Unveil your confidence. Sculpt a smoother, flatter midsection with abdominoplasty.
Procedure Summary
Abdominoplasty is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the abdomen.
Average Cost
$13,000
Time Duration
2-5 Hours
Alternate Names
Tummy Tuck
Check out these before and after photos of past abdominoplasty patients of Dr. James Lacey. These photos can give a realistic idea of the amazing body contour improvements you can achieve through this surgery.
Does excess belly make you feel self-conscious? Maybe you’re struggling with stubborn fat, sagging skin, or stretch marks. Which, in all honesty, can be frustrating, especially when you eat healthy and exercise but that fat just won’t budge.
That’s where abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, can help you. This surgery can address all those concerns. It can remove excess fat, tighten up loose skin, and even minimize the appearance of stretch marks in your abdominal area. Plus, it can help you achieve that sculpted stomach you’ve been dreaming of.
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the abdomen and helps you achieve a flatter, smoother stomach. It removes stubborn fat and tightens loose skin, often left behind by weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
But what if you still have some stubborn fat that just won’t melt away, even with an abdominoplasty? That’s where liposuction can help.
It’s a cosmetic procedure that uses a gentle suction to remove this extra fat, giving you a more sculpted and defined look. Liposuction can work on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and neck. Plus, it’s minimally invasive with a short recovery time, so you can be back to feeling confident in no time.
Here are the quick differences and considerations for abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures:
Aspect | Liposuction | Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) |
Primary Purpose | Remove localized fat deposits | Remove excess skin and tighten muscles |
Skin Elasticity | Best for those with good skin elasticity | Suitable for those with excess or loose skin |
Muscle Repair | Does not address muscle separation | Repairs separated abdominal muscles |
Invasiveness | Less invasive, smaller incisions | More invasive, larger incision |
Downtime | Few days to a week | 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery |
There are several types of abdominoplasty procedures we offer at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery.
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure that focuses on tightening the lower abdominal area below the navel. The incision is smaller, so you’ll typically recover faster too. This procedure is a great option if you have a slight pooch or excess skin below the belly button and good overall skin elasticity.
This is the most comprehensive procedure, which is ideal if you have lots of excess skin or loose muscles across your entire abdomen, maybe even some stubborn fat pockets that won't go away. Dr. James Lacey makes a larger incision, removes the extra skin and fat, and tightens your abdominal muscles for a flatter, more toned look. He'll even reposition your belly button for a natural appearance. It's a bigger procedure, but it can give you dramatic results and a whole new level of confidence.
Some folks need both liposuction and a tummy tuck for the ultimate abdominal refresh. This combined procedure tackles stubborn fat pockets with liposuction first. Then, just like a tummy tuck, it removes excess skin and tightens your abdominal muscles. This is perfect if you have both stubborn fat and loose skin, and you're looking for a significant improvement in your abdominal area.
Sometimes, a regular tummy tuck might not address all your concerns. Maybe you have a lot of skin laxity, especially both horizontally across your tummy and vertically down your midline. In this case, Fleur de Lis tummy tuck can help. It uses a vertical incision in addition to the horizontal incision. This allows our surgeon, Dr. Lacey to remove more skin and reshape your abdomen for complete transformation. It's a bigger procedure, but it can be a great option if you've lost a considerable amount of weight and have a lot of loose skin.
An extended tummy tuck or abdominoplasty in Ottawa can tackle excess skin and fat not just in your abdomen, but also around your flanks (love handles) and sometimes even your lower back. If you’ve lost weight and have loose skin in these areas, this procedure is for you. The incision is longer, but it allows Dr. Lacey to remove more tissue and achieve a smoother, more sculpted look from your front to your back.
Absolutely! If you feel like your body needs more work than just abdominoplasty, you can get, what we call a “Mommy Makeover” in Ottawa, which is a combination of procedures that addresses specific concerns in your abdomen, breasts, and overall figure. A tummy tuck is usually a foundational procedure, but it can be combined with liposuction for stubborn fat pockets, breast implants for added volume or lift, or even a breast lift to restore perkiness. Dr. Lacey often performs multiple procedures in one operation. This approach allows you to correct multiple concerns in one go and have a quicker recovery time compared to having separate procedures spaced out. Here at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, we understand the unique needs of mothers. Dr. Lacey offers consultations to discuss your individual goals and explore if a Mommy Makeover might be right for you.
Abdominoplasty offers several amazing benefits which include:
A flatter, firmer tummy from abdominoplasty can give you a whole new level of self-assurance when you look in the mirror or rock that swimsuit.
Tightened abdominal muscles provide better core support, naturally improving your posture. This can lead to less back pain, better balance, and a more confident way of carrying yourself.
If your stretch marks are located on the area of excess skin removed during the procedure, abdominoplasty can minimize their appearance.
