Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to take away extra skin and fat.  The aim is to create a flatter tummy, often following pregnancy or gaining and losing weight. It can also help to re-join the muscles of the abdominal wall if they have been pulled apart in the middle (known as ‘diversification of the recti’).

Stretch marks can sometimes be cut away or tightened to make them less obvious. Ideally, your weight will be within a ‘normal’ range before the surgery.

A tummy tuck is not for people who are overweight, or wish to use the procedure as a method to lose weight. For the right person, a tummy tuck can make a big difference to their confidence and quality of life.

You will meet your surgeon to talk about why you want surgery and what you want to achieve. The surgeon will make a note of any medical history you currently have or have had in the past. They will also make a record of any medication you are on, including herbal remedies and medicines that are not prescribed by your doctor.

Your surgeon will examine your tummy, and may take some photographs for your medical records. They will ask you if you want to have someone with you during the examination, and ask you to sign a consent form for taking, storing and using the photographs.

The nurse will measure your height and weight at pre assessment to make sure that it is safe to perform your surgery. If you are overweight, pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your surgeon may suggest delaying your operation.

With a mini tummy tuck, a smaller amount of skin and fat is removed from the lower tummy, though there will still be a long horizontal scar above the pubic hair. Sometimes the muscles will also be tightened. No scar is left around the tummy button, which may be stretched to become a different shape. A mini tummy tuck will give less of an effect than a full tummy tuck.

The fleur-de-lis

For patients with lots of extra skin on the lower and upper tummy, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck might be appropriate. Here, as well as the long horizontal cut of the standard tummy tuck, there is a vertical cut too, so the scar looks like an anchor.

Generally, when a patient undergoes a tummy tuck, under general anaesthetic, an incision is made above the pubic area from one hip to the other hip.

An additional incision is made to release the navel from the surrounding skin, which is then released from the abdominal wall, revealing the fascia and muscles that are to be tightened with sutures.  Sometimes, liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck for further tightening.  A patient may receive a dressing and compression garment to drain any excess fluid.  

A conventional tummy tuck typically takes three hours, and only one procedure is needed.

Tummy tucks are usually carried out under a general anaesthetic (so you would be asleep). The operation usually takes about three hours, and you would usually spend one day in hospital.

When you wake up from your operation you may have a drip to give you fluid while you are not drinking. You might be given antibiotics to keep the wound clean. You may also have drainage tubes in your lower tummy to drain away any fluid or blood. These tubes will be taken out when the fluid or blood has stopped draining, usually before you go home. Your tummy will feel tight and sore. Simple painkillers should be enough to keep you comfortable.

You will have some dressings on your tummy. You may need to wear a well-fitting support garment, usually for weeks after the operation. You will be asked to keep your knees and hips bent whenever possible to take the strain off your stitches.

You will be out of bed on the same day as your surgery, and doing light activities after two weeks. You should be back to normal exercise in six weeks. While you are in hospital, you will be given blood-thinning injections and support stockings, to reduce the risk of a clot in the leg (DVT) or the lung (PE).

You will need to avoid strenuous activity for 10 to 12 weeks. Most patients take up to four weeks off work after the operation, depending on their job. Your tummy will be sore and swollen for weeks to months after the operation. Do not lift heavy things for several weeks, and avoid sex for at least three weeks. You should start gently, with all activities. Do not drive until you feel safe and are comfortable wearing a seatbelt. Check your insurance documents if you are not sure.

At first your tummy skin may seem too tight. This usually settles down within six weeks of the surgery. Most patients are pleased with the final result, but some find their new shape difficult to get used to. This may happen to you. You may have more or less sensation in the skin on your tummy, and this can change over time.

Abdominoplasty procedure is not intended for people who are severely overweight that want to lose weight.  There are other procedures that are more appropriate for serious weight loss.

Ethical cosmetic surgeons will not perform a tummy tuck on anyone under the age of 18.  With regards to being too old, your doctor will be more interested in health, fitness and lifestyle and will always make a personal assessment on your suitability for surgery.

The results of your tummy tuck surgery will last for many years, but it is up to you to maintain a healthy weight.  Furthermore, as a person ages, the skin loses elasticity.  Weight gain, as well as a loss of elasticity, can impact the results of a tummy tuck, so you will need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to maintain the results achieved for as long as possible.

Complications with a tummy tuck are rare. However, there can be bleeding and infection, which is a risk with any surgery. There can also be fluid collection, poor scarring and an asymmetrical appearance. To reduce the possibility of complications, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions fully. Discuss each of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand the potential complications and consequences.

Although many patients combine liposuction with their tummy tuck surgery, additional surgery, such as breast augmentation, is in an entirely different area and therefore, is subject to the condition of your health and the go-ahead from a doctor. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand the potential complications and consequences.

If you are a woman who plans to get pregnant or have a series of pregnancies, it is recommended that you wait until after your pregnancies to have a tummy tuck.