Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty

To plan for an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck begin by booking a consultation to investigate whether this surgery is suitable for you.

The ideal candidate for a full abdominoplasty has completed their family with no further pregnancies planned. They must also be a non-smoker and have attained as near to their ideal weight as possible. They must also be motivated in keeping with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercising. And, they must have no major medical conditions such as heart disease, a history of thrombosis or uncontrolled diabetes.

Abdominoplasty is not a good operation for the obese. Like liposuction, abdominoplasty is best for those who have lost weight through diet and exercise and have attained their ideal body weight but have a remaining “apron” of fat and lax skin. Similarly, it will not tackle the problem of intra-abdominal obesity.

A mini-abdominoplasty is the only type of abdominoplasty that I am prepared to consider in smokers. This is due to a significant increase in the incidence of skin slough in these patients.

If you are a suitable candidate we will discuss your expectations. You need to have a good understanding of what can be achieved and what the realistic expectations should be.

The procedure for a tummy tuck begins with incisions made across the lower abdomen and another around the naval.

During a full abdominoplasty the rectus muscles in the midline are tightened and the waist is narrowed. The umbilicus is repositioned. The skin is re-draped and excess tissue is selectively removed. Liposuction is possible at the same time and is routinely performed to help sculpt the waist and mons pubis if necessary. Hernias are repaired at the same time if necessary.

A mini-abdominoplasty involves removing skin and fat excess from the lower abdomen without scars around the umbilicus. It does not address upper abdominal excess significantly.

To prepare for abdominoplasty surgery, you may be asked to stop smoking for 2 – 4 weeks prior to the procedure. Nicotine retards the healing process, and quitting for as long as possible before surgery helps improve blood flow.

You might also have to have a blood test before surgery is performed.

You should stop taking certain medications, like aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs. You may need to stop taking some vitamins and supplements so be sure to disclose what you are taking. Let your surgeon know whatever medication you use since you may need to adjust these. Avoid recreational drugs.

Be sure to arrange for transport to and from the clinic, since you will not be able to drive yourself after the procedure.

After a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the first week which is normal and will be controlled with prescribed pain medication. You will have a  dressing over the incision. You should keep the dressing dry for at least 48 hours and avoid baths, hot tubs, or swimming for about 6 weeks.

After the procedure, you may be able to go home but sometimes it is recommended that you stay overnight. There will be 1 or 2 drains that will be removed when serous fluid drainage is minimal. These can stay anything from 3 days to weeks. You can go home with the drains and will be taught how to care for them.

There will be sutures along the incision line, which will dissolve on their own. During the first few days, you may not be able to stand up straight, but you should do some walking every day to get back to moving normally and try to move your legs and feet often.

During the recovery period, you might need to wear an abdominal binder to support your abdomen and prevent fluid build-up.

The recovery period will depend on a number of factors including your age, health, and body weight. Recovery is expected to take up to 6 weeks.

Avoid strenuous activities including heavy housework and exercise for at least 6 weeks and then take your time to build back up to your normal activities.

The risks of a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, as with any surgery, include a (low) risk of post-operative infection, bleeding, and swelling. There can be an increased risk of complications if you have diabetes or poor circulation, if you smoke, or if you have heart, lung, or liver disease.

Risks that are specific include general risks related to anaesthesia, as well as loss of skin, fluid accumulation, wound separation, blood clotting, numbness, scarring, and asymmetry.