Why The Big Boom In Toronto Tummy Tucks

Are Tummy Tucks Only Solution To Remove Excess Hanging Skin?

If you’ve been considering getting a tummy tuck, you’re certainly not alone. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Tummy Tucks are among the top five plastic surgery procedures performed in the U.S, with 117,000 women undergoing the procedure in 2020 alone. And Tummy Tucks (22 percent) followed by Liposuction (17 percent) are among the most requested cosmetic procedures post pandemic according to ASAPS. On RealSelf.com, the leading and most trusted source for people considering elective cosmetic treatment, the tummy tuck has a 95 percent “worth it” rating.

Why are so many women choosing to have a tummy tuck and what can you expect if you decide to get one?

First thing’s first, what exactly is a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to restore a smoother, flatter and more defined waistline. It involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the middle and lower abdomen, as well as tightening of the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall.

A tummy tuck is more of a restorative cosmetic procedure to get your body back to the way it was, or in some cases even better, than before pregnancies or weight loss.

Who might be a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks are most often performed on women with loose abdominal skin following pregnancy, weight loss or the natural aging process.

Liposuction is frequently combined with a tummy tuck to get rid of those pesky fat pockets in the abdomen and surrounding areas for a trimmer, more sculpted abdominal contour.

Other procedures done at the same time may include breast augmentation and/or a breast lift, as part of a full mommy makeover.

Tummy tucks aren’t just for women — men undergo the procedure as well. Men typically don’t need to have their abdominal muscles repaired like women do, but often combine liposuction and body contouring to the waist, flank, and back areas for optimal results.

Are there different types or approaches to a tummy tuck?

There are several tummy tuck procedures that include:

Traditional or Full Tummy Tuck

This is the most common type of tummy tuck performed. It involves removing a large amount of excess fat and skin from the top of the belly button down, tightening the abdominal muscles, and repositioning the belly button.

99% of the Tummy Tucks performed at our clinic are Full Tummy Tucks

Mini Tummy Tuck

If you only have a small amount of excess skin below your belly button, or a bothersome skin fold or a scar from a C-section, a mini tummy tuck may be a better option than a full tummy tuck.

An Extended Tummy Tuck

This procedure is essentially a traditional tummy tuck that requires a longer incision that extends beyond the hips to remove excess loose skin and fat from the abdominal region, sides, flanks, or love handles.

The Fleur-de-Lis (FDL)

Also known as a vertical tummy tuck, the FDL procedure is used when patients have lost a massive amount of weight or undergone bariatric surgery. The FDL procedure removes excess skin and fatty tissue and repairs abdominal muscles through a standard tummy tuck incision, as well as a vertical incision in the center of the abdomen.

Other Tucks or Lifts include:

The Circumferential lift or body lift

A procedure for someone who has lost a massive amount of weight, and is left with excess skin that extends all around the body.

It is a much bigger surgery than a Traditional Tummy Tuck and requires an incision that extends around the full circumference of the body. The excess fat and hanging skin, called an apron, is removed from the abdomen, sides, flanks and the back area, which can also provide some lifting to the buttocks.

This procedure often includes some liposuction for a more defined result.

Will you need to wear a drain after surgery?

A traditional tummy tuck will require you to wear a drain for at least a week after surgery.

At our clinic, however, we use a refined suturing technique to avoid needing surgical drains at the incision site.

What are the advantages of a DRAIN-FREE tummy tuck?

A drain-free tummy tuck results in a faster recovery time and less discomfort, as well as a lower, thinner, and better-concealed scar than in a traditional tummy tuck.

95% of the Tummy Tucks performed at our clinic are drain-free

To be considered for a tummy tuck, you must meet the following criteria:

· Be in good general health with an uncompromised immune system

· Be a non-smoker

· Have loose or excess skin around your abdomen.

· Have a stable weight with a BMI below 30.

· Have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for your appearance.

What can you expect during the procedure?

Depending on the complexity of the procedure, it can take one hour for a simple tummy tuck up to five hours for a more complex operation, such as a circumferential body lift with liposuction.

A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia. We also use advanced techniques and tools, such as anesthetic blocks, that not only help to keep you comfortable during your surgery, but also help to reduce your pain after you wake up from your surgery.

How long will it take you to recover?

After your procedure, there will be swelling, bruising and tenderness around the incision sites, especially during the first three days. You’ll be prescribed medication to manage pain and discomfort.

For a traditional tummy tuck, the recovery usually takes four to six weeks, at which point you can return to strenuous activity and exercise.

A mini tummy tuck can take two or three weeks.

Swelling can last up to three months but it varies for different people. You won’t see your full results until all swelling in the abdominal area has gone down.

Scars generally fade with time and become less noticeable. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to care for your incisions, to help minimize scarring and healing.

“Best Shape I’ve Ever Been IN!”

-Lyndsay, tummy tuck patient

Lyndsay, a mother of three, came to our clinic for a tummy tuck after her last pregnancy. She had worked hard to lose the weight and get in shape before her tummy tuck, to eliminate the excess hanging skin and fat and to repair her stretched abdominal muscles. Lyndsay says the procedure was incredibly successful, allowing her to feel comfortable and confident in a bikini for the first time in her life. “I’m actually in better shape now than before having kids,” said Lyndsay. “I have worn higher cut bikinis in the past, but I always had to make sure they were a certain ‘fit’ so I could tuck the loose skin into the bottoms and hide my sagging tummy. This is the first summer I’ve ever worn a low-rise bikini and not thought once about my tummy hanging over the front!” I am so happy with how I look that I wanted to share my results with other moms so they can see what is possible. There is no amount of exercise or diet that can fix stretched abdominal muscles or get rid of loose hanging skin. I believe a tummy tuck is about self-care, part of living a healthy and happy lifestyle to look and feel the best you can.

Needless to say, Lyndsay was thrilled with her results and intends to maintain her beautiful physique with a healthy diet and exercise.

Are you considering a tummy tuck?

For your safety and to get the best results, it’s important to do your due diligence and ask your surgeon the following questions prior to choosing them:

• Is your facility accredited or certified?
• What training do you have to perform a tummy tuck safely and effectively?
• How many tummy tucks have you performed?
• How often do you perform tummy tucks?
• Do you perform DRAIN FREE Tummy Tucks?
• What percentage of your patients have had complications after a tummy tuck?
• What technique do you use and where will the incisions be placed?
• What type of anesthesia will be used?
• How long does the procedure take?
• What are the potential risks and how will complications be managed?
• Check reviews and ratings on reputable consumer sites like Realself.com

For more information on tummy tucks and other lifts, visit www.torontosurgery.com

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