Toronto Tummy Tuck: What Really Happens During The Procedure?

By Jerome Edelstein, MD

Being fully informed and prepared is the best way to go into any surgical procedure. For the many men and women contemplating a Toronto tummy tuck, it is important to have an understanding of how the procedure works and what exactly happens during surgery.

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery that aims to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. During a tummy tuck, the abdominal muscles can be tightened if necessary. The combined result is a firmer and tighter tummy area.Typically, a tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from 2-4 hours. Long-acting anesthetic is injected into the abdominal tissue and helps prevent pain following the procedure. Although most patients are able to leave the same day, some do require an overnight stay. Regardless, it is important to have family or friends available for support for the first 24 hours after the surgery in case any help is needed at home.To begin the surgery, an incision is made from hip to hip, just above the pubic bone. Depending on the type of tummy tuck, standard, mini or full, the incision size will vary. In a full tummy tuck, an additional incision is made round the belly button to free the abdominal skin flap and facilitate umbilical reconstruction.After this, the abdominal skin is lifted and muscle tightening is performed – vertically suturing separated abdominal muscles together all along the midline to reduce the bulge. When the internal work is complete, the skin is pulled down beyond the incision to the ideal tension and position. A small opening is made for the belly button to be brought through to its new position and reconnected with surface skin.The excess on the lower abdomen is removed and closure is done in careful layers to reduce tension on the wound. This helps ensure a thin, minimized scar.

Depending on the type of procedure patients may or may not have drains placed under the lower abdomen to help with fluid build up. In cases where drains are used, they are typically removed easily around 7-10 days following the surgery.At Edelstein Cosmetic we understand that no two patients undergoing a Toronto tummy tuck will be exactly the same. Each patient will be given instructions specific to their case prior to their procedure. However, general postoperative guidelines are relatively consistent.Most patients are advised to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and provide support for roughly 6 weeks after the procedure. Patients are also given prescriptions for pain medication as well as specific activity restrictions.If you considering a tummy tuck in Toronto and want to know more about the surgery, the best way is to schedule a private consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon at Edelstein Cosmetic.