Home > Services > Tummy tuck

Pregnancy and significant weight loss can dramatically impact the appearance of the abdomen

IN SPITE OF CONSISTENT WORKOUTS, STRETCHED SKIN AND MUSCLES MAY NOT IMPROVE

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is the surgical process by which the separated abdominal muscles can be repaired, excess skin can be removed, and regional fat can be reduced, resulting in a firmer, flatter, more youthful, and more beautiful midsection contour. Quite a bit more than merely excising skin and fat, an abdominoplasty is an exceptionally sculptural, artistic endeavor that requires a combination of deep understanding of the anatomy and aesthetic vision to achieve the most gorgeous results.

With a tummy tuck performed by Dr. Chad Wu, you can achieve a firm, toned, narrow waistline, and regain your shape.

YOU MAY BE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK IF YOU:

  • Are overall healthy
  • Have loose abdominal skin after weight loss
  • Have excess stomach skin due to pregnancy
  • Have stretched abdominal skin due to aging or heredity
  • Have bad posture and back problems caused by weak stomach muscles and excess stomach fat

BENEFITS OF A TUMMY TUCK

  • A flat abdomen, the tightening of loose skin and abdominal contouring
  • A boost in confidence and satisfaction with your new appearance
  • Abdominal tone that cannot be achieved through diet and exercise due to weakened abdominal muscles after pregnancy
  • Better posture as poor posture can be linked to weak abdominal muscles

Here’s What We Can Do For You

Tummy Tuck surgery is a very popular procedure among women and men alike, involving excess abdominal skin removal and abdominal muscle tightening. The muscles are sewn together to correct the mid gap separation.

This surgical procedure can also restore weakened or separated abdominal muscles. The result? A smoother and firmer midsection.

Stretched abdominal skin

Skin laxity in the abdomen can result from aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy. Tummy tuck surgery tightens the skin of the abdomen and removes excess skin so that the abdominal contour is smoother and flatter.

Excess tummy fat

Excess abdominal fat that resists diet and exercise is common in many adults and may accumulate due to weight changes, pregnancy, aging, and heredity. During tummy tuck surgery, some areas of excess fat on the abdomen and hips can be treated with liposuction to eliminate fat bulges and flatten the abdomen.

Weakened abdominal muscles

Weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) after major weight loss or pregnancy may cause the stomach to look perpetually pregnant. Tummy tuck surgery tightens the abdominal wall to improve core muscle engagement for better abdominal tone.

The Procedure

Before going in for abdominoplasty in Toronto, you should know how to prep for the procedure, what happens during the surgery, what the tummy tuck recovery time is, major restrictions, and possible complications.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Tell your surgeon what medications you are taking.
  • Tell the surgeon if you have varicose veins.
  • Tell your doctor about any allergies.
  • Tell your surgeon if you have ever had phlebitis.
  • Inform your surgeon if you smoke.
  • Do not take anti-inflammatory medications or aspirin.

THE DAY OF THE OPERATION

  • Wash with a disinfectant soap.
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
  • Do not wear make-up.
  • Do not wear jewelry.

THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE

What to Expect

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as the tummy tuck, is usually performed under general anesthesia and lasts between three and four hours. During this procedure, the surgeon will remove excess fat and skin, reconstruct the muscles to address the loss of tone, and pull the skin down from the belly. The horizontal scar will be on the bikini line.

RECOVERY

What Happens After the Tummy Tuck Surgery

The duration of convalescence in a clinic depends on the extent of the operation. Plan two weeks of rest at home to prevent the accumulation of fluids under the skin. You can take the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon during this period. While sleeping, you will have to sleep on your back, knees bent.

You will need to wear a girdle for about a month to help retain contour and reduce swelling. You will be able to return to your physical activities two to four weeks after the operation.

RESTRICTIONS

  • No alcohol
  • No tobacco
  • No intense physical activity

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

SHORT-TERM COMPLICATIONS

  • Wound dehiscence
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Infection
  • Cutaneous necrosis
  • Fatty necrosis
  • Phlebitis
  • Bleeding
  • Seroma

LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS

  • Painful scar
  • Deformity of the umbilicus (navel)
  • Persistent numbness of the abdomen
  • Poor scarring
  • Edema (swelling)

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

Complete abdominoplasty is performed for those requiring maximum correction. During a complete tummy tuck, our plastic surgeon makes a horizontal incision low on the abdomen at the level of the pubic hair.

Does a Tummy Tuck improve stretch marks?

While this depends on the location of the stretch marks, generally the procedure does improve them. If the stretch marks are located in the area that is to be removed, they will be eliminated.

Do results last?

As long as patients remains at a stable weight, results are long-lasting.

WHERE IS THE TUMMY TUCK SCAR TYPICALLY LOCATED?

Tummy Tuck incisions vary by technique, which should be discussed with your surgeon prior to surgery. A typical scar would be located above the pubic hairline and easily covered by a bikini.

How painful is a Tummy Tuck?

Since this operation includes the reparation of muscles, it can be painful. Pain management options should be discussed with your surgeon and a plan set in place.

How do I know if I need a Tummy Tuck or Lipo?

Your doctor will make the appropriate recommendation for either procedure. A Tummy Tuck is favored when there is an excess of loose abdominal skin in addition to fat deposits.

Is there an age limit for a Tummy Tuck?

While there is no age requirement, this procedure is typically performed on individuals suffering from excess skin and fat who have reached their ideal weight after excessive weight loss and women who have given birth and plan on not having any more kids.

HOW LONG IS RECOVERY AFTER ABDOMINOPLASTY?

You should avoid intensive activities for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Apart from that, most patients return to their regular routine two weeks after their surgery.

WHAT CONCERNS CAN A TUMMY TUCK ADDRESS?

A tummy tuck can address: 

  • Stretched-out abdominal skin due to age or heredity
  • Excess stomach skin due to weight changes or pregnancy
  • Bad posture and back problems
  • Weakened or separated abdominal muscles 
WILL A TUMMY TUCK TIGHTEN ABDOMINAL MUSCLES?

Yes, it will. If abdominal muscles are weakened due to major weight loss or pregnancy, the surgery can tighten them. With a tummy tuck performed by Dr. Chad Wu, you can achieve a flat abdomen, so book a consultation now.

CAN A TUMMY TUCK BE COMBINED WITH LIPOSUCTION?

Yes, it can. While a tummy tuck removes excess skin, liposuction removes stubborn fat. This is a great combination, and can be performed if needed.

Ready for Your Tummy Tuck?

Too often, the abdomen is the one area that simply won’t respond to clean diets or consistent workouts. If you’re tired of feeling held back by loose skin or a protruding belly, a tummy tuck with Dr. Chad Wu can help you finally move forward.

As a quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon in Toronto, Dr. Chad Wu combines advanced surgical expertise with a patient-first philosophy to help you restore confidence in your appearance. During your consultation, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation and have the opportunity to:

  • Discuss your concerns about excess skin, abdominal muscle separation, or a protruding belly
  • Learn what kind of tummy tuck best suits your goals
  • Review before-and-after results and understand realistic, natural-looking outcomes
  • Ask questions about recovery and long-term results

Dr. Chad Wu takes a precise, personalized approach to abdominoplasty, delivering a smoother, firmer silhouette while ensuring results that look and feel natural to your body.

Book Your Personalized Tummy Tuck Consultation Today

Start Your Tummy Tuck Journey