Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, is an operation to flatten and firm up your abdomen.
Abdominoplasty can help:
- Remove overhangs
- Improve contour
- Tighten and smooth loose skin
- Neaten the belly button
- Restore weak or separated muscles
This can have several health benefits, including better posture, better bladder control, reduced risk of hernias and reduced skin irritation. Quality of life and self-confidence can be greatly improved.
How would an Abdominoplasty benefit me?
As we age, our life experiences impact the look and feel of our bodies. Pregnancy, caesarean sections and/or weight loss can create loose skin around the abdomen which cannot be reduced through diet or exercise alone. Excess skin in this area can greatly affect self-esteem which makes it very difficult to feel self-confident and can even stop you from wearing clothing which you would love to wear but daren’t. If you would like your tummy to be flatter and firmer then an abdominoplasty could be the solution for you.
Rhinoplasty before / after pictures
Abdominoplasty Consultation
An initial consultation will go over why you want surgery and what result you would like to achieve. It is important to know about any operations, conditions or medications that affect you abdomen, bowel or bladder. Your tummy and skin will be examined carefully. A full medical history will be taken to assess your suitability for surgery and your options will be discussed.
To achieve the best results it may be best to have a full tummy tuck, a mini abdominoplasty or to combine treatment with other cosmetic procedures, for example liposuction.
Abdominoplasty procedure
Full abdominoplasty is carried out under general anaesthetic. It usually takes 2-2.5 hours.
A cut is made from one flank, to the pubic area and across to the other flank. The ends are then joined to another cut from flank to flank above the tummy button, which is left attached. The tissue between the 2 cuts is removed. The skin is then lifted up above the tummy button, as far as the ribs. A stitch is used to tighten the muscles if needed. The 2 cuts are then stitched together with dissolving stitches, with the waist bent to take tension off. Two plastic drainage tubes may be needed.
The wounds are covered with paper stitches and dressings.
Abdominoplasty Recovery
You can usually go home the day after an abdominoplasty.
When you are first able to stand up your tummy will feel tight and you will be hunched over a little. This will improve over the first week. It is important not to over stretch as this could burst the stitches.
An appointment with a nurse will be made around ten days after surgery to check your dressings and wounds. It is important to keep your dressing dry to allow the wounds to heal.
Some swelling is normal and will settle over the first few months.
It is usually possible to return to light work after the first few weeks . If your work involves heavy activity you should avoid this and any sport for six weeks. It is advisable to wear high waisted, supportive pants for six weeks.
Follow up appointments will be scheduled to check on your progress.
Risks associated with Abdominoplasty Surgery
Like all types of surgery, there are some risks associated with abdominoplasty surgery. It is very important to weigh them up against the benefits of the surgery. A consultation with your surgeon will discuss any possible complications and help you to choose the right procedure.
For further information on the procedure please visit the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) website here.
Abdominoplasty before / after pictures
A full abdominoplasty with muscle tightening. This patient suffered with an overhang and extra tissue that her waistband cut into. She had loose skin, stretch marks and a deep tummy button. Postop pictures taken at 6 weeks show a good improvement. Scar pinkness is normal at this time and will reduce.
Full abdominoplasty without muscle tightening. This patient had asymmetry. Her overhang was bigger on her left. The lower ribs were also prominent on the left. Surgery gave a good improvement in the overhang.
Full abdominoplasty with muscle tightening. Surgery has improved shape, mostly below the tummy button. Some barrel shape remains. This is because of the internal organs, which can’t be changed. This is a limitation of abdominoplasty.