The ideal candidates for a tummy tuck procedure are healthy patients who have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes. You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you have one or more of the following conditions:

• Fat deposit that does not respond to diet or exercise
• Loose skin on abdomen
• Women who have through pregnancy stretched their muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal
• Loss of skin elasticity through weight gain and loss

It may be possible to schedule another surgery at the same time as your tummy tuck procedure. You should be prepared to discuss all possibilities during your consultation with Dr. Barr.

Your procedure will be performed within the state-of-the-art facilities of Barr Plastic Surgery, located within the Northern Ontario Surgical Centre.

Northern Ontario Surgical Centre has been awarded accreditation by the CAAASF (Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) for meeting the standards of a hospital in regards to monitoring, emergency and resuscitation equipment. With two levels and entrances that conceal the actual size of the facility, the centre itself spans 8000 square feet and incorporates fully equipped major and minor operating rooms, a monitored multi-bed recovery area, 10 laser and treatment rooms, spacious consultation areas, private offices to discuss financing options, elegant waiting areas and a private waiting room and secure rear entrance/exit for additional privacy when desired.

The abdominoplasty procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, and the entire procedure takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on each patient’s needs. During surgery, an incision is made across your lower abdomen usually from hipbone to hipbone. This incision is placed just above the pubic area so that it can remain hidden underneath undergarments and bathing suits. In situations where the amount of excess skin is minimal but the patient is bothered by a protruding lower abdomen, the incision is much smaller, usually remaining within the pubic area. There are several different approaches to this surgery depending on the amount of fat and skin requiring removal. This will be discussed in detail during the consultation process.

Through the incision, the excess skin and fat in the abdominal area is removed and the underlying muscles are tightened to give the abdomen a flat and narrow appearance. Any stretch marks between the belly button and the pubic region are permanently removed. For most patients, it is recommended that they also undergo ultrasonic liposuction of the waist region to enhance the hourglass shape in women, and to remove the “love handles” in men.

A board-certified anesthesiologist will administer your anaesthetic, stay with you during the entire operation, and will be there as you wake up.

During office hours our Patient Coordinators and nursing staff are available to answer any questions or concerns following your surgery. After hours, Dr. Barr is available by pager.

Affording your procedure can be made simpler by using Medicard which enables you to pay for your surgery with monthly payments. Please note that this company is not affiliated in any way with Barr Plastic Surgery. For more information on how financing can help you afford your procedure, visit:

MEDICARD
www.medicard.com
1-888-689-9876

•  Fax, online, phone application
• Approval within 1 business day
• Payment terms: 6 months to 5 years
• No down payment
• Rates based on overall credit history (11.9% – 25%)
• No penalties for early payments

Abdominoplasty is considered cosmetic surgery and therefore not usually covered by private or provincial insurance such as OHIP.

The facility fee, surgeon, nurses, anaesthesia and anaesthetist, surgical supplies, and equipment used are all covered in the fees.

You will also be provided with prescriptions for medications to be taken after surgery. These prescriptions are subject to the same coverage you would receive from your medical insurance. If you do not have personal insurance, these medications will be at an additional cost to you.

There is a $500 deposit for any surgery under $5,000, a $1000 deposit for any surgery over $5000, and a $2500 deposit for any surgery over $10,000.

ayment for your surgery is due 14 days prior to your surgery date. Payment can be made by:

• Cash
• Certified Cheques
• Mastercard or VISA
• E-transfers
• Financing plan

Dr. Barr’s extensive experience in performing this procedure will help to ensure that your post-operative recovery is minimized. As the result of a pain management system for abdominoplasty patients, you should experience only minimal discomfort post-operatively. A Pain Relief Pump™ is used to ease the pain in the first 48 hours after surgery. This small tool is worn in a belt around the waist, and connected to the surgical site by a small tube. It regularly delivers a local anaesthetic into the incision to help ease post-surgical pain and discomfort.

A small girdle will be provided for you and should be worn for the first 4 to 6 weeks following your surgery. You will be asked to return to Barr Plastic Surgery 3 to 5 days after surgery for removal of a small drainage tube, and again 10 days later for a follow up on the incision. Dr. Barr uses dissolving sutures for this procedure so you will not need to have sutures removed.

You will need to limit your activity for the first week following surgery, although light activity around the home during this time is fine. You can return to work within 7 to 10 days and can return to full activity, including sports and fitness approximately 6 weeks after surgery.

Dr. Barr takes every precaution to ensure your scarring is as minimal as possible. However, as with any surgery, there is a risk of scarring from the incisions. Once your incisions have healed there are products that can be used to minimize the redness in scars as well as improve the texture. Reusable silicone strips as well as medical grade topical scar creams are available for purchase that will help to reduce the discolouration found in new scars. Many precautions to minimize scarring will also be discussed during consultation, such as avoiding smoking.