Abdominoplasty, or "Tummy Tuck"
The abdominoplasty procedure, commonly known as "tummy tuck" is a procedure that reshapes the stomach/abdomen area to give a flatter, smoother profile.
The procedure is ideal for:
- Removing excess skin and fat, perhaps after pregnancy or weight loss
- Tightening abdominal muscles, so that the firmer profile can be maintained
- People whose "tummy bulge" or "pot belly" is resistant to diet and exercise - this may be genetic
The procedure is suitable for both women and men.
Patient Stories
When you are considering cosmetic surgery, it's really helpful and interesting to see what results other patients have had.
- Julie (pictured) lost 9 stone in just a year with a gastric bypass. Her health and wellbeing improved dramatically, but losing weight so fast left her with saggy loose stomach skin. Read Julie's tummy tuck story, with video interview at The Hospital Group just after surgery
- Although Janice had never suffered with being overweight, like many women it was that post pregnancy tummy that she just could not shift. Read Janice’s Story...
If you come for a consultation, many of our staff have had surgery and can talk about their own experiences first hand. You'll also be able to see more patient photos like these to see what's possible for you.
The Abdominoplasty Procedure
The abdominoplasty is carried out under general anaesthetic in well-equipped cosmetic surgery hospitals. It is major surgery and you should anticipate a 2 night stay before returning home to continue your recovery.
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- Incisions are made around the abdominal area. Surplus skin and fat deposits are removed. If necessary, muscles will also be tightened.
- The result is a smoother, flatter stomach profile.
Your Consultation
Deciding on any form of cosmetic surgery is a big decision and you'll need to know you're in safe hands and be confident in your choice.
A good surgeon will look at your medical history, listen very carefully to your requirements and give you honest, expert advice on what sort of result you could expect from tummy tuck surgery.
Your surgeon will help you understand the risks and benefits of any surgery and also advise on what to expect at the hospital, explaining the procedure in detail and outlining the recovery/healing process as well as aftercare.
We take the consultation stage very seriously at The Hospital Group and provide this service free and without any further obligation, so that you can be fully informed about your cosmetic surgery options.
Future Pregnancies
As the abdomen naturally stretches to accommodate pregnancy, we normally recommend abdominoplasty surgery after you have finished having children. Do discuss any plans for children with your surgeon if you are considering any future pregnancies.
Post-Operative Garments
You should expect to be fitted with an abdominal binder in theatre and will wear this for the first 6 weeks of healing. It may be longer in the case of very large procedures.
The binder applies the correct pressure to the abdominal region, which stops fluid from building up, prevents swelling and reduces bleeding, thus helping with the final result.
The binder is a one-size garment and is fastened with Velcro for easy adjustment. These are available from our clinics or in our online shop.
Do ask your surgeon or Patient Care Coordinator, as different procedures and surgeons will have different advice.
Healing and Scars
The scar for an abdominoplasty is usually placed across the lower abdomen. It can stretch from one side to the other depending on the area of skin to be removed.
The scar from surgery will take time to fade fully - up to a year in some cases. The scar is usually red and raised for the first month or two after your operation. However, it will fade over time and be hidden by normal clothing.
The Hospital Group has developed exclusive Tamanu Balm to help with the healing of scars after surgery. Tamanu Balm contains a variety of exclusively selected natural ingredients which possess a unique capacity to promote the formation of new tissue, therefore accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin. The balm is also moisturizing to help smooth and soften the skin as well as reduce the visible appearance of scars. This product is available in our clinics or from the online shop. It is designed for use after the initial wound has healed over and should not be used on any open wounds.
However, do not use any creams or lotions while you have stitches or tape in place unless otherwise directed.
Your Decision
Only you can decide whether the operation is right for you, but your surgeon and Patient Care Coordinator will help you make an informed choice with individual advice based on our years of expertise.
For further information or to book a FREE consultation, please contact our friendly team.
