Abdominoplasty

What is a tummy tuck?

It is an operation to remove the excess fat and skin from the lower part of the abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles.

Why would you ask for a tummy tuck?

Excess skin and fat and weakness of the abdominal wall muscles following pregnancy.
Skin excess following weight loss.
Some kinds of abnormal scarring.

Is my weight a problem?

It is important to get closer to your desired weight before having the operation.

However, some people may carry a lot of weight in the lower abdomen preventing exercising and weight loss. Having a modified form of the operation (apronectomy) will make the person lighter and able to exercise and lose weight.

Remember!

Smoking is not good for wound healing as smokers tend to have more health problems including chest infections. Smoking also affects healing so it is advisable to stop, or at least cut down, some weeks before the operation.

Do not forget!

Aspirin should be stopped for 7 – 14 days before the operation to reduce the likelihood of bleeding as it reduces the body’s natural blood clotting ability.

If you are taking any herbal remedies it is good to inform the Surgeon as some of them also reduce the natural blood clotting abilities of the body.

Did you know!

Tummy tuck does not deal with stretch marks. Only the marks within the excised excess skin are gotten rid of.

What kind of anaesthetic is used?

The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic.

How is it performed?

The excess fat and skin is lifted off the abdominal muscles. Then the muscles are tightened with strong sutures (stitches) and excess skin and fat are then removed. The wound is sutured, leaving a scar on the bikini line above the pubic hair extending to both hips. Occasionally there is an added vertical midline scar to help improve the definition of the waist. If this is planned, this will be discussed with you during the consultation.

This may be combined with liposuction especially on the hips and thighs to reduce bulges. The liposuction may also be done as a separate procedure some months after the tummy tuck.

How long will I stay in hospital?

The hospital stay is usually for about two nights.

What kinds of treatment do I expect in hospital?

Following the operation you would be propped up with your hips and knees bent in bed to reduce strain on the wound and to make you more comfortable. This posture is gradually straightened as the days pass.

The following day, our physiotherapist will encourage you to do chest exercise sessions to make sure that breathing is improved to reduce the chances of a chest infection.

Injections that reduce the chances of developing a blood clot in the legs as well as compressive stockings are used.

Usually an intravenous drip is administered for the first day or two.

The drains are usually removed after two or three days as the drainage reduces.

Painkillers to achieve adequate pain relief are administered and you are also given prophylactic antibiotics.

How long will I be off work?

Usually 4 – 6 weeks depending on the kind of job you do.

What are the problems that may occur after a tummy tuck?

Most patients are very pleased with the results of their surgery. However the problems that can arise with any surgery can occur. They include haematoma (collection of blood) which may require drainage, infection, small areas of superficial wound breakdown which requires simple dressings, bad scaring (stretched or raised), puckering at the ends of the scars, called ‘dog ears’, which may require revision at a later stage.

Occasionally there may be some fluid collection which may need to be drained.

The lower part of the new tummy may feel numb because the skin and tissues have been lifted off the muscle. The feeling will gradually return as weeks and months pass.

All these and any concerns will be fully discussed during your consultation.