Tummy tuck

There is no doubt that once the body has become accustomed to carrying around extra weight, abdominal wall muscles and surrounding skin can be stretched. Diet and exercise will combat the weight, but not the excess fat and it is not always possible to bring back muscle tone or tighten stretched skin. There is however, a surgical procedure which can assist in the efforts already made to restore your previous silhouette.

Referred to as Abdominoplasty or more commonly described as "tummy tuck", here is a surgical treatment that takes away excess fat and skin from around the abdomen. It will also tighten the muscles of the abdominal walls to give a firmer, flatter line which will give both your waist and upper body a more attractive shape. It is possible to combine this procedure with some liposuction or liposculpture if there is excess fat being carried in this area, but all these options would be fully discussed at the initial consultation as everyone is unique and has individual requirements.

Frequently asked questions

How is the operation performed?

If liposuction is required, this procedure is usually carried out at the start. Then an incision will be made below the bikini line to allow the layer of skin and fat to be lifted away from the muscle and taken higher up the torso to leave a firm appearance. It may also be necessary to re-site the naval so that it is correctly positioned.

Is a Tummy Tuck a good way to lose weight?

No. A Tummy Tuck cannot be considered an alternative to a healthy regime of good diet and regular exercise. It is a solution however if no progress can be made in removing excess fat solely through changes in life-style.

Can men benefit from a Tummy Tuck?

Yes, there are now many men that are also taking advantage of abdominoplasty for treating a large stomach.

Will I need to take time off work?

Yes, normally 7 -14 days is required off work and the surgeon may advise you to take more time off. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 2-4 hours and will require a 1-2 night stay in hospital.

Will I feel pain afterwards?

There will be pain and discomfort for several days after the operation and pain killers and anti inflammatory medication will be prescribed. The patients usually experience an aching and ‘pulling’ sensation for a week or two and occasional ‘twinge’ for some months. Pain after surgery is variable from patient to patient and the full results may be obscured by swelling and bruising for several months which will be explained by your surgeon.

Will I have any scars?

Yes. An incision is generally made from one hip to the other along the bikini line, which could later be camouflaged by underwear. The scar for an abdominoplasty is usually placed across the lower abdomen. It can stretch from one side to the other depending on the size of the stomach. All surgery results in some sort of scar and all scars take time to soften and fade. You will not see the final appearance of your scar for up to a year after surgery.

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