For Patients from Ontario and Toronto – Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
For some of our patients, no matter how much dieting or how many sit-ups they do, they can't tighten the abdomen and keep it from hanging over the belt line. Women who have had multiple pregnancies often find that their abdomen won't return to its original flat contour because the muscles have stretched. Those who have lost considerable weight also often find that their abdomen won't respond to exercise or continued dieting.
Dr. Frank Lista helps patients from all parts of Ontario and Toronto with tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, to achieve a flatter, more contoured abdomen. After undergoing this highly effective body contouring procedure, our patients generally not only look better, but also feel better about themselves. Dr. Lista is one of the most experienced tummy tuck surgeons in the Ontario and Toronto areas in that he performs about 150 tummy tuck procedures each year.
- Before the Tummy Tuck
- The Tummy Tuck Procedure
- After the Tummy Tuck
- Your Tummy Tuck Results
- The Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Before the Tummy Tuck
Dr. Lista is committed to meeting with each patient individually at least once at his office serving the greater Toronto and Ontario area before performing the tummy tuck procedure. During this one-on-one meeting, Dr. Lista speaks with each patient about his or her goals for the procedure; he also lets the patient know of the realistic results that can be attained. Dr. Lista may also use digital imaging technology to help the patient envision what they may look like after the tummy tuck. All tummy tuck patients are given detailed instructions on how to adequately and appropriately prepare for their surgery.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
During your initial examination with Dr. Lista, he will examine you to determine which tummy tuck procedure will provide you the greatest benefit. You may only require what we call a mini- tummy tuck, also known as partial abdominoplasty, if the abdominal fat deposits lie only below the navel. A mini- tummy tuck is less invasive, takes about two hours, and can usually be performed as an outpatient procedure. If fat deposits extend above the navel, a full tummy tuck will probably be more beneficial. This is a more extensive procedure that takes about four hours and may require you to stay a day or two in the hospital. In many cases, Dr. Lista performs liposuction on the hips in combination with a mini- tummy tuck or full tummy tuck procedure to achieve a better contour. Nevertheless, it's possible that you will be able to reach your aesthetic goals through liposuction alone. After your examination, Dr. Lista will recommend the tummy tuck procedure that is most suitable in your case and will work closely with you to help you achieve your desired appearance.
Dr. Lista removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen through an incision made just above the pubic area.
In a typical tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Lista makes an initial incision that traverses from hipbone to hipbone. He follows this with an incision that allows him to move the navel, although this may be unnecessary in a mini- tummy tuck.
Dr. Lista then exposes the abdominal muscles by separating the skin up to the ribs. He tightens these muscles by drawing them close together and stitching them in place. This firms up the abdominal wall and cinches in the waistline.
Once he has tightened the abdominal muscles, Dr. Lista pulls down the skin flap and trims the excess skin. He cuts a new hole for the navel, replaces it, and stitches it into place. To complete the full tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Lista stitches the incisions, and dressings are applied to ensure sterile healing. Dr. Lista may insert a temporary tube to drain any collecting fluid.
Dr. Lista stretches down the abdominal skin and removes the excess skin. He cuts a new opening and replaces the navel. Then all incisions are closed with sutures.
In a mini- tummy tuck, Dr. Lista works within the incision without disturbing the navel. Once muscle tightening and fat removal are complete, he draws down the skin flap, removes excess skin, and stitches the incision.
After the Tummy Tuck
You can expect to have a swollen abdomen for the first few days after your tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Lista will prescribe pain medication to help reduce any discomfort, and he may have you use the pain-relief pump for the first 24 hours after your surgery to help ensure that any pain is kept to an absolute minimum. You will be provided full instructions for changing dressings and showering. Dr. Lista recommends that you begin to walk as soon as you feel able after your tummy tuck surgery.
The stitches used on surface skin will come out after five to seven days. After two to three weeks, the deeper sutures will be removed. The ends of these sutures protrude from the skin to allow access for removal. You will have to wear a support garment over your abdomen for about a month-and-a-half. This garment can be concealed under your clothing.
Recuperation time varies among our Ontario and Toronto patients. Some tummy tuck patients are able to return to work after a couple of weeks. Other patients require as long as four weeks to rest and recover. Exercise will speed the healing process and improve your comfort level. Dr. Lista will provide descriptions of exercises that will help reduce swelling, lower the risk of blood clots, and make you feel more toned.
Tummy tuck surgery does result in permanent scars. In the first few months after the procedure, it may appear as though the scars are actually becoming worse. However, this is to be expected, and the scars will improve as time passes. After about a year, the scars will have flattened and become lighter in color. They will never disappear, but they can easily be concealed under most clothing and even under a bathing suit.
Your Tummy Tuck Results
Virtually all patients of our office serving the Toronto and Ontario area who choose a tummy tuck procedure for body contouring are pleased with their results. They like the new contour and definition of their abdomen and the healthier, fitter overall look a tummy tuck provides. Many of our tummy tuck patients report that their self-confidence and outlook on life improves as well because they feel more attractive. If patients watch their diet and get regular exercise, they can expect the results to last for years.
The Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Dr. Lista's skills, experience, and knowledge help to ensure that the risk involved in a tummy tuck procedure is kept at an absolute minimum. However, all surgical procedures carry an element of risk. Infection, for example, is a possibility. To help prevent the risk of blood clots, in addition to recommending exercise as soon as possible, Dr. Lista provides anti-embolic stockings for the tummy tuck patient to wear for a week after the procedure. Conspicuous scars caused by poor healing may require a second procedure. The chance of complications can be greatly reduced by closely following Dr. Lista's instructions before and after the procedure.
Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation
Dr. Lista provides residents of Oakville, Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, and Ontario with the tummy tuck procedure for exceptional body contouring with results that are soft and natural looking. Contact the Plastic Surgery Clinic today to learn more about how we custom tailor our procedures to help you achieve the look you desire.