TUMMY TUCK
Contents
WHAT IS AN ABDOMINOPLASTY AND WHY IS IT PERFORMED?
An Abdominoplasty procedure is performed to remove excess fat
and skin from the abdomen. The aim is to produce a flatter and
tighter stomach which may include the tightening of muscles. This
procedure can be performed on people wishing to improve abdominal
contours after the following:
- Pregnancies
- Weight Loss
- Successful surgery to treat obesity
Abdominoplasty can provide both physical and psychological
benefits. Customers who have undergone this type of surgery report
they feel more personally confident about their new body image and
can experience improved self esteem as a result of surgery. It may
be possible to achieve a flat stomach through healthy dieting and
effective exercise. Indeed many surgeons recommend that an
abdominoplasty should be used to remove excess skin after dieting
and exercise to achieve the right body shape underneath.
Abdominoplasty will not stop you gaining weight in the future
and should not be sought as a treatment for weight control.
HOW IS AN ABDOMINOPLASY PERFORMED?
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. The
procedure takes around three hours to perform and customers
typically stay in hospital for two days for post operative care.
Abdominoplasty surgery is performed by removing excess skin and fat
from the abdominal wall between the pubic area and the umbilicus
(navel). The skin of the abdominal wall at the level of the
umbilicus is then drawn down to suture it to the pubic level. The
patient is left with a long, usually curved scar across the lower
part of the abdominal wall at the level of the pubic hair. There is
also a scar around the umbilicus. Any looseness of the muscles of
the abdominal wall is repaired at the same time. Liposuction may be
carried out during this procedure to thin the abdominal wall, or as
a separate procedure either before or after the abdominoplasty.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS LIKE?
This procedure can provide marked improvement. Your stomach
should appear flatter and your abdominal muscles may feel and look
firmer if they have been repaired.
The procedure should only be performed by a Consultant Plastic
Surgeon who is fully qualified and well experienced in this type of
specialist surgery.
Initially you will have swelling, bruising and noticeable scars.
Some customers heal better and scar less than others, but all scars
are red initially, and will fade in time. There will be a drainage
tube in each side of your lower abdomen to drain any blood or
watery liquid that collects from the operation site. These are
usually removed two days after surgery depending on the drainage.
The sutures are normally dissolvable and you will need to wear a
supporting garment for six to eight weeks to ensure a smooth
result.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER AN ABDOMINOPLASTY?
Most customers experience some discomfort following surgery and
take analgesic tablets (pain killers) for up to one week following
surgery. In general, healing can be slow, particularly in the
central part of the operation site and sometimes dressings are
needed for a few weeks. You may experience some tightness around
the operation site, but this is more common in customers who are
overweight and who smoke. For the first few days you will be asked
to sleep slightly raised with a few pillows behind your head, and
to stand slightly hunched to reduce the strain on your sutures. You
will find it hard to stand up straight and feel as though your
stomach is tugging – this will disappear over time.
It is usual to take between two to four weeks away from work to
rest and recover at home following this type of surgery. Vigorous
exercise is not recommended for at least six weeks.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED IN AN ABDOMINOPLASTY
PROCEDURE?
General risks such as bleeding, infection and scarring will be
discussed openly at consultation. You will also be made aware of
our efforts to manage and minimise these risks. However there are
also specific risks to this procedure that need to be considered.
These are:
- Deep vein thrombosis (very rare)
- Pulmonary embolus (very rare)
- Final position of the tummy button may be off centre
- Numbness in lower part of tummy
- Slow healing, noticeable scars and possibly more surgery
- Abnormal reaction to anaesthetic
- Wound infection
WHAT NEXT?
The importance of a thorough pre-operative consultation with the
Consultant Plastic or Specialist Surgeon who will perform your
operation cannot be over stressed. You need time to consider all
the benefits and risks of abdominoplasty surgery and the
opportunity to reflect and consider all the information your
Consultant Surgeon offers you before you make a decision regarding
your potential procedure.
At Vive, your assessment with a specialised consultant will be
tailored to your individual needs. The process will always involve
a thorough evaluation of your present and past medical history and
a physical examination of the problem area. Your surgeon will take
time to listen to your concerns and will take care to ensure that
you have a thorough understanding of what can be done to help, the
procedure itself, the recovery stages and a clear explanation of
the risks involved. You are positively encouraged to ask any
questions that you may have and to look at photographs of others
who have had the same type of surgery that you are considering. If
you would find it helpful, our advisory team may be able to arrange
for you to speak to a previous Vive patient who is willing to
discuss their experience with you over the telephone.
It is important that you attend a pre-admission clinic, where you
will be seen by a specialist plastics nurse who will go through the
admission procedure, check your blood pressure, take blood, measure
you for your garment, and answer any further question you may
have.
We also provide a post discharge follow-up clinic where we see
customers one, two and four weeks post surgery for wound care and
advice.There is also a 24 hour call service available enabling you
to get in contact in case of emergency.