ABDOMINOPLASTY

Abdominoplasty, more commonly know as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the tummy or abdomen. The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The operation itself takes about 2 to 3 hours to perform.

Tummy tuck is one of our most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures. Mr Reza Nassab, lead surgeon at CLNQ, is well known for his mummy makeover procedures which combine breast and tummy surgery. The mummy makeover has been featured on the TV show Real Housewives of Cheshire.

HOW IS AN ABDOMINOPLASTY DONE?

The tummy tuck is performed under a general anaesthetic which means you will go to sleep to have this done. If you are having a mini tummy tuck procedure is usually a day case which means you will be discharged the same day. A full abdominoplasty may require an overnight stay in hospital. The surgeon will remove the excess skin and fat from the abdomen. The incision is then stitched closed and dressing applied. Patients will need to wear support garments for about 6 weeks following surgery.

WHO IS SUITABLE FOR A TUMMY TUCK?

Tummy tucks are performed for many reasons and some of these include:

Improve self confidence
Help appearance in certain clothes, underwear or swimwear
Improve the balance of the figure
Feel more feminine
Remove loose skin following weight loss or pregnancy
Tighten the weakness in tummy muscle, also called diastasis, after having children
Improve the overhang of skin or improve the scars from surgery or previous C sections

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TUMMY TUCK?

There are a few different variations of the abdominoplasty procedure depending on the amount of tissue to be removed, need for muscle repair and desired outcomes. The types of tummy tuck include:

Mini Tummy Tuck - This procedure is used in patients who have a small area of fullness or pouch in the lower tummy area or slight overhang.
Full Tummy Tuck - This procedure removes skin and fat from the level of belly button to just above the pubic area. This is useful for patients with a lot of loose skin or larger overhang.
Fleur de lis - This abdominoplasty also has a vertical scar and used in patients that have more loose skin in the midline that needs removal.
Circumferential - This is a full body lift or 360 degree procedure that may be required in patients following massive weight loss resulting in excessive loose skin.

What are the risks of abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic. The procedure involves removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen and improving the contour of the body. Some potential risks with tummy tuck are discussed below although your surgeon will discuss these and more during your consultation.

Bruising, Swelling, Bleeding

Scar

Asymmetry

Change in Sensation

Contour Irregularities

Infection

Deep Organ Injury

Changes with Time and Weight