A
tummy tucks, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical
procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the middle
& lower abdomen and from the waist. Patients are
rewarded with a toned and more youthful looking abdominal
area and an altogether slimmer waistline. In a tummy
tuck procedure, removal of fat takes place between an
incision line around the waist and the upper area of
the abdominal muscles. A second incision is made around
the navel, so the navel can be properly re-positioned
to blend well with the new abdominal contour.
How does it work?
In a tummy tuck a long incision
is made across the waistline in a broad U-shape. The
skin is then lifted and separated from the underlying
tissue and muscle of the abdominal wall. Excess fat
is removed, sometimes by liposuction, and the muscles
and associated tissue of the abdominal wall are drawn
together to create a tighter waistline. Finally, the
skin is pulled down tight over the abdomen, the navel
re-positioned, excess skin trimmed and the incision
sewn.
How long does surgery take?
A tummy tuck takes between 2 -
5 hours to complete. The patient has to be under a general
anaesthetic and an overnight stay in hospital is required.
What is the recovery time?
A full recovery takes 2 –
4 weeks, although normal activity can be resumed within
7 – 10 days. Strenuous activity should be avoided
for about a month after surgery.
How long will it last?
Tummy tuck surgery is generally
long lasting, but is very dependent upon the lifestyle,
diet and exercise regimes of the patient. Eating fatty
foods and not participating in exercise will lead to
a gradual build up of fat in the lower abdomen area,
destroying all of the good work a tummy tuck achieves.
Are there any side effects?
Bruising, swelling and soreness
of the stomach and hips is to be expected following
surgery, as is nauseous ness from the general anaesthetic
administered. All of these effects are temporary and
will subside within a few days to a week
To view tummy tuck
before and after photographs please click
here |
