Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Removes excess skin and fat, tightening the abdomen

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure that cuts away excess, loose skin from around the stomach area.

The most common cause of loose skin in the lower abdomen is weight loss, and the skin forms an apron where fatty deposits once were.

Women who have just given birth may also seek treatment to reduce the amount of skin in the area, as it can cause discomfort and make people feel self-conscious.

Who is suitable for abdominoplasty?

The ideal candidate for abdominoplasty is someone who has excess skin around their lower abdomen.

It is also important to manage expectations and seek improved results rather than perfection.

We carry out detailed consultations prior to surgery to ensure you are equipped with all the information you need to make this important decision.

What happens during and after a tummy tuck procedure?

This procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and may require an overnight stay in the hospital.

The incision itself runs from hip to hip in the lower abdomen area – usually below the underwear line to allow for discretion.

Your surgeon will then lift the loose skin and tissue up towards the rib cage. Once the skin reaches this point, the surgeon will then repair the abdomen wall muscle. This process requires a lot of skill and can also help contour the stomach area and enhance the overall appearance.

Once the muscle wall is in good shape, the surgeon will stretch the skin to the new position before trimming any excess skin and tissue.

The wound is then closed with dissolvable stitches, and any fluid is drained before you leave the hospital.

The belly button usually remains in place, but sometimes, it is moved to a new position once the skin has been tightened in the area, and a new hole is created for it.

We will always discuss with you the different options and go through what to expect on a case-by-case basis.

What types of incisions are made?

In most cases, there is an incision made along the bottom of the abdomen, underneath the underwear line. An extra incision needs to be made around the belly button.

Is there any downtime after abdominoplasty?

As with any surgery, there is downtime associated with a tummy tuck procedure.

It usually takes between 2-3 weeks to fully recover from surgery, and special garments must be worn for at least 6 weeks post-surgery to ensure your body heals and you get the best result possible.

All patients of ASET Hospital will have 24-hour access to our team of trained clinicians, who will be on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Patients can usually return to work after 2-3 weeks, but it’s advisable to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity.

Follow-up appointments are very important, as they allow your surgeon to check the wounds and make sure you are healing.

Will I have scars?

While the incision is made below the underwear line to allow for discretion, you will scar after an abdominoplasty procedure.

You may also have a small scar around the belly button. Over time, the scar tissue will mature and begin to fade, but in some cases, it will remain visible.

What are the risks and possible side effects?

After abdominoplasty surgery, many patients experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising.

The potential risks of the surgery include haematoma, infection, loss of skin, wide or lumpy scars, loss of sensation in the lower abdomen and upper thighs, persistent pain, and seroma (an accumulation of fluid beneath the skin).

Your surgeon may use drain tubes left in place for a short period after surgery to reduce the risk of a seroma. However, sometimes your doctor may need to drain a seroma during your follow-up appointments.

DVT (deep vein thrombosis – a blood clot in the veins of the leg), PE (pulmonary embolism – a blood clot in the lungs) and dog ears (folds of tissue at the end of a scar). The scars from this surgery can also be asymmetrical.

It is important to remember that an abdominoplasty mainly affects the front of the abdomen, and whilst the waistline may improve, this isn’t guaranteed. Extra procedures like liposuction may be needed to address these areas.

It is important that you discuss your expectations with your abdominoplasty surgeon.

*Individual Results May Vary.

Post-Procedure & Aftercare

Your well-being is our priority, and ASET Hospital will provide a comprehensive and personalised aftercare package, which is included in your treatment.

In the unlikely event of a complication directly related to your surgery, we would provide or arrange further surgery and/or treatment at no extra cost.