Abdominoplasty, also referred to as a "tummy tuck", is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess fat and skin that has lost its elasticity and to create a firmer and more defined abdomen. The procedure is most commonly performed on women who have excess skin from previous pregnancies, or on patients who have lost a lot of weight and want excess skin removed.
The procedure involves creating a large incision beneath the abdomen and removing tissue so that the remaining skin can be pulled tightly together. The procedure is often performed as part of a body lift.
Recommended for
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Stretched abdominal muscles as a result of pregnancy
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Unsightly fat deposits or loose abdominal skin, particularly in patients who have lost a significant amount of weight
ABOUT TUMMY TUCK
TIME REQUIREMENTS
Number of days in hospital: 1 - 2 days
Average length of stay abroad: 1 - 3 weeks.
Many surgeons recommend waiting around 2 weeks before flying, and taking precautions against the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Patients will need approval from the surgeon before travelling.
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Patients will have an initial consultation with the surgeon to discuss the surgical options and the patient's desired outcome. Patients who smoke are advised to give up smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery and to continue this for at least 2 weeks post surgery.
Patients should arrange to have someone to pick them up after surgery and to stay with them for the first night after the surgery.
There are two different types of abdominoplasty surgeries which may be performed, a complete abdominoplasty or a partial/mini abdominoplasty.
A complete abdominoplasty involves making two incisions, one at the navel and one across the lower abdomen (bikini line). This surgery may require the navel to be repositioned. Excess skin and tissue are removed and stomach muscles are tightened, using dissolvable sutures. It may be necessary to have a draining tube put into place after the surgery.
A partial/mini abdominoplasty involves making a smaller incision compared to the incision in a complete abdominoplasty. This type of surgery is targeted for patients who have fat deposits below the navel.
Both surgeries often incorporate liposuction as part of the procedure. Once the tightening is complete, the surgeon completes the procedure by closing the incisions with small sutures.
Anesthesia
General anesthetic.
Procedure duration
The Abdominoplasty takes 2 to 3 hours.
HOW IT IS PERFORMED
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BEFORE TUMMY TUCK ABROAD
Post procedure care
Patients should relax and recover by avoiding heavy lifting or physical activity. It is common to experience swelling, pain or numbness.
Many tummy tuck procedures require the use of surgical drains, which are inserted into the abdomen to drain fluid. These are usually removed after 1 to 2 weeks, and in this time patients must be careful when showering etc.
Patients will need to take 2 to 6 weeks off work, in order to allow for healing and recovery from the surgery.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TUMMY TUCK
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TUMMY TUCK
Not recommended for
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Women planning to have more children,
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Patients who can achieve similar results with exercise
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Underlying health conditions
Potential risks
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Infection
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Scarring
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Bruising
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Numbness
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Blood clots
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Adverse reaction to the general anesthetic
An abdominoplasty redefines the abdomen and makes it firmer.
Before the surgery, the surgeon plans out the new shape. During surgery, excess fat and tissue are removed.