A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, helps people achieve a flat and toned abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening weak abdominal muscles. The procedure also restores muscles that have been weakened or separated. This creates a firmer abdominal profile.
The cost of a tummy tuck in Toronto starts at $12,999. Prices may vary depending on the type of tummy tuck the patient requires and the actual BMI of the patient. Note that costs are typically lower for a mini tummy tuck.
SpaMedica is the ultimate choice for a tummy tuck procedure in Toronto due to our level of expertise and experience with abdominoplasty procedures. Our clinic immediately puts patients at ease with its relaxed atmosphere and accommodating staff.
Dr. Thomas Bell has been in practice for over two decades and personally performs or oversees all of the tummy tuck procedures performed at SpaMedica. To book a consultation and learn more about tummy tucks today, contact the SpaMedica team.
A tummy tuck procedure takes 2-6 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 lipo and breast surgery, will be in surgery longer.
After a tummy tuck, most patients can typically resume most activities within 3 weeks. However, it often takes 6 weeks to fully recover and return to the gym, sit-ups and heavy exertion. The length of recovery depends on the type of tummy tuck that was performed, with increased recovery if the tummy muscle needs repair.
Yes, combining liposuction of the hips, flanks and/or thighs with a tummy tuck is common. It is also common to add breast augmentation, and the complete combination package of tuck, augment and lipo is called a mommy makeover.
You might need a tummy tuck if you have loose or hanging skin over your abdominal region that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. This is also a good procedure if you have tummy muscle separation or weakness or want to reduce the appearance of your stretch marks and feel more confident. Schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck with Dr. Bell to assess your specific needs.
Have you tried many methods to tone abdominal muscles and lose excess tummy fat without success? Are you done having children? Are you close to your ideal weight and in good overall shape? If so, you may be ready for a tummy tuck procedure.
Men and women with excess fat and skin on the abdominal area are often good candidates for abdominoplasty.
Ideal tummy tuck candidates are:
If you are not a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure, review SpaMedica’s non-surgical procedures. SpaMedica offers various options for people who want slim, contoured bodies.
General benefits of a tummy tuck procedure include:
Boost in Self Confidence
Many people are hesitant to wear certain clothing or swimwear due to excess fat and sagging skin in the tummy region. A tummy tuck can give you much tighter skin, a flatter contour, improved muscle tone, a more attractive belly button, and the self-confidence you need to enjoy life again.
Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks occur during pregnancy or after experiencing significant weight fluctuations. When the skin is tightened, stretch marks become less visible. After conducting an assessment, Dr. Bell will explain what you can expect regarding your stretch marks.
Reverse Pregnancy Belly
Many women have a hard time regaining a flat stomach after pregnancy. The loose, hanging skin can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. A tummy tuck procedure reverses the pregnancy belly by eliminating excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles.
Get a Toned Stomach
Achieve a flat and toned stomach with a tummy tuck procedure that removes fat and tightens skin, and brings the tummy muscles back together again.
All surgical procedures carry some risks. Dr. Bell will go over the risks in detail during the consultation.
Pain, Swelling, and Bruising
Pain, swelling, and bruising are common side effects after a tummy tuck procedure. Patients will receive medication to reduce discomfort while recovering. The pain should improve within a few days of the procedure, although it might take 1-2 weeks to completely subside.
Bleeding, Infection, and Fever
While uncommon, patients can experience bleeding, infection, and fever after undergoing a tummy tuck. Those who have these complications can contact SpaMedica immediately for treatment.
Anesthesia Complications
Patients normally receive general anesthesia when getting a tummy tuck at SpaMedica. Anesthesia complications, such as nausea and dizziness, can occur. Some patients experience more serious complications. The anesthesiologist assesses the health of the patient beforehand to determine the degree of risk.
Unfavourable Scarring
While rare, unfavourable scarring is a possibility when undergoing a tummy tuck. Dr. Bell will assess your skin tone to see how likely you are to have unfavourable scarring. He and the team at SpaMedica will also make strategic incisions during your surgery to reduce the appearance of scarring. Scars can also be treated with various laser treatments offered by SpaMedica.
SpaMedica offers mini, modified, standard, and extended tummy tucks. The option selected depends on your specific needs and the desired outcome.
