Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Benefits

Abdominoplasty is a very popular surgical procedure with a high patient satisfaction rate, and is often the only option left for people with excess skin usually as a result of child birth or massive weight loss.

The main benefit of an abdominoplasty is the general improvement of the abdomen. Each layer of the abdomen has to be considered: skin, fatty tissue and underlying muscle. All these layers may be stretched or weakened usually due to pregnancy or weight loss.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery benefits are be the following:

• Improves the abdominal wall so it becomes firmer and flatter.
• Reduces the bulge of the tummy following pregnancy
• Improves the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel
• Improves your self esteem general confidence.

Operation

The individual abdominal characteristics (the degree of skin laxity, the amount of fat, the muscle stretching degree, etc.) will influence the incision length and the type and position of the final scar. The looser the abdominal skin and the more fatty tissue in the lower abdomen, the longer will be the incision across the abdomen. Once your cosmetic surgeon has examined you he will discuss this situation in detail with each patient being different. The goal is to keep the scar as short as possible so it can be covered by underwear and swimwear.

Abdominoplasty involves muscle tightening and removal of fat and excess skin.

In the case of stretched abdominal muscles, the muscle layers will be repaired by stitching the muscles back in place. Sometimes, the bellybutton will be repositioned.

Drains may be applied and will remain in place until significant drainage ceases. Usually, dissolving stitches are used on the abdomen and around the belly button.

The abdominal wounds are bandaged and a supporting girdle is used.

Abdominoplasty is a major surgery carried out under general anaesthesia and requires one or two nights post-operative stay in hospital.

Full abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work needed. A Mini abdominoplasty may need only an hour or two.

Risks

Fortunately, significant complications from abdominoplasty are rare. Every year, thousands of people have successful tummy tucks, and have no major problems and are very happy with the results.

Patients should be aware that risks may more often occur among patients who smoke, are overweight, have diabetes or other health problems, or have scarring from previous abdominal surgery.

The complications associated with an abdominoplasty are rare but may include:

Bleeding and hematoma

Blood may accumulate under the skin and the tubes may not drain all the blood. Sometimes, a blood clot can be formed. If this occurs the patient has to undergo another operation in order to have the hematoma drained and the bleeding stopped.

Wound infection

This type of complication may occur after any surgery, although it is quite rare. It is vital that immediate medical advice is sought if you suspect you may have an infection. You would be given antibiotics to fight the infection.

Scarring

Your scars will stay more or less visible forever however they will fade with time. The surgeon will always try to position the scar so that it can be concealed underneath underwear. There are also non-surgical methods that can be used in used to better heal the scars such as: using micropore tape, daily massage, moisturising creams or steroid injections. You should discuss this in more detail with your cosmetic surgeon if needed.

Skin or fat necrosis (death)

Tissue loss along portions of the horizontal incision is a possibility when the abdominoplasty is very extensive. This complication, which delays healing, is more common in patients who smoke.

serum collection

Removal of this serum is a painless process but may require several visits to your cosmetic surgeon.

numbness to the abdominal region or thighs

This complication may occur because of nerve damage during surgery. It is localised more frequent below the belly button. The numbness will reduce within months, but sometimes a small area will remain permanently without sensation.

Questions to ask your cosmetic surgeon about abdominoplasty

We have made a list a question to ask your surgeon before you have an abdominoplasty. The consultation with your cosmetic surgeon is the time to discuss issues concerning the techniques, risks, preparation, qualification, costs and other questions you may have.

The most frequent asked questions related to abdominoplasty are the following:

• Am I suitable for abdominoplasty?
• Will my belly button be repositioned?
• Where are the incisions placed?
• What are some variations to the common abdominoplasty technique?
• How should I prepare for surgery?
• What will the day of surgery be like?
• How much pain will I have and will you give me anything for it?
• When can I resume my normal activities?
• How long will the results last?
• What other cosmetic procedures can be combined with tummy tuck surgery?
• What instructions should I follow after the operation?

If you consider yourself a potential candidate for abdominoplasty surgery and would like to know more, you are welcome to contact us regarding surgery or questions you may have.