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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.
FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions about Tummy Tuck Surgery)
In addition to the tummy tuck queries outlined below, please refer to Factors Common to All Surgical Procedures.
Q. What are the most important factors to consider afterwards?
A. It is important to understand and accept that the transverse scar at the base of the abdomen can take up to three years to mature and flatten in some cases. Also because the incision is closed under tension the scar can thicken or stretch. This may require further intervention at a later stage either with steroid injections or at worst, scar revision.
A collection of fluid under the abdominal flap (seroma) can occasionally delay healing. Usually this rectifies itself spontaneously but further intervention can sometimes be required.
Q. I am very concerned about my stretch marks, can these be removed?
A. Generally speaking, the stretch marks lying below the belly button will usually be removed but those above will not. It must also be appreciated that in some skin types when the abdominal wall is closed under tension in an attempt to flatten and tighten the stomach, more stretch marks may be formed. It is not always possible to predict whether this will happen but abdominal skin which has extensive stretch marks is more likely to suffer this condition.
Q. I am planning to have more children in the future but am so embarrassed at the state of my stomach. Can I have surgery now if I take extra care to do my post natal exercises after my next pregnancy?
A. The simple answer is that it is not advisable as you will almost certainly ruin the excellent result from previous surgery. Post-natal exercises will obviously be beneficial but the state of your tummy will depend on how much it was stretched by your additional pregnancy..
Q. Is it safe to have liposuction to the stomach at the same time as a tummy tuck?
A. There is no doubt that it is possible to compromise the blood supply to the abdominal flap when extensive liposuction is performed first in an attempt to “thin” down the abdominal flap. Cases have been reported where this has happened resulting in “flap necrosis” (destruction of tissue) and the result can be difficult to rectify. In such circumstances many surgeons will do the surgery in two spaced apart procedures, usually doing the liposuction first followed by the tummy tuck a few months later when the abdominal flap has had an opportunity to recover and regain an adequate blood supply.
To find out more about Tummy Tuck Surgery, click on any of the links below:
Tummy Tuck - Before The Operation
Tummy Tuck - The Operation
Tummy Tuck - After The Operation
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.