Excess skin folds can be a constant source of irritation and chafing, especially during exercise or hot weather. Abdominoplasty can eliminate these issues, making you feel more comfortable and at ease in your own skin.
This surgery can be amazing for people who are in good overall health, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery but struggle with stubborn belly fat or loose skin. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some considerations:
Many women experience loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles after childbirth. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty can help address these concerns.
If you've lost a considerable amount of weight and are left with excess skin and fat, abdominoplasty can create a smoother, more toned midsection.
While some fat can make your lower abdomen seem loose, you actually need some extra skin for a natural-looking result after surgery. Liposuction might be a better option if you don't have much loose skin. In some cases, a mini tummy tuck that targets just your lower belly might be the way to go.
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and our muscles weaken. A tummy tuck can tighten the abdominal wall and restore a more youthful appearance to your abdomen.
While this invasive procedure is generally suitable for many, there are certain conditions that may prevent someone from undergoing the procedure. Common contraindications include:
If you're significantly overweight, losing weight before surgery might be recommended for optimal results. Ideally, you should be close to your goal weight and have been stable for at least 6 months before considering a tummy tuck.
Women planning future pregnancies should wait, as pregnancy can reverse the results of the surgery.
Uncontrolled chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease could increase risks. Make sure you’re managing these well before considering surgery.
Smoking can hinder healing and increase complication risks. Therefore, we highly recommend smokers quit it before surgery.
The first step in preparing for abdominoplasty surgery is to have an initial consultation with Dr. James Lacey at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Lacey is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in helping people achieve their body contouring goals. During your consultation, Dr. Lacey will listen to your concerns about the surgery. You can tell him what bothers you about your tummy and what you’d like to achieve.
Next, he’ll review your medical history. This helps to decide if abdominoplasty is the right choice for you. Depending on your goals, Dr. Lacey might recommend a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, or even liposuction.
Once you decide on these details with Dr. Lacey, our friendly staff will further provide detailed instructions about preparing for surgery and what to expect during recovery. You’ll get a clear picture of what to do before your procedure, and during the recovery process to ensure a smooth experience.
Abdominoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. The basic steps include:
First things first, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia, so you’ll be completely asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Dr. Lacey will create a precise horizontal incision along your lower abdomen, typically between the pubic hairline and your belly button.
Once the skin and fat are carefully lifted, Dr. Lacey will focus on your abdominal muscles. These muscles might be weakened from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. He’ll tighten and stitch them together, creating a stronger and more supportive core.
With the muscles tightened, Dr. Lacey will gently remove any excess skin and fat to achieve a smoother, more sculpted midsection.
If needed, Dr. Lacey will create a small opening in the remaining skin to reposition your belly button in its natural location.
Tiny drainage tubes might be placed to remove excess fluids after surgery. Finally, Dr. Lacey will stitch the incisions closed and apply dressings to protect the area.
To schedule your consultation, simply call our Cosmetic
Patient Coordinators at 613-591-1099 or complete the
contact form below. We are here to support you through
your journey and look forward to assisting you!
As with any surgical procedure, abdominoplasty carries certain risks and potential complications. These can include:
And lastly, while tummy tuck surgery aims to achieve your desired outcome, sometimes additional procedures might be necessary to refine the results. Dr. Lacey will discuss this possibility with you during your consultation.
The total cost of your tummy tuck will vary depending on the type of procedure Dr. Lacey recommends (different techniques address specific needs) and the fees associated with using our surgical center. On average, the cost ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 CAD. But there will be no hidden charges. Dr. Lacey is committed to transparency and will provide a detailed breakdown of all fees during your consultation.
Recovery from a tummy tuck involves several stages. Here’s what to expect after your tummy tuck at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery:
You’ll be experiencing some swelling and discomfort right after the surgery. So, you’ll be in a special recovery area until you’re awake and comfortable. Caring nurses will be there throughout the night to check on you, manage your pain, and help you get up and move around a bit. They’ll also teach you how to care for your incisions and drains before you head home.
You’ll get a refreshing shower with a nurse’s helping hand. Dr. Lacey will check on your progress and change your dressings before you head home with a friend or family member for support.
For the first week, Dr. Lacey will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable for the first week or two. If you need to shower, you can do so 24 hours after the surgery. Keep in mind that it might feel a little uncomfortable to stand up straight for the first few days, so Dr. Lacey might recommend bending slightly at the waist. Sleep with extra pillows under your knees and back propped up can also help ease discomfort. And take it easy. Avoid strenuous activity for at least four weeks to allow your body to heal properly. You might have some mild bruising, especially if liposuction was also performed.
You’ll see Dr. Lacey again one week after surgery to have your stitches and drains removed.
He’ll continue to monitor your progress with follow-up visits at two weeks, six weeks, and six months after surgery. These appointments might include taking photos to track your results.
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