The tummy tuck procedure removes excess or loose skin and fat from around the waist and abdomen area. The aim is to leave the stomach looking flatter, providing a more youthful appearance. This, like liposuction, is not a method used for weight loss but is designed to treat a specific problem area that aesthetically the patient is not happy with and that will not change with diet and exercise.
It is often a popular procedure for women who have loose skin after pregnancy or for both men and women who have lots significant amounts of weight and would benefit from having any excess skin removed. Stretch marks can also appear reduced with this procedure. An abdominoplasty can also be beneficial for women whose muscles have loosened during pregnancy. This procedure allows the muscles to be pulled back together and stitched into a new position making them tighter and leaving a younger looking abdomen. The results it brings can greatly increase your confidence and you may find you feel much more comfortable in your clothes or even wear clothes you have never been able to wear before. It can also give you the confidence to do things you may have previously shied away from such as going swimming. If you are planning to become pregnant in the near future you may be advised to wait until after to have a tummy tuck procedure. Your consultant or specialist cosmetic surgeon will manage your expectations and ensure what you want to achieve is realistic.
There are two types of tummy tuck surgery:
A mini tummy tuck is not as complex as a full tummy tuck and is usually performed on patients who have their loose skin or fat situated on the lower half of the abdomen or below the navel. This means the procedure can take place without removing and repositioning the navel. Only one incision is needed with a mini tummy tuck and it is usually a lot smaller than the incision made during a full tummy tuck. The incision is made under the naval and any excess skin and stubborn fat are pulled down and removed. The skin is then stitched back together leaving a much more youthful abdomen.
A full tummy tuck is a more complex procedure and involves creating a new navel and a place for the new navel to sit. The incision for the full tummy tuck is much longer and is often deeper than the mini tummy tuck. A long incision is made, generally from hip to hip, across the lower abdomen. The surgeon will then re-knit the abdomen muscles together and will then pull down the upper part of the stomach removing any fat and loose skin. The surgeon will then create a new place for the naval using dissolvable stitches. The skin is then stitched back together creating a flatter and tighter appearance. If there is excess fat that needs to be removed liposuction can also be performed at the same time. Your consultant or cosmetic surgeon will be able to offer advice on this at the consultation stage.
Both of these procedures are performed under a general anaesthetic and both require the same after care.
This will involve a one or two night stay in hospital so you can be closely monitored and cared for. All stitches are usually dissolvable however if any other stitches or clips are used these will need to be removed up to 5 days later. The area will be bruised and swollen following surgery so a compression garment must be worn for six weeks to help reduce this. You will need to take between one and two weeks off work to rest and moderate exercise such as walking can gradually be introduced after the procedure and you should be back to full activity within six weeks. A series of follow up appointments will need to be made to ensure you are recovering well.
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