What Does It Involve?
Tummy tucks, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the middle & lower abdomen and from the waist. Patients are rewarded with a toned and more youthful looking abdominal area and an altogether slimmer waistline. Midline protrusion due to split muscle or hernia can be repaired at the same time.
In patient with mass weight loss and skin laxity, it may be more beneficial to have a total body lift or circumferential body reduction. Mr. Ho-Asjoe will discuss with you about the advantages and disadvantages.
In a tummy tuck a long incision is made across the waistline in a broad U-shape. The skin is then lifted and separated from the underlying tissue and muscle of the abdominal wall. Excess fat is removed, sometimes by liposuction, and the muscles and associated tissue of the abdominal wall are drawn together to create a tighter waistline. Finally, the skin is pulled down tight over the abdomen, the navel re-positioned, excess skin trimmed and the incision sewn.
A tummy tuck takes between 2 – 3 hours to complete. The patient has to be under a general anaesthetic and an overnight stay in hospital is required.
After Surgery
Patients are allowed gentle mobilization in the first 4 weeks and to avoid strenuous activities. Patients are encouraged to shower and to wear the supportive abdominal binder. Full recovery is usually expected around the 6 weeks period. Some patients may find standing fully erected uncomfortable but this sensation will gradually ease off.
Before & After Images
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Before ABDOMINOPLASTY After
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Before ABDOMINOPLASTY After