Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is the operation to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen/tummy. The majority of patients opting for this procedure are women who, following the birth of their children, dislike the effects childbirth has had on their body shape/appearance. Prospective patients tend to wear baggy clothing and long jackets to disguise their profile and are often embarrassed in swimwear. Even undressing in front of their partner can be distressing.
Basically the skin of the abdomen has been stretched by pregnancy and the underneath tummy muscles pushed apart leaving folds of skin and fat. If there is a scar from a Caesarean section or hysterectomy, it will usually appear even worse.
Weight loss can often make the tummy look worse and exercise does not improve it.
Abdominoplasty is not a solution to being overweight and should not be carried out to cure obesity. Ideally the patient should be within several pounds of their ideal weight and the reasons for you requesting a tummy tuck should be discussed in detail with your surgeon.
Abdominoplasty is a major operation carried out under general anaesthetic and requires a one or two night stay in hospital. The operation involves removing an area of skin and underlying fat, repositioning the tummy button (umbilicus). The resultant scar will initially be pink but will eventually return to normal skin colour and should appear just above the pubic hair.
Immediately after the operation the abdominal skin will feel very tight. It is recommended you have at least two weeks away from work and of course this may be increased should you have a very physical occupation. Your surgeon is the only person to advise you on this issue.
Abdominoplasty has always been a popular cosmetic surgery procedure and patients who have undergone the procedure enjoy a return to their tight flat tummy.
If you would like more information about our Tummy Tuck service, please get in contact with us by phoning 020 8971 8000 or use our contact page.
