AKA, the tummy tuck. An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and, if necessary, to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall, particularly in women whose muscles have been stretched by pregnancy.
Abdomioplasty: Am I suitable?
An abdominoplasty is not suitable for those looking to lose a massive amount of weight. It is particularly good for people who have already lost the weight or been through pregnancy, because excess skin, which can never really be eradicated by exercise, can be removed and an improved body contour achieved.
If the fat deposits are below the navel then you might be suitable for a mini tummy tuck – a less complex procedure.
Abdominoplasty: What do I have to do to prepare?
Your surgeon will give you instructions to help you prepare for the abdominplasty procedure and these may include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.
Abdominoplasty: What’s the treatment like?
An abdominplasty is often combined with liposuction which removes the excess fat before the surgeon recontours the body. Generally performed under general anaesthetic, the procedure takes to two to five hours, and the surgeon will make an incision across the abdomen, usually from hip to hip.
The muscles are tightened and stitched into position, fat removed and then the skin is stretched down, with excess skin being eliminated. Your belly button may be moved to a new position.
Abdominoplasty: What about after?
You should expect pain and discomfort for the first few days, but your surgeon will encourage you to start moving around as soon as possible. A lot of bruising and swelling result from this surgery and can take up to a few months to fully disappear.
You should be able to return to work after two weeks, but it can take some people longer to recover from the abdominoplasty, depending on the complexity of the case and their physical condition prior.
One of the major deciding factors in having a tummy tuck is often the scar and the surgery does produce a large incision mark which can take up to a year before it flattens and lightens. However, the surgeon will be able to site it in a place that is most convenient for the patient and the marked improvement in appearance is usually seen to outweigh this negative.
Abdominoplasty: Are there any risks or side effects?
Like all surgical procedures, there is always a possibility of complications or side effects and, although rare, these can include infection, a reaction to the anaesthesia, blood or fluid collection underneath the skin, nerve damage and blood clots.
Abdominoplasty: What will it cost me?
The cost depends on the surgeon or clinic and range from £3,000 to £6,000.
