Body Surgery
Dr. Haley Augustine, North Toronto Surgical's expert plastic surgeon, offers a wide range of surgical procedures to restore confidence and comfort in your body. Dr. Augustine will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Tummy Tuck
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Treatment time: 2-4 hours
Recovery time: 6+ weeks
Average cost: $11,000 CAD +
Anesthesia: General anesthestia required
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A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can be used to help individuals achieve a more toned and slimmer midsection.
During a tummy tuck, an incision is made in the lower abdominal area in order to remove excess skin and fat. The muscles of the abdominal wall are then tightened, and the remaining skin is pulled down and secured in place. The belly button is repositioned to an aesthetic position on the abdomen.
The procedure is often used to help individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or have excess skin and stretch marks in the abdominal area following pregnancy. It can also be used to address the effects of aging on the abdominal area.
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Recovery after an abdominoplasty can take 6-8 weeks. To ensure a successful recovery, it is important to only do light walking, avoiding strenuous exercise or lifting anything over 10 lbs. Wearing compression garments for six weeks post-operatively is important to avoid fluid collection and swelling after surgery. Drainage tubes are not typically used in this surgery, as different techniques are implemented to avoid fluid collection after surgery.
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During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles and skin can stretch, which may not fully restore to their original shape after childbirth. A tummy tuck can remove excess skin, tighten the abdominal muscles, and improve the overall appearance of the midsection
The timing of a tummy tuck after pregnancy can vary. In general, it is recommended that women wait at least 12 months after giving birth or 6 months after finishing breastfeeding before considering a tummy tuck. This allows time for the body to heal and for any residual pregnancy-related weight changes to stabilize.
It is important to note that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle. It is also not recommended for women who plan to have more children in the future, as subsequent pregnancies can undo the results of the surgery.
Liposuction
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Treatment time: 30 min – 3 hours
Recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Average cost: $6,000 CAD – 10,000 CAD
Anesthesia: General anesthesia required
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Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the skin, and a thin tube called a cannula is inserted into the area where fat is to be removed. The cannula is then connected to a vacuum-like device that breaks up and suctions out the fat. The surgeon begins the procedure by injecting a solution containing local anesthesia and epinephrine into the area to be treated. This solution helps to numb the area and shrink blood vessels, which reduces bleeding and swelling during the procedure.
After the solution has been injected, the surgeon will make small incisions in the skin and insert the cannula through these incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth through the layers of fat, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out of the body. The surgeon will continue this process until the desired amount of fat has been removed. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures, and the patient is fitted with a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the treated area during the healing process.
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After the procedure, patients are advised to wear a compression garment for six weeks continuously to help reduce swelling and support the treated area. They should also avoid strenuous activity and exercise for six weeks to allow the body to heal and prevent serums or fluid accumulation. Pain and discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medication prescribed by the surgeon. Liposuction scars are typically small and located in inconspicuous areas. They may initially appear red and raised, but they should fade over time and become less noticeable.
The recovery time for liposuction can vary, but most patients can return to work and normal activities within a few days to a week after surgery. However, it can take several months for the swelling to subside and for the final results to become visible.
It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of complications.
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Both liposuction and tummy tuck are surgical procedures used to improve the appearance of the abdomen, but they address different concerns. Liposuction is used to remove stubborn pockets of fat in specific areas, while a tummy tuck is designed to remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles in addition to removing fat. The choice between the two procedures depends on individual factors, such as aesthetic goals, body shape, skin elasticity, and overall health. It is important to consult with the plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment plan and to discuss the risks and benefits of each procedure.
Arm Lift
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Treatment time: 2-3 hours
Recovery time: 6 weeks
Average cost: $10,000+ CAD
Anesthesia: General anesthesia required
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Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms to improve their contour and appearance. This procedure is typically performed on individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, have excess skin due to aging, or are unhappy with the appearance of their arms.
During an arm lift surgery, an incision is made on the inside or back of the arm, and excess skin and fat are removed. The remaining skin is then pulled tight and sutured in place to create a smoother and more toned appearance. Liposuction may also be used to remove excess fat from the arms in combination with the skin removal.
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Immediately after the surgery, patients will need to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Pain and discomfort are common during this stage, and patients may be prescribed pain medication to manage their symptoms. It is important to follow the post operative instructions carefully limiting physical activity and continuous use of compression garments for 6 weeks during this time.
