ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)
A tummy tuck, or ‘abdominoplasty’, is cosmetic surgery to improve the shape of the tummy area (abdomen). It can involve removing fat and excess loose skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. The aim is to remove excess tummy skin that can’t be removed through exercise – for example, after losing a lot of weight or after pregnancy.
TYPES OF TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURES
There are three main types of tummy tuck procedures. The one you have will solely depend on how much skin and fat needs to be removed to achieve your ideal goal. Our surgeon will fully explain which type is most suitable for you. ➣Mini Tummy Tuck is often an excellent option for people who have a small amount of abdominal skin to be removed and do not have a significantly protruding abdominal muscle wall. If necessary, liposuction may also be performed to help sculpt the tummy into the desired shape. This technique involves a single incision made just above the pubic area (bikini line), through which our surgeon will tighten the abdominal wall muscles and remove excess skin to restore a smooth, firmer and flatter abdominal profile. ➣ Full Tummy Tuck If the abdominal area is more round with excess skin that’s begun to fold above and below the belly button, a full tummy tuck will be more suitable to fully address. This procedure will complete the full abdominal wall tightening and the full length and height of the skin that has lost elasticity. Performing either a horizontal or U-shape incision, made above the public area (bikini line), our surgeon will remove excess skin, tighten the abdominal muscles and lift the skin .
PROCEDURE TIME & ANAESTHETIC
This surgical procedure takes between approximately 1-2 hours to fully complete. Patients will be treated under general anaesthesia to be completely asleep during the procedure. The surgeon will make a horizontal incision placed just within or slightly above your pubic area. The length of the incision is dependent largely on the amount of skin to be removed during your surgery and what type of tummy tuck has been agreed. Upon completion of the procedure, a compression garment will be fitted, to compress all swelling and tighten your skins recovery against the abdominal wall to achieve a firm and flatter abdomen.
RECOVERY TIME & AFTER CARE
After surgery
Immediately after surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area for close monitoring. You may be permitted to go home when you are stable for discharge, typically after an hour or so. During the recovery the nurses will measure your Blood pressure through a cuff. She will also attach a monitor to your finger to check your pulse and level of Oxygen in your blood to ensure you are fully oxygenated. Before leaving, you will be given specific postoperative instructions for your recovery and a follow- up appointment with your plastic surgeon. You may also receive medications or a prescription, but many plastic surgeons prescribe postoperative medications in advance. Your prescribed medications may include pain pills and an antibiotic to prevent infection. We advise no showering for one week which is a very difficult task for anyone. We advise that it is ok to have regular hand showers with lukewarm water and ensuring no water is submerged onto the incisions. We will advise you of this before you leave the hospital. After surgery is completed, you will have small tubes (drains) positioned at either side of the incision (these are necessary to expel excess fluid and will be taken out before you go home). You wouldn’t be able to drive for a few weeks after the operation. Minimum for a six weeks you’d need to wear a special type of corset or tummy control pants to encourage your skin to heal properly and reduce any swelling.
7 days after surgery
You will return to the hospital for your post-operative review, in which any stitches are removed. Though the surgeon uses dissolvable stitches, we will check to make sure your incisions have healed. You will also be assessed with any leftover swelling and any advice to help improve your recovery time.
1 year after surgery
As apart of your aftercare, we advise all patients to book in once a year to see their surgeon for a brief assessment of the consistent results.
TIME OFF WORK
We recommend taking 2-4 weeks off of work and exercise. following your breast enlargement procedure. In this case I can supply you with a medical certificate for your employer.
POST-OP APPOINTMENTS
Post-operative follow-up is of paramount importance. Each patient undergoing any Cosmetic Surgery will be given post operative appointments for wound management and suture removal. Post-operative instructions are vital and we consider it very important that you adhere to them. Failing to follow these guidelines and attend your appointments can adversely affect the outcome of surgery and put patient safety at risk.