 |
|
Tummy Tuck
Click here to see a video of our Senior Surgeon and Medical Director Andrew Skanderowicz F.R.C.S. discussing the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) operation.
Before The Tummy Tuck Operation
Introduction to Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) operation is designed to tighten the loose skin and muscles of the abdomen following pregnancy or weight loss. Abdominal muscle exercises will help tone up loose muscles following pregnancy but will not tighten loose skin or the postpartum “pot belly” which is caused by muscular separation (diastasis).
Apart from improving the profile, a tummy tuck also helps to remove stretch marks and scars from the lower part of the abdomen. It must be stressed that in some skin types, stretching the skin as part of the operative procedure can produce fresh stretch marks even above the navel.
A tummy tuck operation should leave as short a transverse scar as possible in the lower abdomen below the bikini line.
The London Cosmetic Surgery Centre has successfully performed tummy tucks on many women in over 20 years.
Am I Suitable For Tummy Tuck?
People who have lost massive amounts of weight often have an apron of skin hanging down in front of the abdomen. They often find that they get skin problems such as chafing and rashes under this apron which are difficult to control.
Most women who seek a tummy tuck do so for one or more of the following reasons:
1. If they are embarrassed by visible bulges when wearing a swimsuit.
2. If they are embarrassed by visible stretch marks, sagging skin or wrinkles when wearing a bikini.
3. If they have difficulty in getting clothing which hides or diminishes a protrusion or bulges.
4. If they limit social, leisure and sexual activities to avoid embarrassment.
Factors to Consider Before Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is not an operation to treat obesity as there will usually be only a small amount of weight loss but a significantly improved shape.
We do not recommend a tummy tuck to patients who:
1. Are planning future pregnancies.
2. Have unrealistic expectations of scars and postoperative results.
3. Have previous unfavourable scarring which may compromise the viability of the abdominal flap.
4. Are psychologically unsuitable.
You will need to take 2 weeks off work after a tummy tuck operation.
The Tummy Tuck Consultation
At the preoperative consultation for a tummy tuck you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire before you see the surgeon. After reviewing your medical history, the surgeon will specifically discuss the concerns that you have about your tummy/abdomen and what you wish to achieve with a tummy tuck.
The surgeon will examine your tummy (abdomen) and assess the amount of loose skin, the stretch marks and the distribution of fat in the abdominal wall and sides (flanks). The surgeon will also note if there is an overhanging bulge of fat and skin present. The amount of muscle slackness (laxity) following previous pregnancies is also recorded as the vertical midline (rectus abdominis) muscles may have separated and therefore require meticulous repair to bring them back together as normal.
Whilst you are lying flat on your back (supine), the amount of soft tissue (fat and skin) slackness (laxity) is determined by attempting to oppose the skin at the upper level of the belly button (umbilicus) to the upper limit of the pelvis (pubic bone). If this is easily achieved, then an additional vertical scar will probably be unnecessary. If this is not the case, then a vertical scar will almost certainly be necessary if a low horizontal (transverse) incision is used. The surgeon will explain this carefully to you in order to avoid any postoperative disappointment.
Whilst you are standing up, the surgeon will note the amount of abdominal bulge, slackness (laxity), wrinkling and excess hanging skin and fat. It is usually on standing that these deformities are most prominent as they tend to be less obvious when lying down.
Finally, the presence of abdominal scars following any previous surgery is noted and evaluated.
After examining you, the surgeon will outline what can be achieved with surgery and give you a detailed explanation of the tummy tuck procedure, the likely results and the usual course of postoperative events. The surgeon will also answer any questions that you may have about the tummy tuck operation.
At the end of your consultation, you will be issued with detailed written information about the tummy tuck operation which you are strongly advised to read carefully at home. If you have any further queries/concerns, these can be discussed with the surgeon at a further consultation.
To find out more about Tummy Tuck Surgery, click on any of the links below:
Tummy Tuck - The Operation
Tummy Tuck - After The Operation
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Tummy Tuck Gallery
or
Click here to download London Cosmetic Surgery Centre's "Guide to Tummy Tuck"
Further Information about Tummy Tuck Surgery can be obtained by reading our senior surgeon's latest book "Every Woman's Guide to Cosmetic Surgery". If you would like to purchase a copy, please click here.
