Tummy
Tuck
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A tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty), is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles for a flatter, firmer stomach.
Many find that despite their best efforts through diet and exercise, certain areas of the body hold onto stubborn fat and excess skin. This can be particularly true for the abdominal area.
If you have found yourself struggling with these issues, desiring a smoother, firmer abdomen that reflects your healthy lifestyle and inner vitality, then a tummy tuck might be for you.
People choose abdominoplasty for different reasons, such as removing excess skin or tightening muscles due to:
• Significant weight loss
• Pregnancy
• C-section or other abdominal surgery
• Ageing
• Stubborn fat deposits
• Natural body type
During your consultation, you and your surgeon will go over your goals, medical history and any concerns about the procedure. You can ask about their experience, qualifications, and what to expect post-surgery.
The surgeon will assess your abdomen, looking at skin quality, muscle tone, and fat distribution, and may take photos for your records. Together, you will discuss your options and set realistic expectations for the results.
Bear in mind that your surgeon might caution against the procedure if you:
Once you have decided to go ahead with a tummy tuck, you will receive instructions to help you prepare for the surgery. These guidelines are meant to optimise your health, reduce risks, and support a smooth recovery. Preparation usually includes:
Before the procedure, you will be administered anaesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain-free. Tummy tuck surgeries are usually done under general anaesthesia, meaning you'll be fully asleep while an anaesthetist monitors you throughout the surgery.
The surgeon starts by making a horizontal incision between the pubic area and the navel, with its size depending on how much skin needs to be removed. If there’s excess skin above the navel, a second incision around it may be needed.
If the abdominal muscles have weakened due to pregnancy or weight changes, they are tightened with sutures for a firmer shape.
Abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin through a combination of techniques including liposuction and skin excision. This approach allows for more precise contouring of the abdomen and flanks, creating a firmer, more sculpted appearance.
In many tummy tuck procedures, the removal of excess skin results in the repositioning of the belly button to ensure it aligns naturally with the newly shaped abdomen. This is achieved by creating a new opening through the tightened skin at a location that corresponds with the original position of the belly button. The belly button itself is not moved; rather, it is brought out through the new opening and sutured into place.
The incision is closed carefully to minimise scarring, using sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips. Small drainage tubes may be placed under the skin to prevent fluid buildup and are usually removed within a week or two. The abdomen is then bandaged, and a compression garment is used to reduce swelling and support healing.
You’ll notice a difference right after surgery, but swelling and bruising are common in the early stages of recovery. As healing continues, the abdomen will appear firmer, flatter, and more contoured. The results are long-lasting, but maintaining them depends on a stable weight, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. However, the procedure won’t prevent future weight gain or natural ageing.
Choose a clinic and a surgeon that you feel safe with. Adoreal simplifies finding trusted clinics through our innovative platform; get unparalleled access to top-tier clinics specialising in abdominoplasty. You can search and compare clinics based on real patient reviews, surgeon credentials and before-and-after portfolios. Register or login on the app to get started.
register hereThe recovery period is key to achieving the best results. Here’s what you can expect after an abdominoplasty surgery:
Recovery takes time, and it's important to listen to your body and its needs. Right after surgery, you'll spend a few hours under observation as the anaesthesia wears off. Most people can start light activities within six weeks, with swelling and bruising gradually fading, revealing more of the final results.
The side-effects are typically temporary and gradually improve as your body recovers, and typically include the following:
• Swelling: One of the most common side-effects and can take several weeks to subside.
• Bruising: Bruising around the treated area is expected but should fade within a few weeks.
• Pain and discomfort: Mild to moderate pain and discomfort can occur, especially during the first few days after the procedure.
• Numbness: Some patients may experience numbness or a change in skin sensation near the incision site. This usually diminishes over time but can persist for several months in some cases.
• Fatigue: Your body is working hard to heal itself, which can lead to feelings of tiredness and fatigue.
Scars may appear red and raised at first but usually fade and flatten over time, though they won’t disappear completely. Your surgeon will give you care instructions, which may include silicone sheets or gels, gentle massage, and sun protection to help with healing and improve the appearance of scars.
Tummy tuck surgery comes with potential risks, just like any surgery, which your surgeon will go through with you beforehand. These may include:
• Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the incision site. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat any infections.
• Blood clots: Surgery increases the risk of developing blood clots, particularly in the legs, which can be serious if they travel to the lungs.
• Poor wound healing: Some patients may experience delays in wound healing, which can be more common in smokers or individuals with certain medical conditions.
• Seroma: A seroma is a build-up of fluid at the surgery site, which may need to be drained by your surgeon.
• Necrosis: Skin or tissue necrosis can occur, particularly in smokers, requiring additional treatment or surgery to address.
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