Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck as it is often known is a Plastic Surgery operation to remove the excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen in order to reshape the abdomen to achieve a firm and flat youthful appearance. At London Bridge Plastic Surgery our Specialist Plastic surgeons provide a caring professional service to achieve a firm and youthful appearance with our tummy tuck procedure.

Why have a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty is performed to reshape the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat that does not reduce following exercise and diet. Abdominoplasty is used to reduce the bulging of the lower abdomen following pregnancy or weight loss. It is performed to reshape the lower abdomen to an aesthetic youthful appearance and boost self-esteem.

As we age, loss of skin elasticity and muscle strength combined with fatty deposits in the lower abdomen cause this area to bulge. Pregnancy, especially multiple and twins, clearly accelerate these changes as well as weaken the abdominal muscles. A Tummy Tuck can remove the excess skin and fat and tighten the muscles to achieve a more youthful, flat and firm abdomen. It also produce a lifting of the groin and perineal region to provide some rejuvenation and improved cosmetic appearance.

Abdominoplasty is commonly combined with VASER Liposelection, Liposuction – Liposculpture to achieve the optimum reshaping. The type of Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck surgery required to achieve the best result for you will depend on the amount of excess skin and fat and will be discussed at the time of your Consultation. A non surgical option may also be suitable.

Remember a Tummy Tuck will not change you and solve any life crises, but should boost your self-confidence and enjoyment of life.

Q: What is an Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck Surgery is a Plastic surgery procedure performed to remove excess fat and skin around the lower abdomen to restore a shapely silhouette and achieve a natural aesthetic appearance. This is frequently combned with Body Sculpturing using VASER, VASER Hi-Def, or Liposuction to achieve the optimum result.

Q: What are the benefits of Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: Abdominplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery is performed to reduce the heavy lower abdomen and hips to enable you to wear the clothes you want and boost your self-esteem.

A Tummy Tuck can restore a youthful figure following pregnancy of weight loss. Abdominoplasty can improve your posture and reduce lower back pain.

Diabetic patients may benefit following an Abdominoplasty by improved blood sugar control or reduced requirements for medication. The improvement in body shape can boost your self confidence and comfort enabling you to exercise effectively to maintain a good body weight and shape.

Q: Am I the ideal patient for Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: If you would like to improve your body shape because of skin laxity and excess fat in your lower abdomen, which does not reduce with good diet and exercise, and you have been concerned by this for a long time, do not have any serious medical conditions and are not significantly overweight, then an Abdominoplasty, tummy tuck is likely to be suitable for you.

Q: Do I need to lose weight before my Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: We recommend that you should be as close to your ideal body weight as possible before you undergo an Abdominoplasty surgery. However, many patients find it very difficult to exercise effectively with a heavy lower abdomen. It is important even in this circumstance that you eat a good diet and are losing weight before your surgery. We recommend that you have our Body Composition Analysis before your decision to have Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck to better understand your existing body composition and guide any nutritional support.

Q: Does Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck require a general anaesthetic or hospitalisation?

A: Abdominoplasty surgery is performed under general anaesthetic or twilight, commonly as an overnight procedure or occasionally as a day case.

Q:  How long is the Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: Abdominoplasty normally takes approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours to perform.

Q: What about the scars following Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: Unfortunately, it is necessary to have a scar as a result of Abdominoplasty, but every effort is made to minimize the scars and ensure that these are as inconspicuous as possible. The goal is to achieve a scar which is as short as possible and which, once fully healed is barely visible. The scar is placed within the pants line – bikini line usually from hip to hip. The extent of the scar is determined by the amount of excess skin to be removed. There will also be a scar around the umbilicus (bellybutton).

Q: Will the abdominal muscles need to be tightened at the time of my Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: Stretching of the muscle in the abdomen occurs during pregnancy and also with aging resulting in the widening of the youthful waistline. Therefore, at the time of your Abdominoplasty, the muscles will be tightened, if necessary.

Q: Will drains be used at the time of Abdominoplasty?

A: At London Bridge Plastic Surgery, we believe that any blood or fluid under the abdominal skin leads to inflammation and scarring, which can prolong the healing and lessen the quality of your outcome. Therefore, drains will be placed at the time of your Tummy Tuck surgery. These will be removed before you leave Hospital.

Q: Can Abdominoplasty be combined with any other procedure?

A: Yes. Commonly, liposuction or VASER Hi-Def is performed at the time of an Abdominoplasty especially around the hips, outer thighs or inner thighs to achieve an aesthetically balanced shape. Abdominoplasty can also be performed with Breast Surgery such as uplift, Mastopexy or reduction. What is possible and safe for you will depend on your goals and your individual circumstance.

Q: What reassurance do I have with Abdominoplasty Surgery?

A: At LBPS, we understand that Abdominoplasty surgery is an important and daunting decision for you and we aim to support you before, during and long after your surgery. Right from your first contact through to your 1 year follow-up visit, we will provide you with the highest standard of care to minimize risks as much as possible and provide the optimum results for you.

Q: How long is the recovery time?

A: Moderate pain / discomfort is expected for 3 – 5 days. Patients can go back to their normal daily activities after 2 weeks, but avoid strenuous exercise / activity for 6 weeks. It will be necessary to wear a support garment for the first 6 weeks, day and night and the second 6 weeks during the day. The majority of swelling will resolve in 4 -6 weeks but it will take up to 3 months to return to normal.

Q: What about the results of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: The results are first and foremost natural. The goals of Tummy Tuck surgery are to restore your proportions to achieve a natural aesthetic appearance. The result should boost your self-confidence; allow you to wear the clothes you wish and feel more comfortable.

Q: What are the risks of Abdominoplasty?

A: Common to all surgical procedures there are always risks associated with surgery. However, Abdominoplasty surgery is a safe procedure when performed by a fully qualified and trained Plastic, Cosmetic Surgeon in Hospitals with a high standard of care. The common risks are bleeding (less than 0.5%), infection (less than 0.5%) delayed skin healing, and seroma collection (fluid under the skin). Each of these risks may require revision surgery. Other risks that may occur are, poor scarring – hypertrophic or keloid, blood clots – DVT and PE (0.5%), asymmetry, numbness of the skin.

Q: How long do the results of Tummy Tuck Surgery last?

A: The results of Abdominoplasty surgery are expected to permanent if performed in conjunction with a good diet and exercise. However, you should be aware that if you gain weight following your Tummy Tuck, the results of your surgery will not be optimal.

Q: Is there an alternative to an Abdominoplasty?

A: At the present time there is not an alternative to Abdominoplasty for a person who has significant excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. However, for patients who desire modest improvement and wish to avoid surgery, non-surgical treatments usually in combination – Ultrashape and Velashape can effectively reduce excess fat and tighten the skin. Both of these treatments provide a painless option with gradual improvement in body contour.

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