Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
What is an Abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty is an operation to remove loose skin and fat on your abdomen and tighten up the muscles. This excess tissue is often a result of pregnancy or weight loss. The aim of the operation is to produce a tighter, flatter tummy.
What does the surgery involve?
A full abdominoplasty involves an incision from hip to hip, near the pubic hairline. A separate incision is then made around the navel (belly button). If your muscles have stretched apart, they will be pulled together and stitched in place to tighten your abdomen. Once the underlying tissues have been tightened, the skin is pulled down thus allowing the excess skin to be removed. A small hole is made so that your navel can be stitched in its new position.
The mini-abdominoplasty is similar to a full abdominoplasty, but it requires a much smaller incision and leaves the navel intact. It is suitable for those who only have excess skin and fat below the navel.
Liposuction alone involves removing the excess fat without skin. This is usually performed via two small punctures in the skin crease. The procedure relies on good quality skin, which will retract on its own.
Both the full and mini abdominoplasty procedures are usually carried out under general anaesthetic.
What are the risks and side effects of surgery?
Having cosmetic surgery should be a very positive experience. Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, no surgery is without risk and it is important that you are aware of these potential problems. They will be fully discussed with you at the time of your consultation and can be found in our abdominoplasty booklet.
What is the estimated time for recovery, absence from work and return to usual activities?
Recovery times vary from one person to another. You normally stay in hospital for 1 to 2 nights and are then discharged home. At week 2 to 3 you can return to work if your job is not too physical. The final cosmetic result will not be apparent until 6-12 months post procedure, when the scars have flattened and faded.
For more information about this procedure visit:
The Body Bible's guide to Tummy Tuck Procedures