A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty allows the excess skin to be surgically removed (tighten abdominal muscles) giving you a tighter and flatter stomach. Tummy tucks are one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures and can be combined with liposuction to give all-over body contouring.
Tummy Tuck surgery is suitable for those who have sagging and stretched skin or tissue around the stomach, usually as a result of pregnancy or significant weight loss. There are several different types of tummy tuck that are best suited to the degree of excess skin and tissue to be removed. During the consultation, your surgeon will recommend which method is most suitable for you depending on your stomach and desired result.
You are most likely to benefit if;
- you are of a normal weight that is stable
- you have been overweight in the past but have lost weight and kept it stable
- you have suffered from a separation of the stomach muscles, through carrying excess weight and/or pregnancies
- this is not suitable if you are planning on becoming pregnant in the near future (it will not affect the pregnancy in any way but it will undo to a certain extent the results of the procedure.)
Who is Suitable for a Tummy Tuck?
With a tummy tuck, our specialist cosmetic surgeons will remove the extra skin and fat from your lower abdomen leaving you with a flatter, more defined stomach. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with this surgery as it improves the contour of the abdomen, waist, and hips.
Reducing the skin and fat on your abdomen and tightening the abdominal wall muscles - to correct a wide six-pack or counter the effects of childbirth – is carried out under general anaesthetic by our experienced plastic surgeons who will tailor the procedure to your individual requirements.
If you are of a healthy weight, you may be suitable for a partial or mini-tummy tuck. A smaller amount of excess skin requires removal and so a mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision than a full tummy tuck.
Abdominoplasty can also be performed to improve scars or bulges from hysterectomy or cesarian abdominal procedures. Elanic also offers a 'tummy tuck bundle' which is a mini-abdominoplasty combined with three areas of Smart Liposuction to produce a defined shape to the body.
Recovery
Recovery from a tummy tuck varies from person to person, however generally speaking immediately after surgery your abdomen will feel tight and swollen. In the following days when you stand up, you will not be able to stand up straight fully. As with all surgery, you will experience some swelling and bruising, this should start to subside within 4-6 weeks.
Depending on your occupation, you may be able to return to work after around three weeks. Your full recovery period is six weeks and heavy activity, abdominal exercises, and lifting anything of weight should be avoided throughout this time. You should arrange to have someone pick you up from your procedure and it's best to have someone at home to assist you in the immediate days post-surgery.
What are the Scars Like?
When the skin and fat of the lower abdomen are removed, a scar is left along the panty-line in most cases, although occasionally a scar may rise higher if an improved waist is required. A small scar is also left around the belly button. These scars are red initially but, in most cases, settle down over the first year. Our expert surgeons and aftercare procedure strive to ensure the best possible result for your surgery and can advise on aftercare post-surgery.
Have a look at our before and after pages to see the results of some previous patients.
This procedure will be done under a general anesthetic, takes around two hours, and will involve an overnight stay in one of our private hospital partners.
To find out more or to book a consultation contact us online or call the clinic on 0141 332 5106.
