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Abdominoplasty - Serving North York and Mississauga in Ontario
People are sometimes left with empty hanging folds of skin after pregnancy, serious weight loss, or sometimes just with aging. When this loose skin is surgically removed from the belly, it is called Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck or body contouring. When the skin is removed around the whole waist to raise the buttock, lateral thighs and trim the tummy, it is called body lifting. From the upper arms, we call it brachioplasty. Thigh lifting is for loose inner thigh skin or posterior thigh skin. Tummy tuck in Toronto is designed to tighten loose and flabby skin. Body contouring cosmetic surgery changes the texture of the skin by stretching it thereby making the looseness and wrinkling less apparent. Body contouring surgery may be combined with liposuction. Liposuction is designed to improve fat bulges and sometime also improve skin tightening and texture when done in specific way.
As with liposuction, body contouring surgery is not intended to correct obesity; patients should try to have as normal or near-normal weight before surgery.
Although tummy tuck surgery is sometimes done under local anesthesia, most other body contouring surgery requires general anesthesia. Loose skin cannot be removed without leaving scars, and body contouring often means long incisions that result in long scars. We will make every effort to give you the best scars possible, and to conceal them in the least visible areas.
We will advise you during your consultation about the type of scar you are likely to get following your Toronto tummy tuck procedure. Although scars will fade over time, you should know, that the scars will be permanent and that their final width, height and color are not entirely predictable.
The most common complications of body contouring surgery are hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin), seroma (fluid accumulation under the skin) and numbness of the skin. Most of the feeling usually comes back. Hematoma and seroma may require intervention to drain the blood or serum that has accumulated if it is a large amount. Problems with healing after surgery are also possible, especially if you are a smoker.
Normal activities can usually be resumed within a couple of weeks and many people return to work the third week after surgery.
Benefits
Below are a few of the many reasons why patients consider a tummy tuck procedure:
- An inherited condition that causes excess skin and fat in the abdominal area.
- Pregnancy that has stretched the skin and separated the muscles in the stomach area.
- The loss of a significant amount of weight resulting in extra skin.
- Simple aging that can produce unwanted abdominal fat and excess skin.
Side Effects
- Temporary pain.
- Swelling.
- Soreness, numbness of abdominal skin.
- Bruising.
- Tiredness for several weeks or months.
Safety and Risks
The risks associated with tummy tucks can be minimized by following the physician’s recommendations. Smokers should stop smoking well before the surgery. For patients on an aspirin regimen ortaking anti-inflammatory drugs, discontinuingthe treatments is advised, as they can thin the blood, which may result in surgical complications. Persons with other health concerns, such as diabetes, that may inhibit the healing process, should discuss these matters with their doctor. Fluid drainage can also be a challenge and may require extra visits to the doctor. More severe possible complications include blood clots, numbness in the skin, deep vein thrombosis, persistent pain and swelling in the legs and nerve damage. Patients considering an Abdominoplasty are wise to discuss their past and current medical history with their doctor, and ask detailed questions about the procedure before deciding to undergo surgery.
- Blood clots.
- Infection.
- Poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss.
- Need for a second operation.
Recovery
After surgery, the hospital stay is short, typically one to two days followed by recovery at home for about a week. The patient will likely experience pain or soreness in the abdomen and near the incision area, and is given a prescription for pain and medication to prevent infection. The swelling and bruising that may occur after the surgery will subside. Patients should get out of bed and walk around for short periods of time, so that blood circulation stays healthy, and to quicken the healing process. While walking is advised, care must be taken not to strain theabdominal muscles. This means no lifting, and limited bending and stretching. The use of compression garments around the waist that support the abdomen is recommended, however the bandages around the incision area must be changed regularly. Stitches are removed approximately one to two weeks following the surgery, after which, patients should be able to resume most of their routine activities.
- Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks.
- More strenuous activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more.
- Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years.
