What does a full tummy tuck involve?

A full tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, repairs separated abdominal muscles and repositions the navel. It addresses skin laxity, muscle separation and abdominal contour in a single procedure.

What is diastasis recti and is it always repaired?

Diastasis recti is the separation of the abdominal muscles — commonly caused by pregnancy or significant weight changes. It creates a midline bulge that exercise cannot correct. Muscle repair is a standard part of every full tummy tuck at The SELF Institute, producing a flatter abdomen and a stronger core.

What is a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck?

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck adds a vertical midline incision to the standard horizontal one, addressing skin excess that runs horizontally across the abdomen. It is most commonly indicated after significant weight loss. The trade-off is an additional scar, which your surgeon will discuss openly at consultation.

What is a reverse tummy tuck?

A reverse tummy tuck addresses the upper abdomen. Incisions are placed in the crease beneath the breasts and excess skin is lifted upward — suited for patients with laxity concentrated in the upper abdominal area. It is sometimes combined with breast surgery.

How does liposuction factor into a tummy tuck?

Flank liposuction is included in every tummy tuck at The SELF Institute because it produces a significantly more complete result. Addressing the flanks alongside the abdomen creates a defined waist contour that skin excision alone cannot achieve — treating one without the other consistently leaves the result looking unfinished.

Where is the scar placed and how visible will it be?

The primary incision runs low on the abdomen, positioned below the waistline of underwear and swimwear. A small circular scar surrounds the repositioned navel. With sun protection and appropriate scar care, both become progressively less visible over 12 to 18 months.

Should I wait until after pregnancy to have a tummy tuck?

If future pregnancy is a possibility, it is generally advisable to wait. Pregnancy can separate the repaired muscles and stretch the tightened skin. For patients whose families are complete, there is no reason to delay. This is an important conversation to have at consultation.

Will I have drains after surgery?

At The SELF Institute, tummy tucks are performed using a drainless technique for the vast majority of patients. Internal progressive tension sutures close the space where fluid would otherwise collect, eliminating external drains entirely — no drains to empty at home, and no restrictions tied to drain removal. Patients consistently find the recovery more comfortable and more manageable than they expected. Good candidates are generally those in good overall health with a stable weight and no smoking history; your surgeon will confirm at your pre-operative appointment.

What does recovery involve?

The first week requires rest in a slightly flexed position to reduce tension on the incision. Most patients return to desk work between two and three weeks. Strenuous activity and lifting are restricted for six weeks. Lower abdominal swelling can persist for several months — this is normal and expected.

How long do results last?

Results are long-lasting when weight remains stable. The skin removal and muscle repair are permanent, though significant weight fluctuation or pregnancy can alter the outcome over time.

Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. Most issues that arise after a tummy tuck are minor and resolve with proper care. Serious complications are uncommon. Your surgeon will walk through everything relevant to your specific health history before surgery so you feel fully informed going in.

In the weeks before surgery, we provide a personalized preparation plan. This typically covers optimizing your health, pausing medications and supplements that can increase bleeding, and avoiding nicotine, which impairs healing. We’ll also help you plan the practical details — time off work, prescriptions, and arranging a ride home with some support for the first day or two.

What should I expect during the consultation?

Your consultation begins with a conversation. Dr. Armstrong wants to understand what you see and what you hope to change. She examines the area and walks you through your options with complete candour, including what surgery can and cannot achieve. You leave with a clear recommendation, realistic expectations, a personalized quote, and answers to every question you came in with.

Is the surgeon board-certified?

Yes. Dr. Katie Armstrong is a Royal College–certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon (FRCSC) with hospital affiliation in Toronto. Certification reflects years of accredited surgical training and a commitment to ongoing standards of safety and excellence.

Where is it performed?

Surgery is performed at GraceMed Mississauga, in partnership with the McLean Clinic — Dr. Armstrong’s primary practice, home to a fully accredited surgical facility and an experienced surgical team, with dedicated anesthesia care throughout. Your consultation, pre-operative appointments and follow-up care all take place at the same location: 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Suite 343, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C2.

Tummy Tuck Toronto | Abdominoplasty

Overview

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairs separated abdominal muscles (common after pregnancy or weight changes), creating a flatter, firmer contour.

Dr. Armstrong tailors the technique — full or mini — to your anatomy and goals, with flank liposuction included to define the waist and a drainless closure for a more comfortable recovery, all through a well-placed, discreet incision.

The process

What to expect

Step 1
Consultation
Meet with Dr. Armstrong to discuss your goals, explore your options, and receive personalized recommendations and a detailed quote.
Step 2
Surgical planning
We confirm your procedure, select your surgery date, and provide guidance on the next steps.
Step 3
Pre-operative appointment
About one month before surgery, our RN reviews your medical history in detail and explains how to prepare for surgery, what to expect on the day, and how to manage your post-operative care.
Step 4
Surgery day
Your procedure is performed by Dr. Armstrong and her surgical team, with your safety and comfort closely monitored throughout.
Step 5
Recovery & follow-up
Dr. Armstrong and her team monitor your healing, answer your questions, and support you throughout your recovery.

Candidacy

Am I a candidate?

A tummy tuck tends to suit patients who recognize themselves in most of the points below. The only way to know for certain is an in-person assessment, and Dr. Armstrong will confirm your candidacy at your consultation.

You have loose abdominal skin or separated muscles — often after pregnancy or weight change
Your weight is stable and you are not planning further pregnancies
You are in good general health and a non-smoker (or willing to stop around surgery)
Core weakness or a bulge that exercise hasn’t fixed bothers you
You have realistic expectations about the incision in exchange for a flatter contour

Healing, step by step

Recovery timeline

Every patient heals at their own pace. This is the typical arc, and your personal plan and follow-ups are tailored to you.

Day 1
Rest at home in a compression garment, walking gently in a slightly bent posture — the drainless closure keeps early recovery more comfortable.
Week 1
You gradually straighten to walk upright as tightness eases; short, frequent walks help healing.
Weeks 2–3
Most patients return to desk-based work as swelling continues to settle.
Weeks 4–6
Cleared gradually for full activity; lifting and core exercise stay restricted until then.
Months 3–12
The waistline refines as residual swelling resolves and the scar fades with your scar-care plan.

Before & after

Tummy Tuck results

A few of Dr. Armstrong's most recent tummy tuck results, shared with patient consent. She'll walk you through more — matched to your goals — at your consultation. Every result is individual.

Before

After

Patient 1

Tummy Tuck

Individual results may vary.

Before

After

Patient 2

Tummy Tuck

Individual results may vary.

Before

After

Patient 3

Tummy Tuck

Individual results may vary.

View the full Tummy Tuck gallery →

Your investment

Planning for Tummy Tuck

Every surgical plan is individual, and your exact quote is provided after your consultation. Starting prices are listed on our pricing page, and financing is available through our partner, Beautifi, should you wish to spread the cost over time. To begin, we invite you to book a consultation.

Tummy Tuck

What is a tummy tuck?

What to expect

Consultation

Surgical planning

Pre-operative appointment

Surgery day

Recovery & follow-up

Am I a candidate?

Recovery timeline