Abdominoplasty - Tummy Tuck

 

Abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure where excess skin and fat from the abdomen is removed and muscle weakness can be repaired.

Surgeons at Sthetix Liverpool are highly trained to carry out tummy tuck procedures, with surgeries carried out at a number of CQC registered hospitals in Liverpool, Southport and Ormskirk. Our surgeons are some of the most experienced and fully qualified Consultant Plastic surgeons in the country. As members of BAAPS, BAPRAS and/or ISAPS, surgeons are required to have demonstrated a high skill level, as well as completed accredited specialist training.

 

 

Who is suitable?

Suitable candidates are men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight and women after childbirth. They often find that they are left with loose hanging skin, lax muscles and hard to shift pockets of fat. This can be a source of embarrassment, hygiene problems, lack of confidence, as well as limiting their choice of clothing and swimwear.

In cases where there is a small amount of excess skin only in the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, may be an option.

It is important to remember that abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure, and for this reason, a suitable candidate must be medically fit and psychologically stable. A detailed consultation directly with a Consultant Plastic Surgeon will provide you with the required information to make an informed decision.

 

 

Prior to surgery you will be asked:

 

• To stop smoking. Smoking introduces toxins into the blood which increase the risk of healing problems, loss of skin and anaesthetic complications. It is essential that smokers stop well before the surgery date (at least 6 weeks) and do not start again until wounds have completely healed.


• To discontinue oral contraceptive pills (use alternative methods)/ HRT


• Not to take aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs as they increase the risk of bleeding


• Not to take off-the-shelf herbal medicines or nutritional supplements.

 

You will be required to attend a medical examination at a pre-operative assessment clinic where certain tests may be carried out to ensure your safety during anaesthesia and surgery.

 

 

The procedure:

The surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic and requires a 1-2 night stay in hospital. The procedure involves making an incision from hip to hip in the lower (hidden) part of the abdomen.

The skin and fat is lifted off the muscles, and the excess is removed. If required, the muscles may be tightened, and the skin is stretched over the new, firmer muscle. Abdominoplasty, alone or combined with liposuction can take 2-3 hours. Tubes are used to drain any excess fluid from the area of the surgery and are removed before the patient is sent home.

 

 

Scar:

The scar is placed low in the abdominal area where it is usually hidden under normal underwear and standard swimwear. A small scar also exists around the bellybutton.

 

 

Recovery:

It usually takes 2-3 weeks to recover and heal from this procedure. Patients are advised to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks after this procedure.

• Smoking:
  Smokers are strongly advised to stop at least 6 weeks before surgery, and must refrain from smoking at least until fully healed. Smoking is well known to interfere with healing and increase the risks of complications.


• Exercise:
  It is recommended that gentle exercise in the form of short walks is taken as soon as you are comfortable. Strenuous exercise should start gradually, and only after 6 weeks.
  


• Return to work:
  Depending on the nature of work, most people are comfortable returning to work around 2-3 weeks after surgery.
  


• Driving:
  It is recommended that you don’t drive a vehicle for at least 2 weeks after the surgery.

Potential risks and limitations:

The most common cause of dissatisfaction after this procedure is a mismatch between the expectations of the patient and what can physically be achieved safely. As a result of this, it is important to have realistic expectations and an understanding of what is physically achievable.

 

During the consultations with your surgeon, it is important that you are honest about what you would like from the procedure, and the surgeon will be equally honest about what can be expected.

As with any surgical procedure, after tummy tuck, patients experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising around the abdomen. Potential risks include haematoma, infection, loss of skin, wide or lumpy scars, loss of sensation in lower abdomen and upper thighs, persistent pain and dog ears (folds of tissue at ends of scars).

 

Aftercare:

Your wellbeing is our first priority.  To monitor your progress we will arrange appointments at appropriate intervals for follow-up examinations with your surgeon.  All your aftercare is fully included in the cost of surgery.

When you are discharged, care instructions will be given to you and you will have 24 hour access to trained staff who will be there to advise you should you have any questions or concerns.

2 weeks after surgery, one of our trained staff will see you and check your wounds. The surgeon who performed your surgery will see you after 6 weeks for a follow-up and as often as required until you are fully recovered. This follow-up is a standard and will be provided at no extra cost.

In the unlikely event of a problem, arrangements will be made for you to be seen by trained staff, and if required, by the surgeon who performed the procedure. As all our surgeons live and work locally, it is always possible to see your surgeon at relatively short notice, if required. Our surgeons don’t leave the country, or indeed the local area after performing the surgery. On the rare occasion that the surgeon leaves the local area for other commitments, there will always be another trained plastic surgeon from our team available to provide care.

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