TUMMY TUCK

A tummy tuck or “abdominoplasty” is a cosmetic surgery procedure whereby the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened and any excess skin is removed from the abdomen.

The objective is to create a firmer, flatter midsection.

This type of procedure is usually sought by those who have a lot of excess skin (or flab) around the tummy area which they have been unable to shift through diet and exercise.

This procedure is commonly opted for due to the effects of childbirth, when the abdominal muscles are weak and the skin lacks elasticity.

This condition may also arise for those who have experienced rapid weight loss or frequent weight gain and losses. If you are in general good health and are committed to maintaining the results achieved post-surgery by way of a stable diet and regular exercise, then this procedure may be the right for you.

However, if you have any serious medical conditions or are planning to become pregnant or plan to lose a significant amount of weight, then you are not an ideal candidate for this procedure.

The visible benefits of a tummy tuck are apparent straight away; the procedure often results in a sculpted midsection and a slim silhouette.

Should you undergo this procedure, not only will you have a noticeably flatter stomach but the procedure may also improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.

The abdominoplasty procedure can be customized to your specific goals.

Abdominoplasty mainly concentrates on the lower-abdominal area and therefore the incision is usually concealed along the bikini line.

Although scarring may never become totally undetectable; the scarring will gradually fade in the months following the surgery. Because the incision is usually made under the bikini line it is more often than not covered by clothing.

Of course, the location of the scar will depend on the type and extent of the surgery you have and this can be discussed with the surgeon before you proceed. It can take anything from six months to a year before scars flatten out and lighten in colour.

There are treatments and products available which may help with the reduction of scarring.

Because the incision is usually concealed along the bikini line and therefore hidden by clothing, the only person who need know you have had a procedure is you. Of course, people close to you will notice the difference in your physique, especially if you previously had a lot of sagging or abdominal fat.

The location of the scar will depend on the type of surgery you have and this can be discussed with the surgeon before you go proceed.

Tummy tuck surgery is well known for its long-lasting effects, and highly visible benefits. To achieve the best results possible, you should combine abdominoplasty with regular exercise to keep your stomach flat and firm for a long time.

A full tummy tuck involves a hip-to-hip incision, as well as incisions around the belly button. They address your entire abdominal area, so often involve moving the belly button to ensure natural looking results. Traditional tummy tucks are often combined with abdominal liposuction.

A mini tuck is similar to a full tuck but a smaller incision is made. They result in less dramatic changes to the appearance of the abdomen and offer a shorter recovery period.

A consultation with the surgeon will be able to determine which technique is best for you and suitable for your needs. This consultation will take into account factors such as your medical history and condition, and will enable you to come to an informed choice.

This will depend on the extent of the surgery; a complete abdominoplasty can take between 1 to 5 hours, whereas a partial abdominoplasty (mini-tuck abdominoplasty) can be completed in 1 to 2 hours.

During the procedure you will be under general anaesthesia. However, you may experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery as your body heals. You can expect to be sore, swollen and bruised and may be unable to stand completely upright for a little while. After the surgery you will be given painkillers to help with any pain and discomfort you may be feeling.

We provide private, self-catering accommodation with first class post-operative nursing care. Our English speaking nurses are highly trained and experienced in cosmetic surgery. Your visits are organized daily immediately after discharge. These visits take into consideration, your needs and are timed at your convenience.

We recommend you stay for 14 nights for a full tummy tuck; for a mini tuck the length of your stay will be shorter.

This can vary and can take anything from two to four weeks. You are recommended to take at least a portion of this recovery time off work.

You are encouraged to start moving around the following day after surgery and can partake in gentle exercise not long after. However, you should not attempt any strenuous exercise for a minimum of 6 weeks post-surgery and you should not attempt to lift any heavy objects for a minimum of 3 weeks.

Other than that you can return to your normal everyday activities after two to three weeks. Full recovery can take from 3 to 6 months by which time the scar will begin to fade.

Recovery periods can vary between patients and are dependent upon factors such as age, state of health, the procedure undertaken and your own bodies healing ability.

As a general rule you should not return to work for 3 weeks after an abdominoplasty surgery.

You should use this time to heal and follow the surgeon’s orders.

After this time you should be fit enough to return to work.

Please be aware that should your job involve physical exertion you should wait for 6 weeks after surgery before returning to work.

Yes. An abdominoplasty can be part of a full body makeover and can be successfully combined with other procedures such as liposuction contouring, breast augmentation, reductions and lifts, etc.

In common with all types of surgery, there are certain risks involved. The majority of side effects often prove to be temporary but can include bleeding, oedema, infections, and temporary loss of sensitivity in the abdominal area.

Full information of the risks involved, and what you can expect to experience, will be provided to you by your surgeon before the procedure.