Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Generally, you will need full tummy tuck surgery if you have separated abdominal muscles and excess abdominal fat/skin above and below the belly button. If your abdominal muscles have not separated, and the excess fat/skin is located mostly below the belly button, you are likely a better candidate for mini tummy tuck surgery.

Your GraceMed surgeon will make a horizontal incision right above the pubic line. The doctors tighten the separated abdominal muscles, which narrow the waistline and remove excess skin (which may have stretch marks) and fat. Depending on the case, the surgeon uses liposuction techniques to remove excess fat on the sides (flanks). They may also relocate the belly button to a higher position on the abdomen.

If this procedure is combined with liposuction, it can considerably contour various stomach areas to give you an overall stomach transformation. Abdominoplasty patients look and fit better into their clothes.  Patients feel more comfortable, attractive, and confident.

Abdominoplasty surgery is not for weight loss. The procedure does not remove fat deposits within your abdominal area, it removes loose excess skin. If you have a large tummy that feels tight with no loose skin the patient will need to lose weight prior to undergoing a tummy tuck procedure to get the best outcomes.

Types of a Tummy Tuck

There are several types of tummy tuck procedures, including an abbreviated “mini tuck”, extended tummy tuck, and Fleur-de-lis. The approach the doctors take depends on the patient’s specific needs and goals. Your GraceMed surgeon will assess you at your consultation and discuss the most appropriate option to achieve your goals.

There are several types of abdominoplasties (tummy tucks) that exist:

Mini-abdominoplasty (Mini Tuck):

This procedure combines liposuction of the abdomen with a horizontal suprapubic incision from the inner edge of the hip bone across to the other inner edge of the hip bone. This type of tummy tuck does not reposition the navel and therefore, there will be no scar around the belly button. This procedure is suitable for patients with a small amount of excess skin and fat in the lowest part of the abdomen.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

With or without liposuction of the abdomen, an abdominoplasty will remove all the skin under the navel and reposition the navel. The scars include a horizontal component above the pubic area rising laterally towards the hips and a periumbilical scar.

Fleur-de-lis or inverted T abdominoplasty

This procedure is similar to traditional abdominoplasty, this abdominoplasty uses a central vertical incision from the sternum to the pubic region to remove and tighten excess horizontal skin. This procedure is for patients with excess side-to-side skin after significant weight loss or bariatric surgery.

Tummy Tuck Candidates

In general, you may be a good abdominoplasty candidate if:

• You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
• You have realistic expectations
• You are a non-smoker
• You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

This procedure is used to rebuild weak abdominal wall muscles stretched by pregnancy or simply age. It helps to restore your self-confidence and get rid of excess fat and skin. It is a popular procedure, as part of a mommy makeover, to remove loose skin and fat from the abdomen caused by weight gain after pregnancy and childbirth. It is also a great option for patients who have a history of massive weight loss.

A tummy tuck can also provide medical benefits including;

• Decreasing insulin resistance
• Improving cardiac and pulmonary function
• Reduces stress urinary incontinence
• Easier weight loss maintenance and management
• Better posture and improved abdominal tone

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Abdominoplasty patients may experience minor discomfort in the first few days of their recovery, but this can be controlled with prescription pain medication.

Everyone recovers at a different pace, but it’s important for tummy tuck patients to get as much rest as possible while their body heals. The doctors advise their patients to wear a surgical garment to help the tissues conform to their new contours, and to avoid bending, lifting, and straining during the initial recovery. Further instructions will be provided during the consultative phase.

The GraceMed team may schedule several follow-up appointments with their tummy tuck patients to check their progress and advise when it is safe to return to work, exercise, and other normal activities. You can expect to be seen by your GraceMed Surgeon at one week, two weeks, one month, three months, and six months postoperatively, or as often as is needed. Your surgeon is always available to address any concerns his patients may have during their recovery to accomplish the best results.

Tummy Tuck Facts

Patients can confuse tummy tuck surgery and liposuction, using both terms interchangeably. It is important to distinguish the differences between both procedures as they will provide different results. Many times both are combined for the best outcomes. Liposuction will remove stubborn fat deposits through a suction tube and is the most ideal when patients have good elasticity in the skin.

Tummy Tuck Treatment Overview

Objective: Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a procedure that improves the overall aesthetics of the belly by removing excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen.
Anaesthesia: General
Procedure duration: 2 to 3 hours
Pain level: 4 to 6/10
Recovery time: 2 to 4 weeks
Resumption of physical activities: 6 weeks

The Tummy Tuck Procedure is Offered At These GraceMed Clinics:

• Book a Tummy Tuck in Burlington
• Book a Tummy Tuck in Mississauga
• Book a Tummy Tuck in North York 
• Book a Tummy Tuck in Oakville Briarwood 

Generally, most people who have this procedure are extremely happy – The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) has a 97% “Worth It” rating on RealSelf.

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