ABDOMINOPLASTY (Tummy Tuck)

An abdominoplasty is an operation designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen.

Often described as a "Tummy Tuck", this operation is designed to deal with a variety of different problems that can affect the abdomen.

If:

• You have a significant excess of skin.
• You have an excess of fat.
• You have lower abdominal stretch marks.
• You have a lower abdominal over hang of skin.
• Your muscles have a weakness between them.

Then an Abdominoplasty may be the operation of choice for you.

In this operation, all of the skin and fat between the belly button and the pubic hair is removed. The skin from above the belly button is pulled down to cover the whole abdomen and the belly button is repositioned. If there is a weakness between the muscles of your abdomen (you can check as described below), I would repair that weakness during the operation. I often do liposuction of the sides of your abdomen at the same time.

As a result of this type of surgery, large overhangs or excesses of lower abdominal skin and fat are removed, leaving a much flatter shape.

If you do have a weakness of the muscle structure of your abdomen, this can result from pregnancy, you are likely to be much more comfortable after the repair. That weakness, or divarication, can be a cause of backache which is relieved following surgery.

Do you have a divarication?

Lie flat on your back and put your hand flat on your tummy just above the belly button. Now lift both legs straight up about six inches. If you feel a bulge push up against your hand (like the Alien trying to get out), your may have a Divarication. (You need to check below the belly button as well).

Don't worry if you are not sure, I will advise you when come in to see me.

If you do not think your situation is as bad as all that, a tummy tuck might be more than is needed and a mini abdominoplasty or even just liposuction might be enough.

Have a read through those sections of the web site and see what you think. When you come in to see me we will sort out what is best for you.

Men:

The male tummy tuck

Obviously, except for the pregnancy issues, men can also benefit from this type of surgery. It is worth noting that men have a tendency to deposit fat in a structure inside the abdomen called the omentum. A fairly large "beer" belly on an otherwise relatively lean individual is likely to be fat inside the abdomen. This fat is out of reach for cosmetic removal. Diet and exercise (and fewer pints) are the solution.

If you can pinch up a good handful of fat and skin when your stomach muscle are tightened, then surgery may be able to help.

Weight loss patients:

I am always impressed by patients who are dedicated and determined enough to lose large amounts of weight. They come to see me because they are left with large loose folds of skin. If this is your situation, it is best to come in and see me and we can discuss your individual situation and what can and can't be achieved.

An abdominoplasty is the right operation for a variety of different situations. If you think it might be the best operation for you, arrange a consultation and we can review the situation together.

What is involved in the surgery?

The operation is done under a General Anaesthetic. You will be admitted to Hospital and stay in for two or three nights.

The recovery from a Tummy Tuck:

• You will be up and about and showering in Hospital.
• You should be driving between seven to ten days.
• You could be doing light exercise at seven to ten days and heavy exercise at three weeks.
• You should be able to return to light work duties in about two weeks.

You will be encouraged to get up the day after operation, by the time you go home you will be able to shower and get around comfortably. I will ask that you take it easy for the first few days, no shopping and heavy bag carrying or vacuuming the house, but you will be able to go for short walks, etc. Depending on the type of work you do work should start at about two weeks. I can discuss all this in more detail when I see you in clinic.