The important thing to remember is that an abdominoplasty is not about weight loss; it is about altering the skin and muscles producing a smoother, firmer look and feel. You will be responsible for adopting or maintaining a healthy lifestyle if you wish the results to remain aesthetically pleasing.
Planning for an abdominoplasty
The two main types of abdominoplasty are a full or mini tummy tuck. A full abdominoplasty addresses loose muscles and sagging skin over the whole abdomen, whereas a mini-abdominoplasty is suitable for patients who have just a small amount of loose skin, below the belly button. Although a mini abdominoplasty might sound more attractive in that it is less invasive, it is only possible in some patients.
Often an abdominoplasty can be combined with a liposuction procedure too. Liposuction is where pockets of fat that cannot be shifted by diet and exercise are extracted from beneath the skin and the extracted fat is then discarded. For the younger patient with more elastic skin, liposuction as an isolated procedure can be a better option, producing a flatter stomach without having to undergo an extensive surgical operation.
What to expect from the abdominoplasty operation
The operation is significant and as such takes place under general anaesthetic. During the procedure, I will make an incision just above the pubic bone, from hip to hip. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall, excess skin is removed and the tummy muscles are tightened. The operation itself takes between two and three hours and many patients will be required to stay in hospital for a few days afterwards until they have recovered sufficiently to be able to return home.
This is a major operation with a large incision required so you should expect some discomfort in the days and weeks following surgery. Scarring after a cosmetic surgery procedure is carefully monitored by myself and my team to ensure the best possible results and I may advise the use of surgical support garments.
I also provide comprehensive advice on when to return to normal activities including exercise and patients that can maintain their weight after an abdominoplasty can expect the great results to be long lasting.