Respected Toronto cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Hong, is widely known for his combination of skill and empathy. He has earned a standing, shared by both his peers and his patients, as a foremost tummy tuck and liposuction Toronto specialist. Dr. Hong is also famous as a gifted arm lift, thigh lift and buttock augmentation Toronto specialist. His surgical specialties include a number of breast surgery procedures to redefine the silhouettes of his breast augmentation Toronto patients.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can help to improve the appearance of the stomach area. This procedure can be used to remove excess skin and fat, as well as to tighten the abdominal muscles.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, it’s important to understand the process and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of getting a tummy tuck, from consultation to recovery.
What Is the Tummy Tuck Process?
The tummy tuck process, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that is designed to improve the appearance of the stomach area. The procedure can be used to remove excess skin and fat, as well as to tighten the abdominal muscles.
Consultation
The process typically starts with a consultation with a plastic surgeon, during which they will examine your abdominal area and discuss your desired results. They will also provide information on the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the recovery process.
Next, the surgeon will mark the areas of your abdomen that will be treated during the procedure. Before the surgery begins, you will be given anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure.
Surgery
During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the lower abdomen, usually just above the pubic area. They will then remove any excess skin and fat, and may also tighten the abdominal muscles. The incision will be closed with sutures and bandages.
The entire procedure typically takes about 2-4 hours, depending on the individual case. After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room for observation. You will likely experience some pain and swelling in the abdominal area, but this can be managed with pain medication.
Recovery and Results
Recovery time can vary, but most people are able to return to work and normal activities within 2-4 weeks. You will need to avoid strenuous activity and follow any post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon.
Potential Risks and Scarring
It’s important to keep in mind that the tummy tuck is a major surgery, and like any surgery it carries risks. It’s important to discuss these risks and any concerns you may have with your surgeon before the procedure. Additionally, the results of the surgery may not be immediately visible as the swelling and bruising will take some time to subside.
Things to Consider Before Undergoing Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can help to improve the appearance of the stomach area. It is a major surgery, and it is important to consider all the factors before making a decision.
Timing
It is important to consider the timing of your surgery. If you are planning to have more children, it is best to wait until you have completed your family before undergoing a tummy tuck. Pregnancy can undo the results of the surgery.
Weight Loss
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss solution. It is important to be at or near your ideal weight before undergoing the surgery. Losing weight after the surgery can also undo the results.
Realistic Expectations
It is important to have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. A tummy tuck can improve the appearance of your stomach, but it will not give you a perfect body.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with a tummy tuck. It is important to discuss these with your surgeon and to weigh the potential risks against the potential benefits.
The Cost
A tummy tuck is a costly surgery and it is important to consider the cost before making a decision. Make sure you understand what the cost includes and if your insurance covers any portion of the surgery.
The Surgeon
It is important to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon for your tummy tuck. Research the surgeon’s qualifications and ask to see before and after photos of their previous work.
Overall, a tummy tuck can be a great option for those who want to improve the appearance of their stomachs, but it’s important to consider all the factors before making a decision. Consult with your surgeon and make sure you understand the risks and benefits, as well as the recovery process before undergoing the surgery.
The Best Surgeon for You
If you’re looking for the best surgeon to help give you the body of your dreams, look no further than Dr. Colin Hong. With over 35 years of experience and highly affordable costs in Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive surgeries throughout Toronto, North York, and Markham, he is truly the top choice for tummy tucks.
Dr. Hong has been one of Canada’s most successful plastic surgeons since 1984 and specializes in a variety of procedures including abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). His artistic sense combined with a deep understanding of anatomy enables him to create beautiful results that last a lifetime.
Contact us today at (416) 222-6986 or email us at info@drcolinhong.com to schedule your consultation and start planning for the body you deserve! For faster response, please provide your full name, email, and phone number when making your appointment request.
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Amazing experience, Doctor Hong is very confident and good at what he does. Every time I go to him I always get good results that I love and feel safe. Very friendly and helpful staff!