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After an arm lift surgery, patients can begin light walking and stretching immediately after surgery, but should avoid any upper body exercises that could strain the arms for a minimum of 8 weeks after surgery. After 8 weeks, patients may start slowly reintroducing exercise. Low-impact cardio exercises like walking, cycling, and elliptical machines, as well as gentle yoga or Pilates, are recommended to improve flexibility and strength initially without too much strain on the arms. As this becomes more comfortable and easy, patients can start weightlifting and other muscle strengthening exercises.
Thigh Lift
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Treatment time: 2-4 hours
Recovery time: 6 weeks
Cost: $10,000 + CAD
Anesthesia: General anesthesia required
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A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the thighs by removing excess skin and fat from the upper legs. The procedure involves making longitudinal incisions along the inner thigh area, then removing excess skin and fat, and tightening the remaining skin to create a smoother, more toned appearance.
Thigh lift surgery may be recommended for people who have lost a significant amount of weight, resulting in loose or sagging skin on the thighs, or for those who have a natural excess of skin and fat in the thigh area. The procedure can be tailored to each individual's specific needs, and may involve different techniques depending on the amount and location of excess skin and fat.
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Post-operatively, proper aftercare is crucial for a successful recovery. Follow these steps after the surgery:
Rest and limit physical activity to light walking for the first 6 weeks.
Wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
Keep the surgical incisions clean and dry, and avoid soaking in water for at least two weeks.
Take pain medication as prescribed by the surgeon to manage discomfort.
Avoid smoking, as it can slow down the healing process.
Follow a healthy diet and stay hydrated to promote healing.
Attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress.
Gradually increase physical activity, but avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least six weeks.
Gynecomastia
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Treatment time: 2-3 hours
Recovery time: 6 weeks
Average cost: $7,000 -10,000 +HST
Anesthesia: General anesthesia required
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Gynecomastia is a condition in which breast tissue in males becomes enlarged. It can occur due to a variety of causes, including:
Hormonal changes: Gynecomastia is often caused by a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. During puberty, hormone levels can fluctuate, causing temporary breast enlargement. In some cases, hormonal changes can occur later in life due to conditions such as hypogonadism, which is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone.
Medications: Certain medications can cause gynecomastia as a side effect. These may include certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, antibiotics, heart medications, and chemotherapy drugs.
Health conditions: Certain health conditions can cause gynecomastia, such as liver disease, kidney disease, and thyroid disorders. In some cases, gynecomastia may be a symptom of a more serious condition such as breast cancer.
Substance use: Use of certain substances, such as marijuana, anabolic steroids, and alcohol, can cause gynecomastia.
Genetics: In some cases, gynecomastia may be inherited or due to a genetic predisposition.
Weight gain: Excess weight can lead to an increase in estrogen levels, which can cause breast tissue to grow.
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Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of male breasts that have become enlarged due to gynecomastia. The surgery involves the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin.
There are two main techniques used for gynecomastia surgery: liposuction and excision. Patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort after the surgery.
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Exercise alone is usually not enough to reduce the size of male breasts caused by gynecomastia. However, exercise may be helpful in reducing the overall amount of body fat, which can contribute to gynecomastia in some cases.
If the underlying cause of gynecomastia is hormonal, exercise is unlikely to reduce the size of male breasts. In these cases, medical treatment, such as hormone therapy or surgery, may be necessary to treat the condition. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of gynecomastia and appropriate treatment options.
Labiaplasty
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Treatment time: 1-2 hours
Recovery time: 2-4 weeks
Average cost: $ 4,500 CAD
Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia
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Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that involves the alteration of the labia minora (the inner folds of skin surrounding the vulva) or the labia majora (the outer lips). The procedure is typically done for cosmetic or functional reasons. Cosmetic labiaplasty is performed to change the size or shape of the labia for aesthetic reasons, while functional labiaplasty may be done to address discomfort or pain caused by enlarged or asymmetrical labia.
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Some women may choose to undergo labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons if they are dissatisfied with the appearance of their genitalia or if they experience discomfort or self-consciousness due to the size or shape of their labia. Others may opt for the procedure for functional reasons if enlarged labia cause physical discomfort, irritation, or interfere with daily activities.