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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
An Abdominoplasty or “Tummy Tuck” as it is more commonly known, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK today, for people who desire a flatter more defined abdomen.
An Abdominoplasty flattens the abdomen by the removing excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles which comprise the abdominal wall. This surgery is an effective procedure for getting rid of excess abdominal skin and repairing muscle laxity which may follow childbirth, previous surgery or as a result of significant weight gain and loss.
The procedure is normally done under a general or aesthetic and the surgery takes 2-4 hours, depending on the individual patient and the extent of the work to be undertaken. Typically an Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck is an inpatient stay which may be anywhere between 1 -4 nights in hospital.
Your Consultant will make an incision in the area immediately above the pubic region, and the length and shape of the incision will be determined by the type of abdominoplasty being undertaken. Excess skin is removed and abdominal muscles are pulled together and sutured in place. The result is a smooth, tighter tummy and in some cases liposuction may also be necessary as part of the procedure in order to achieve the optimum result. Additionally, a small incision around the navel will allow for re-positioning the belly button.
Good candidates for this procedure are those who are physically healthy with a stable weight and it should be noted that this is body contouring procedure, it is not an effective method of achieving weight loss in the mid rift region.
After surgery there will be a degree of swelling and bruising that will improve and disappear within 2-4 weeks but may take six months to see the full and final result of the procedure.it should be noted, as with any scar tissue, there will be abdominal numbness which may last for six months or longer.
Typically patients can return to work after about two weeks, however, strenuous activity should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. If the patient has a regular exercise regime this may be resumed after six weeks.