Tummy Tuck

Procedure

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The two principle groups of patients who request tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery are women who have completed their family and individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight either through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery.

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The aims of surgery are to remove loose overhanging skin, to flatten and tighten the tummy and when necessary to correct bulges in the tummy wall due to muscle separation. The procedure can be combined with hernia repair if required. Liposuction is often used as an adjunct to contour.

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Process

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Surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes 2-3 hours. An incision is made in the skin crease above the pubic area and extends out to the hips. In a full tummy tuck the layer of skin and fat is undermined as far as the rib cage. The tummy button is left attached to the abdominal wall. The excess loose skin and fat below the belly button is removed and the upper skin is brought down to allow closure with buried dissolving sutures. The belly button is repositioned. If necessary separated muscles can be brought back together with a running stitch.

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Mini- tummy tucks are indicated for small areas of excess and bulge in the lower tummy. The incision is shorter and the undermining and tightening is limited to the area beneath the tummy button.

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Fleur de lys pattern abdominoplasty is sometimes performed for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and have vertical and transverse excess. This procedure results in a transverse scar and a vertical scar extending up the midline. Occasionally drains are required but we prefer to avoid this where possible.

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Aftercare

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Elasticated stockings and calf pumps are used to minimise the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Initially patients will wake up with two pillows under their knees and the bed conformed to bend them in the middle. However, once you are fully awake we will encourage you to mobilise. When you are resting the pillows are a good idea.

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Patients usually go home after one or two nights in hospital. The dressings and wound tape we use allow you to shower the next day. The dressing can be removed after a few days and the tape after two weeks. Most often there are no sutures to be removed.

Ken will see you regularly as an outpatient to check on your wound and general progress. We encourage the use of occlusive tape on the scars for three months to encourage a fine line scar.

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Depending on your job and the exact procedure performed 2-6 weeks off work may be required.

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