abdominoplasty |
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," corrects laxity of skin and muscles that occurs with pregnancy and ageing by removing excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Liposuction of the hips and flanks is often performed at the same time. Abdominoplasty can dramatically reduce the appearance of the abdomen, producing a flat contour, which can enhance your appearance and self-confidence.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery until after their weight is stable, and the surgery is best left until after pregnancies have finished, as weight loss and pregnancy after abdominoplasty can compromise the result.
The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes 2-3 hours, with most patients staying in hospital for 3-4 days.
Depending on the amount of loose skin and fat to be removed, an incision is either made above the pubic hairline alone (mini-abdominoplasty), or from hip to hip. In a mini-abdominplasty the umbilicus can be moved a short distance without a scar, but in a formal abdominoplasty there is also a scar around the umbilicus. The skin and fat between the pubic hair and the umbilicus is removed, and the muscles of the abdominal wall tightened, and the skin closed.
After the
surgery you need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks, and
avoid heavy activities and sport for 6 weeks. Most people return to
normal everyday activities and work after 3 weeks. The scars from the
surgery gradually fade and lighten in colour, although this may take
a full year, with the scars usually not being visible in underwear or
a swimming costume.