pain but if a muscle repair is included, then patients can expect moderate discomfort in the abdomen.
How Long Will the Results Last?
If patients maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, the results of the tummy tuck procedure can be permanent. Patients are encouraged to continue to build abdominal muscles to maintain and further improve the results.
Gaining significant weight can stretch out a tummy tuck, affecting the appearance of your midsection.
Can I Remove Stretch Marks with a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The stretch marks that are located within the zone of skin excision will be removed completely, and any remaining stretch marks may be less visible.
During your initial tummy tuck consultation, our surgeons will assess your target area and give you an explanation of what to expect regarding stretch marks.
Can a Liposuction Procedure or a Breast Augmentation Be Performed with a Tummy Tuck?
Yes, it is common to combine liposuction of the hips, flanks and/or thighs with a tummy tuck. It is also common to add breast augmentation. In fact, a mommy makeover refers to a procedure that combines a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift and liposuction procedure. Although the risks tend to increase with longer surgeries, all patients are kept overnight and monitored to ensure the safest possible care.
How Many Sizes Do You Lose with a Tummy Tuck?
Most women who undergo tummy tuck procedures drop 2 to 3 whole clothing sizes and find they have a figure that is overall trimmer and fitter looking thanks to the flatter, firmer abdomen that invariably results from the procedure. Many patients also find they experience a serious boost in confidence and self-esteem and go on to lose even more weight, more easily than they’d initially imagined possible. Never underestimate the power of high confidence and a fresh new outlook on your motivation to look and feel better than ever!
Do I Need to Lose Weight Before Surgery?
Although losing weight before tummy tuck surgery is not necessary, for best results, it’s best to maintain a nutritional diet and an effective exercise program both before and after an abdominoplasty procedure. It’s important to understand that the tummy tuck procedure is not a substitute for a weight reduction or fitness plan. The operation is geared toward removing isolated areas of stubborn excess fat and skin which does not respond to the usual efforts.
Should I Shave Before the Tummy Tuck?
Although it’s not absolutely necessary to shave the area, the incision from tummy tuck surgery is typically placed quite close to the pubic hair zone, so for this reason you may want to be extra prudent and shave the area before surgery. The night before your abdominoplasty, it’s also always a good idea to shower and wash your pubic area thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. If there is any doubt about the correct preparations for your surgery, never hesitate to contact your doctor.
Is Coolsculpting Better Than a Tummy Tuck?
Neither procedure is better than the other—it all depends on your personal needs and goals. CoolSculpting is less invasive procedure and ideal for those who prefer not to undergo surgery. It uses a process known as cryolipolysis to freeze and kill fat cells over several sessions, without any need for anesthesia or downtime. While CoolSculpting is ideal for small pockets of fat, a tummy tuck may work best if you have more than a minor amount of fat to be reduced, as it removes a lot more at once. To determine which approach is best for you, schedule a consultation today.
Can I Get Lipo Instead of Tummy Tuck?
In select patients wishing to rid themselves of excess subcutaneous abdominal fat, simple liposuction may produce the results they’re looking for. Liposuction is generally considered a less risky procedure than abdominoplasty, with less possibility of scarring. However, in cases where there is considerable skin laxity or muscle separation (diastasis recti) a tummy tuck may be recommended. Your doctor will discuss the options with you thoroughly to determine the best approach for you during your consultation.
Is the Cost of a Tummy Tuck Greater Than Liposuction?
Abdominoplasty surgery typically costs more than liposuction. At Toronto Plastic Surgeons, tummy tuck surgery starts at $14,999, while liposuction begins at $9,500 for a small area, with higher fees for multiple treatment zones. Regardless of which approach you and your surgeon decide is best suited to your goals, you can’t put a price on incredible results.
How Much Fat Can Be Removed with an Abdominoplasty
Undergoing a tummy tuck can lead to significant and long-term weight loss for many patients—particularly those who were overweight or coping with obesity prior to surgery, according to a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Researchers assessed both short and long-term weight loss post tummy tuck in 20 women and found that the average amount of abdominal fat and tissue removed was equivalent to about five pounds. Long-term weight loss was more likely for women whose initial body mass index was 24.5 or greater, or just under the borderline for what’s considered overweight.
What Is the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and a Panniculectomy?
A panniculectomy is a surgery which removes excess skin and fat from the lower stomach. This surgery is commonly performed on those who have undergone significant weight loss and have excess hanging skin in the abdominal area. A tummy tuck, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive surgery, and includes the tightening of the abdominal muscles, as well as a thorough contouring of the abdomen. A tummy tuck is sometimes performed in tandem with liposuction and includes both the upper and side abdominal sections, as opposed to a panniculectomy, which is solely focused on the ‘fat apron’ of the lower abdomen.
Should Men Get a Tummy Tuck?
A male abdominoplasty might be an appropriate option if a man wants to achieve a flatter, more toned abdominal area after losing significant weight or if diet and exercise have not led to the desired improvements.
How Much Weight Can You Lose with Tummy Tuck
Undergoing a tummy tuck can lead to some weight loss from removing tissue; however, it is not weight loss surgery. Typically, less than 5lbs of tissue is usually removed during a standard abdominoplasty procedure.
Tummy Tuck Testimonials
“Testimonial 1: Such a great experience at this clinic. The staff was extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. A tummy tuck was a procedure I have always been interested in, after lots of research I finally went to inquire at TPS. The consultation was phenomenal, I left feeling so confident and no doubt that this was the place I wanted to have this procedure done at. 10/10 recommend.” – Emily Walsh (Google Reviews).
“Testimonial 2: I had an amazing experience at Toronto Plastic Surgeons. I had a good result and I’m happy with the outcome. It was my best decision I made so far. It was 50/50 decision to have a tummy tuck because of the pain they went through. But in the end I decided to get it done. I never regret of having a surgery.I highly recommend Toronto Plastic Surgeons for doing a good job and Doctor Bell’s work are one of the best.” – Tom (RealSelf).
