Abdominoplasty – better known as a tummy tuck – is an operation to remove excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen, and restore muscle tone. This is usually performed to correct a loose or sagging abdomen following childbirth or rapid weight loss, especially in cases where other approaches, such as diet and exercise, have been ineffective.
This article is written by Jackie Griffiths, a freelance journalist who writes health, medical, biological, and pharmaceutical articles for national and international journals, newsletters and web sites.
Planning a tummy tuck
Before you commit to a tummy tuck you should be sure that you have completed your family and do not plan to get pregnant again. You should also commit yourself to a healthy diet and regular exercise. A tummy tuck is a major operation and your money, discomfort, and risk will all be wasted if you fall pregnant again or allow your weight to fluctuate significantly.
As with all cosmetic surgery, you should first consult your GP, even if you’re planning to have the procedure privately. Your GP is best placed to advise you, and with a GP referral your private surgeon will gain access to your full medical records.
Consultation
The first step in your treatment will be a consultation with your surgeon. It is important to be open and honest during this process to ensure you get the treatment that is right for you, and that you have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery.
Your surgeon will talk to you about your operation and discuss your reasons for having it. He or she may recommend counselling before they agree to the operation.
You will also be asked a series of questions about your medical history, diet, and smoking and drinking habits, as these will all impact the success your surgery.
The tummy tuck procedure
Each operation is different, depending on the extent of the excess skin and fat, and underlying muscle damage. However, the procedure will usually last between one and two hours and include the following steps:
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A cut is made across the lower abdomen, usually from hipbone to hipbone
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A second cut is made upwards past the navel
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The skin is lifted to give access to the underlying muscle
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The muscle is repaired and any separation stitched to create a tighter tone
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Any excess fat is removed
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The skin is stretched downwards to flatten the tummy and any excess is cut off
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The skin is stitched and the navel is repositioned appropriately
Recovery time
As it is a major operation, you need to allow substantial recovery time. The schedule will normally run as follows:
- You will need to stay in hospital for 1-2 nights
- You will feel sore and swollen for several days
- Any non-dissolvable stitches or clamps will be removed after 5 days
- You should try non weight-bearing exercise such as swimming as soon as you feel able
- Some patients return to work after 2 weeks, but it could take 3 or 4 weeks
- You should wear a support garment for the first 6 weeks and avoid heavy lifting
- After 6 weeks you should feel fully recovered
