Abdominoplasty
The tummy tuck is particularly popular following significant weight loss or childbirth. These can produce loose excess skin, stretch marks or separation of stomach muscles, making them feel they need to ‘hold it in’ all the time.
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. It involves the removal of extra skin and fat from the lower abdomen, contouring the waist and tightening any separated abdominal muscles, producing a slimmer, smoother and tighter tummy. It is often combined with liposuction and other surgical procedures.
Having a firm, flat stomach can make a huge difference to the way you feel, and a healthy diet and regular exercise are the best start to achieving this. However, loose skin and separated tummy muscles are often a source of frustration because these generally do not respond to lifestyle changes. In these situations Tummy Tuck surgery can be the right option. After your first consultation I will be able to advise if you are ready for such surgery and if so, exactly you what kind of tummy tuck would suit you best. Some people should defer their surgery, and you would also be advised if that applies to you.
Initially, a horizontal incision is made across the base of your stomach. Damaged and stretched abdominal muscles are repaired, repositioned and tightened, before excess skin is removed and you are put back together again.
For tummy tuck surgery the devil is in the detail – a midline indentation, visible stomach definition and well-hidden scars, particularly around the belly button which might otherwise reveal you have had surgery. He will explain how when he meets you.
This technique may also involve liposuction of the flanks, hips and abdominal wall to achieve the best possible results.
Before considering undergoing cosmetic surgery it is vital to meet with and form a rapport with your surgeon, and to ensure that your surgeon will personally review you afterwards. I like to meet twice before surgery so you can ask all the questions you’ve thought of between meetings, and schedule regular routine postoperative checks to make sure your ultimate outcome is as good as it can be.
- Analgesia (pain relief) – Ibuprofen and paracetamol can be taken
- Complete rest will be necessary for 48 hours
- Daily tepid showers will be possible after 48hours
- Surgical skin tapes should be left in place for 2 weeks
- The hospital or surgeon should be contacted if you develop a temperature
- The hospital or surgeon should also be contacted immediately in rare cases of bleeding or rapid swelling
- Patients should take care not to over exert themselves in the first few weeks and to keep pressure off the wounds
- Wounds will be checked and sutures removed normally at 1 week
- I will see you routinely at 1, 2 and 6 weeks after surgery
- Dressing care nurses may see you more often
- Swelling reduces after a few weeks
General Anaesthetic and Abdomen block
Reasonably mobile: 2 days
Corset: 4 weeks
Hospital stay: 2-3 nights
Washing: 72 hours
Full recovery: 4-6 weeks
Surgery time: 2-4 hours
Driving: 2 weeks
We advise patients to stop smoking 2 week before and after any surgery
Time off work: 4 weeks
Exercise: 6-8 weeks
© 2017 Eterno Plastic Surgery Ltd
