What is The Cost of a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck costs vary depending on the type of tummy tuck required and the BMI of the patient. The best tummy tuck services at The Toronto Plastic Surgeons start at $12,999.
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.
The procedure 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 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 skin can be a problem.
The tummy tuck 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.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
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.
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. Dr. Bell will explain what patients can expect regarding their stretch marks after conducting an assessment.
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 abdominal muscles back together to achieve a toned stomach.
Tummy Tuck 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 tummy tuck 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. This can be treated by The Toronto Plastic Surgeons.
- 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 when using an inexperienced surgeon. 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.
Why The Toronto Plastic Surgeons?
The Toronto Plastic Surgeons have unmatched experience in the area in delivering the very best tummy tuck results. Our award-winning surgeons use the latest techniques to achieve the best results and make the process as comfortable as possible for every patient. Dr. Bell has over 25 years of advanced body contouring and tummy tuck experience. He is one of Canada’s most experienced Bodytite liposuction experts, and recognized as one of Canada’s best plastic surgeons.
Our renowned team of surgeons customizes all procedures to the patient’s specific needs and provides long-lasting results. Rest assured that, with the Toronto Plastic Surgeons, you’re in safe hands before, during, and after the procedure.
Different Types of Tummy Tuck
During your initial consultation with the surgeon, the best option for your goals will be determined. The Toronto Plastic Surgeons offer 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. In addition, it is worth noting that the scar is typically not visible, and the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or simple oral sedation.
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.
Tummy Tuck Alternatives
SpaMedica 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
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 the surgeon. The primary incision is made from one hipbone to the other. In a mini-tummy tuck, a smaller incision is used. 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.
Preparing for a Tummy Tuck
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 6 weeks before the procedure.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs 2 weeks prior.
- Eat nutritious meals the week leading up to the procedure.
- Avoid drinking alcohol 1 week prior.
- 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.
What to Expect Post Tummy Tuck Surgery
Following a tummy tuck, it is normal to experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the abdominal area. Because it is an invasive surgical procedure, patients should give themselves 1-2 weeks resting time to recover, avoiding most physical activities. Throughout this rest period, patients should continue to walk around the home and undertake day-to-day tasks to maintain blood flow.
In addition to a compression garment, some patients return home with drainage tubes (depending on the type of tummy tuck). The Toronto Plastic Surgeons team will provide detailed instructions regarding the tubes and how they can be properly cleaned.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Post-procedure: Most patients stay in our facility under the supervision of our nurses the night following a tummy tuck. 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 be relaxing as much as possible, they are encouraged to do some walking around the house to promote healing 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.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
The Toronto Plastic Surgeons has performed thousands of tummy tuck procedures over the years and in this time we’ve answered many questions and queries from patients-to-be. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked tummy tuck questions. During your initial consultation, you’ll be able to ask any of your personal questions.
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 1 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?
The stretch marks that are located within the zone of skin excision will be removed completely, and any remaining stretch marks will be less visible. Because the tummy tuck stretches the loose skin, stretch marks become reduced in appearance.
During your initial 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, 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 surgery 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 a tummy tuck. It’s important to understand that the tummy tuck procedure is not a substitute for a weight reduction or fitness plan. Rather, the surgery is designed for those who have tried and yet seen little or no results with diet and exercise. The operation is perfectly geared toward removing stubborn excess fat and skin which does not respond to the usual efforts.
Should I Shave Before 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 tummy tuck surgery, 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?
Most patients wishing to rid themselves of excessive abdominal fat find that simple liposuction produces the results they’re looking for and ultimately they decide against a subsequent tummy tuck. Liposuction is generally considered a less risky procedure than tummy tuck surgery, with less possibility of scarring and more natural-looking results. However, in cases where the aesthetic benefits of a very flat tummy are the first priority and potential scarring around the navel is not a huge concern, 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?
Tummy tuck surgery usually costs about two times as much as liposuction in the abdominal area. At Toronto Plastic Surgeons, tummy tuck surgery starts at $8,999, and liposuction starts at between $4,999 and $6,999, depending on the size of the area being treated. Regardless of which approach you and your doctor decide is best suited to your goals and needs, you can’t put a price on incredible results, which is what you’ll get either way.
How Much Fat Can Be Removed with a Tummy Tuck
Undergoing a tummy tuck can lead to significant and longterm weight loss for many patients—particularly those who were overweight or coping with obesity prior to surgery, according to study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Researchers assessed both short and longterm 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. Longterm 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 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.
How Much Weight Can You Lose with Tummy Tuck
While tummy tuck surgery on its own might resect up to 5 pounds of excess fat and skin, increased satiety (the feeling of being full after eating) is an important contributor to longterm weight loss post-op. Three quarters of women report increased satiety post tummy tuck, a phenomenon researchers attribute to changes in the neuroendocrine system. Removing fat cells can lead to lower levels of appetite-inducing hormones, commonly secreted by fatty tissues. Bottom line: as long as you stay in shape and eat healthy post-op, you’ll maintain your post tummy tuck weight, and chances are good that you’ll feel increased motivation to lose even more weight.
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