A mini tummy tuck addresses loose skin, stretch marks and excess fat below the belly button. This surgery only requires a small incision, so it has the shortest scar. This scar typically is not visible and can be performed under local anesthesia and simple oral sedation.
Patients with mild to moderate loose skin or muscle weakness benefit from a modified abdominoplasty. This procedure is similar to a mini-tummy tuck, and scarring is minimal.
A standard abdominoplasty is also known as a full tummy tuck. This procedure removes excess skin and fat below and above the belly button and tightens the lax abdominal muscles. This procedure leaves a standard scar that can be hidden with undergarments.
Patients with excess fat and skin on the abdomen, flanks, or sides can benefit from an extended abdominoplasty. The scar runs from the flanks to the lower back. Patients who undergo this procedure can expect a slimmer profile from all angles.
Some innovative, non-surgical alternatives to a tummy tuck procedure that still reduce stubborn pockets of fat and tone the abdominal area include EMSculpt, CoolSculpting, and Evolve – all offered by SpaMedica.
The tummy tuck process begins by administering anesthesia. Then, your surgeon will make an incision. The incision’s location and size depend on the amount of excess fat and skin and the type of tummy tuck the patient is undergoing.
During the surgery, your surgeon will lift the abdominal skin and repair the weakened abdominal muscles. The surgeon then trims the excess skin, stitches it together, and makes a new opening for the belly button. This must be done since the skin is tightened. Without the new opening, the belly button won’t be in a natural position.
The incisions are closed, and the patient is then sent to recovery. Patients will stay overnight for monitoring and can usually go home the following day.
Patients must prepare before undergoing one of the best tummy tucks in Canada. Dr. Bell will discuss specific preparations with patients. General preparations include:
Preparations are slightly different for each patient. Dr. Bell and the team at SpaMedica will provide patients with specific instructions.
It is normal to experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort after a tummy tuck. This is an invasive surgical procedure, and recovery takes several weeks. However, patients normally start feeling better within days and notice the results after 2-4 weeks.
Immediately after the procedure: Most patients stay the night at SpaMedica following a tummy tuck. Patients are sent home with a compression garment that must be worn 22 hours a day. Depending on the type of tummy tuck, the patient might also go home with drainage tubes. If so, Dr. Bell will provide instructions regarding the tubes. The tubes must be properly cleaned to prevent infection and promote healing.
3 days post-procedure: Most patients will need some assistance and are encouraged to walk as much as possible. Walking promotes healing and reduces the risk of blood clots. While walking, patients should be mindful of their incisions and take it slow so they don’t hurt themselves or cause increased pain.
10 days post-procedure: Patients can resume light activity, although they may still experience discomfort.
3-6 weeks post-procedure: After 3 weeks, patients can reduce the time they wear the compression garment to 12 hours a day and continue this for another 3 weeks. Most patients can resume normal activities after 6 weeks. Dr. Bell offers complimentary scar reduction procedures for tummy tuck patients if there is any visible scarring. He will go over this with patients during the consultation.
While most patients can resume normal activities after six weeks, no one should engage in strenuous activities before being cleared by their doctor. The surgeon must ensure the patient has healed properly.
After six weeks, most patients are free of pain and notice their new slimmer profiles. The swelling should be gone at this point as well, and patients can begin to enjoy their results.
If muscle repair is included in your tummy tuck, then patients can expect to experience moderate pain following a tummy tuck. The procedure requires significant downtime, and people need help with daily chores following the procedure. The discomfort should begin to subside within a few days.
The results of a tummy tuck can be permanent as long as patients follow a diet and exercise routine. People must eat a healthy diet and maintain their weight to prevent loose skin or excess fat from reappearing. Also, patients should continue to build muscles in their abdominal areas to maintain the results.
Patients who are considering getting pregnant should wait before undergoing a tummy tuck. Pregnancy can cause loose skin and fat to reappear.
A tummy tuck will only remove those stretch marks that are contained within the zone of skin excision. However, for those stretch marks located above or outside the zone of excision, the tummy tuck procedure will not reduce the appearance of those stretch marks. After assessing your photographs, Dr. Bell can provide an expected outcome regarding your stretch marks.
Yes, it is possible to get a tummy tuck after a c-section, and it is perfectly safe if you wait the appropriate amount of time. If you are considering getting this procedure after a cesarean section, the best course of action is to speak with the certified plastic surgeons at SpaMedica.
