Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Surgery: Time required: from 3 hours

Anaesthesia: Under General Anaesthesia

Length of Stay (In Hospital): 5 nights in hospital standard room

Follow up: around 1 week after surgery

Pre Operative Assessment:

- You will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Also, Aspirin can certain anti-inflammatory drugs which can cause increased bleeding.

- Planning to lose a significant amount of weight, be sure to tell your plastic surgeon. He or she may recommend that you stabilise your weight prior to undergoing surgery.

- Consultation will be arranged to discuss your medical history. You will be asked to provide completed information about this.

- Please avoid food and drink 6 to 8 hours prior to the operation.

- Pease prepare and bring support garment yourself for your post operative assessment.

Procedure Information and Technique

Tummy Tuck is a plastic surgery procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the midsection while tightening the abdominal muscles. The result of tummy tuck surgery is a tighter, smoother, and flatter stomach. In some cases, patients may be able to undergo partial, Abdominoplasty, also known as a mini tummy tuck, instead of the complete procedure. This is especially true for patients who want to flatten primarily the lower abdominal area.

To begin the tummy tuck, an incision is made across the lower abdomen. Next, a second incision is made to separate the skin and naval from the underlying muscle and tissue. The skin is then pulled back toward the ribcage. Excess fat and skin are trimmed away, and the abdominal muscles are tightened with sutures. When the Abdominoplasty procedure is complete, the plastic surgeon repositions the belly button and sutures the incision. Dressings are then applied to support the area.

In a simpler version of the tummy tuck, the naval is left in place. In the partial Abdominoplasty procedure, the skin of the lower abdomen is pulled down, away from the ribs, and only the fat and skin in that area are removed and tightened.

Recovery Time

The incisions from the procedure will heal and fade over time. It is important to realise however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incisions lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions for your Abdominoplasty are usually in locations concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments.

Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually take their toll. If, after a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen, you may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful body contour.

It is important after surgery that you have a compression garment to wear to hold your skin firm and it reduces bruising and assists with your healing.

Risks and Complications

The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks to promote blood circulation. Although you may not be able to stand up completely straight, it is best if you do not sit for long periods of time during the first seven days.

You should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks as your body heals, but within 4 to 6 weeks you should be able to resume all normal activities. It is important to continue wearing the compression garment, which should be easily hidden under clothing, until your doctor tells you that it is no longer necessary.

Please note: this should be used only as a guide to your treatment. All specifics will be discussed with your surgeon at the consultation.

***SEE COMPRESSION GARMENTS FOR PURCHASE OF GARMENT FOR AFTER OPERATION