Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)

A Tummy Tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty or abdominal reduction, is a procedure where excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal region. The muscles around the abdominal region are then tightened, to produce an overall reduction in the protrusion of the abdominal region.  

Why Have Tummy Tuck Surgery?  

The main reason for undergoing an abdominoplasty procedure is to remove large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin, which has proven particularly resilient to diet or exercise. Woman are the most likely candidates to undergo abdominoplasty procedures, particularly following pregnancy which results in a weakening of the abdominal walls muscles. However, in recent years, and increasing number of men are turning to liposuction surgery, a trend that seems set to continue.

Preparing For The Surgery, And The Procedure:  

During the initial consultation, your surgeon will explain the various tummy tuck procedures available, which range from a mini-tummy tuck, through to the complete abdominoplasty. Based on your requirements, your surgeon will discuss with you the most appropriate procedure, explaining in detail both the risks, and the potential results of abdominoplasty surgery.

Depending on the nature of the procedure, abdominoplasty procedures can be performed on an out-patient basis or within a hospital where the surgeon may recommend a stay of a few days following the procedure. Both local and general anaesthetics can be administered for a tummy tuck operation, although this will depend on the nature and scale of the surgery being performed. On average, a tummy tuck procedure will take around 2-3 hours, although it can up to 5 hours for larger procedures.

During the surgery itself, the surgeon will make an incision from hipbone to hipbone, running horizontally just above the pubic region. A second incision is then made to free up the naval from the surrounding tissue. Having loosened the skin, the surgeon is then able to tighten the vertical muscles in the abdominal region by pulling them closer together. These are then stitched into their new position. The flap of skin is then stretched back down and the excess skin removed before being stitched back in place.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Period:

Depending on the nature of your abdominoplasty procedure, it is likely that you will stay in the clinic for a period of 2-3 days following the surgery. For the first few days following your procedure, you are likely to experience some level of discomfort however your surgeon will be able to assist with this through medication. Overall, rest is recommended for a period of up to two weeks following a tummy tuck procedure, and a patient can progress through to more strenuous activity after about six weeks.

There is likely to be a sensation of tenderness and skin being pulled in the abdominal region in the period shortly after your surgery, however this should slowly fade after a period of approximately two weeks.

The Risks Of Tummy Tuck Surgery:

As with all procedures, there are certain risks and potential complications, however tummy tuck are a commonly practiced procedure, and complications are a rare occurance. These tend to be reactions to the anaesthetic, or infections following the surgery.