ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)

Abdominoplasty is an aesthetic (cosmetic) surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and in some circumstances, to tighten the abdominal muscles.

 

You may wish to have this procedure if your abdomen is affected by obesity, skin laxity following pregnancy or weight loss.  The overall body appearance is improved by reducing and recontouring abdominal skin and fat.  It is not a substitute for weight reduction.

 

The procedure can be performed either under general anaesthetic or if only a “mini tuck” is required may be performed under twilight sedation.  Excess fat and skin is removed from the lower abdomen and the muscles tightened if necessary.  Some patients will have the navel repositioned.  Although scars are an inevitable part of any surgery, every effort is made to make the scar as inconspicuous as possible.  The scar will normally be concealed below the panty line. Repositioning of the navel will require a scar around the belly button which may be visible when the abdomen is bare.

 

The best results are obtained in patients near their normal weight with some laxity of the abdominal skin or a slight excess of fat or bulging of the abdominal wall.  The result is usually permanent although excessive weight gain or pregnancies may undo some of the benefits.  Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction to achieve the best result.  This procedure is called lipoabdominoplasty

 

Following your surgery you will be required to wear a compression garment up to 6 weeks. You may find it difficult to walk with your back straight initially but this will improve over a few days.  Pain and discomfort vary depending on the individual but this is to be expected over the first few days after which the symptoms will improve.  You will be given pain medication post-operatively.  You will however require some help at home in the early stages and must avoid heavy lifting and straining for six weeks.  Returning to work or normal activities will be about 2-4 weeks.

 

Risks and Complications:

 

Any surgical procedure carries the possibility of risks and complications.

 

There will be a scar which under normal circumstances will be inconspicuous and flat.  Sometimes scars may become stretched or lumpy and red which will make them more noticeable and sometimes itchy.  There are ways to improve this should it occur.

 

Bruising and swelling are inevitable but resolve in time.  An excessive blood collection (haematoma) or fluid collection (seroma) may occur and need to be drained.  This is commonly done under a local anaesthetic and a return to the operating room is not usually necessary. The procedure is commonly Day surgery and drains are inserted for the first 24 hours to minimize the likelihood of collections and hence reduce the likelihood of a return to the operating room.

 

Taking out too much skin can place a lot of tension on the wound which may cause wound breakdown and poor healing.  So it is important to realize this restraint on the procedure. Even without excessive skin tension poor healing and wound breakdown may occur. Being a smoker, even if recently ceased, increases risks of bleeding, bruising, poor wound healing, and anaesthetic complications such as lung infection (pneumonia).

 

Infection is uncommon but if it does occur it can be serious and requires proper attention and antibiotics. Major infections can be life threatening. Patients are normally given antibiotic cover for the procedure to minimize this risk.

 

A change in shape of the navel (belly button) may occur and sometimes there can be some unevenness of the scar or of the abdomen.

 

General anaesthetic itself carries a risk, including death, and any medical conditions and medications might affect the anaesthetic and are important to identify to the staff.

 

If you would like any more information please ask any staff member who will be happy to assist you.