Cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), rhinoplasty (nose job) and facelifts are performed every year in Canada. The Canadian Institute for Health Information estimates that between 2006 and 2016, the number of Canadians who had these types of surgeries increased from 683,000 to 924,000. That means the average person has 2.4 non-invasive cosmetic procedures by the age of 60.
If you’re considering any type of cosmetic surgery, it’s important to weigh both the benefits and risks of each procedure. Cosmetic procedures can improve self-esteem and boost confidence but they also come at a price. In this article we explain the factors that affect the cost of abdominoplasty and how much you can expect to pay for this surgery.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, otherwise known as an abdominoplasty procedure, reduces stomach fat and tightens the skin around the waistline. This surgery is usually done along with liposuction, breast augmentation, and/or reduction. In some cases, it is used alone to improve body contour.
The most common areas where tummy tucks are performed is along the abdominal wall include the lower abdomen, the upper abdomen, and even the sides. If you want to know what is the best area to undergo a tummy tuck, you should talk to a surgeon about your goals. Some people prefer having the entire stomach tightened while others just want to slim down a certain part of their body.
A surgeon makes incisions down both sides of the belly button, removes excess fat, reshapes the muscles, and stitches up the incision lines. The recovery process time ranges from one week to several months after surgery depending on how extensive the operation is. However, patients are typically able to resume normal activities within a few weeks.
Tummy tuck before and after photos
Common reasons people get a Tummy Tuck
There are many different reasons why someone might want to have a tummy tuck. Some women feel like their stomach has become too large or they are experiencing saggy skin due to pregnancy. Others opt for a tummy tuck due to medical issues.
Fat removal
During a tummy tuck, not only can excess fat and fat surrounding the abdomen can be removed. Previously, a scalper was utilized to extract underlying fat. However, today, liposuction is considered the best method because it leaves lymph and blood vessels intact whilst still bringing you down to your ideal weight. This decreases the risk of bleeding and excessive drainage. In general, liposuction allows for more fat and skin to be eliminated than during a traditional tummy tuck.
Muscle tightening
A tummy tucks may be considered when the underling abdominal muscles have been stretched and damaged, which commonly happens as a result of pregnancy or childbirth. These muscles are unable to correct themselves. In some cases women experience diastasis, which causes the muscles to spread out. If a vertical bulging appears when you raise your knees while lying flat, you’re likely experiencing a diastasis. When an abdominoplasty is performed, the underlying muscles are pushed back together, tightening them and giving them a firmer, flatter appearance.
Scar removal
Another benefit of tummy tuck and liposuction surgery is that it can remove the appearance of scars on your abdomen. Women who have had cesareans or hysterectomies often experience a loss of confidence due to the horizontal scars on their bodies. Similarly, women who have undergone laparoscopic procedures such as hernia repair or tubal ligation may want their abdominal muscles tightened after surgery. In addition, scars resulting from an accidental fall or gynecological surgery can easily be removed through a tummy tuck operation.
Confidence
Abdominal scars left behind from past surgeries can make certain people feel self-conscious if they’re visible. Tummy tucks can help restore your figure and boost your self-confidence. After having an abdominoplasty, you’ll likely notice a difference in how you feel about your body. You’ll also see a change in your physical appearance, as your abdominal area will be tighter and flatter.
How much does a Tummy Tuck cost in Canada?
The average cost of a tummy tuck is between $5000 and $7000 in Canada. However, the surgery can reach all the way up to $15,000, depending on how much work needs to be done. The cost of a tummy tuck in Canada usually includes surgeon fees, anesthesia, surgical facility fees, staff, pre-and post-operative appointments as well as compression garments if necessary.
Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans don’t cover abdominoplasty unless it’s considered medically necessary. Since it’s a cosmetic procedure, it’s not normally covered by insurance companies.
What factors affect the cost of a tummy tuck?
The price of a tummy tuck surgery depends on several factors such as the surgeon’s experience, hospital costs, anesthesia fees, time required for recovery, etc. A tummy tuck surgery can be performed with local or general anesthesia depending. It also requires post-operative care and rehabilitation.
Location
The cost of abdominoplasty varies widely depending on where you live. In big cities, prices are higher than in smaller cities. In addition, travel costs may play a role in determining how much money you spend. However, it is often worth spending that extra money to travel a little bit further in order to ensure your doctor is board certified and has a great reputation.
Type of tummy tuck
Tummy tucks come in two varieties: full and mini. Most people who are thinking about having an abdominoplasty will get best results with a full procedure. However, the mini tummy tuck is a less extensive surgery so the price range tends to be lower.
Inpatient vs outpatient
Most tummy tuck surgeries can be performed as outpatients, meaning patients can return home the same day. This will obviously keep costs down as you will not be having to pay all the additional costs associated with a hospital stay during the healing process such as an overnight feed, food costs, etc.
Schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon
If you are conscious of excess skin around your belly, want to hide the effects of weight gain or are looking to hide post pregnancy stretch marks, a body contouring procedure might be the ultimate solution. If you are looking to get any kind of cosmetic surgery procedure in Montreal, Dr. Richard Moufarrege can help.
The plastic surgery procedures that Dr. Moufarrege performs include:
