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. Patients 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 patients 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 patients 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 patients 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 patients 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 patients 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.