Tummy tuck surgery - Abdominoplasty

Experience long-lasting change with a firmer, flatter profile.  You’ll love your tummy again.

What is Abdominoplasty or a Tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty, known commonly as the ‘tummy tuck’, is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reduce the excess fat and skin and tighten muscles of the abdomen.  Its aim is to give a flatter stomach and abdomen profile. 

The tummy tuck is a much requested intervention and is often a good option for those who have tried dieting and exercise but with little lasting effect.  Both men and women undergo tummy tuck surgery and usually experience good results and a long-lasting change in their abdomen’s form.  

The procedure is however a major operation lasting between two to five hours, depending on whether you require a ‘mini’ (partial) or full abdominoplasty.  It also requires a far longer healing and recovery time than most other cosmetic surgery and it will lead to permanent scarring.  Scars do fade over time, and may take up to a year to reduce in visibility but they are generally hidden by most undergarments and bathing suits. 

Why you might consider Abdominal surgery

Abdominoplasty is carried out ideally on people over 18 years who have a mature outlook and realistic expectations of the results.  You should be in general good health and preferably be a non-smoker (or be prepared to refrain from smoking before and immediately after the operation). 

The tummy tuck is not recommended if you are planning a pregnancy. If you do intend to conceive, your surgeon may advise you to delay the abdominoplasty.

The tummy tuck is a suitable cosmetic surgery procedure for people who:

• have tried successive regimes of dieting and exercise but failed to reduce tummy fat or tighten muscle in their abdomens
• see themselves as having excessive fat and sagging skin on their lower abdomen in proportion to their overall body mass
• have sagging skin and lax abdominal muscles as a result of pregnancy (usually multiple pregnancies)
• have excessive fat and or sagging skin and lax abdominal muscles as a result of ageing
• are not obese and are in general good health, apart from the excess weight on their abdomens
• are not planning to lose excessive weight post op (it is important to tell your surgeon about any diet or exercise regime you are planning). 

The prognosis for lasting results from abdominoplasty is good.  But how you consider your body image after surgery will be determined by your pre-surgery expectations.   Patients who have tried other methods to reduce fat and improve the tone of their abdomens – such as exercise programmes and suitable diets – may be more satisfied with the results of their surgery than those who rely on the operation alone to correct their abdominal shape. 

In all cases, it is wise to understand the limitations of the procedure since it is a major operation entailing a considerable convalescence period. 

Tummy tuck surgery will not:

• Necessarily remove or reduce so-called stretch marks.  Some may be removed with excess skin, and others tightened up by the surgery, but this is not the prime aim of the procedure.
• Prevent the ageing process from causing muscle laxity and a build up of skin and fat again in the future.
• Prevent excess fat and lax skin caused by weight gain or fluctuations in the future.

The Consultation

It is important at consultation with your surgeon that you establish your aims for undergoing abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery.  You need to explain clearly what physical and any psychological effects you expect from the surgery. 

Importantly, you will need to talk about the natural or hereditary aspects of any weight gain or fluctuations you have experienced and any possible causes for your abdominal size.  Your surgeon will assess you and advise on the type of tummy tuck surgery best suited to you.

Be candid throughout the consultation and honest about any emotional issues relating to your proposed surgery.  As with all cosmetic surgery, it is important you think through the implications of your surgery and the effects on your well being, both immediately and longer term. You will need to be clear about the after care required as tummy tuck surgery is a major operation requiring sometimes a considerable period of recovery, though this depends on the individual. 

Don’t forget to tell the surgeon if you are intending to conceive in the future as it may be advisable to delay surgery until well after any pregnancy. 

What to expect from the surgeon

• Be prepared to supply information on and/or discuss:
• Your expectations of the surgery
• Any medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Any previous surgery
• Any family history that may be relevant such as hereditary characteristics of body frame, instances of obesity, and so on 

During the consultation, your surgeon is likely to:

• Assess your general health
• Evaluate any health conditions Examine your abdomen and draw on it to indicate incision marks and likely post-operative positioning of the skin
• Discuss the likely results of your surgery
• Discuss the value of and any complications of your abdominoplasty
• Take photographs for medical records
• Talk about the type of anesthetic used, its effects etc

You may be asked in preparation for surgery to:

• Take or stop certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Have certain lab tests or further medical evaluation
• Refrain from smoking in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Questions you should ask

It is important that you are fully informed of the after care, any possible complications and the likely results of your surgery.  You will also need to know how the procedure is carried out, in particular where incisions are made and where any scarring will be.  Below is a checklist of some key questions to ask:

• How will the surgery be performed? Where are incisions made and why?
• How do I best prepare for the operation
• Do I need assistance in post-operative care?
• What results can I expect?
• What side effects or complications may occur? 
• What discomfort will I have? 
• How will my abdomen look immediately post op (bruising, swelling etc) and in the longer term, over a year?
• Are there any activities or environments I should avoid while I recover?
• Following the operation, how much exercise can I take and when can I start?  
• What other cosmetic procedures can I consider in conjunction with abdominoplasty, either back to back or at the same time?
• What instructions should I follow after the operation?