A tummy tuck(abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve or enhance the shape of the tummy area(abdomen).
The procedure involves removing excess loose skin, fat and stretch marks and tightening the abdominal muscles.
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is ideal for those people with a healthy BMI or normal weight, particularly those who have been overweight and have lost excess weight. Also, it is not the right procedure for overweight people or those looking to lose weight.
What does it involve?
There are two types of abdominoplasties, and both are performed under a general anaesthetic.
The surgical steps of partial abdominoplasty involve:
- Making a large cut (incision) across the lower tummy
- Separating the skin from the abdominal wall below the belly button
- Removing excess fat and skin
- Pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place
The surgical steps of full abdominoplasty involve:
- Making a large incision across the lower tummy, from hip to hip, just above the pubic area
- Making a second incision to free the belly button from the tissue that surrounds it
- Separating the skin from the abdominal wall
- Realigning the abdominal muscles
- Removing excess fat and skin
- Cutting a new hole for the belly button and stitching this back in place
- Pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place
The operation can take between 2 to 5 hours. You will probably be in some pain after you wake up from the general anaesthetic. Painkillers will be prescribed to you if needed to relieve pain and discomfort. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few nights after surgery.
This procedure carries a small risk of:
- Bleeding
- Development of clots in a vein
- Infection
- Allergy to anaesthesia (though rare)
After surgery, you may experience some common yet temporary side effects, which will settle down with healing, such as:
- Difficulty to stand up straight – it may feel like your tummy is being pulled (this will improve over time)
- Pain and bruising
- Feeling numbness in abdomen
- Temporary fluid-filled swelling above the scar
- Red and raised scars (for first few weeks)
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