Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty  – Tummy Tuck – surgery aims to remove the excess skin and fat from the mid and lower abdominal areas, as well as tightening the muscles to create a flatter, tighter stomach.

After pregnancy or significant weight loss, it is quite common to be left with excess skin in the lower abdomen and muscle separation, also called Rectus Divarication or Diastasis of Recti Muscles, which may be accompanied by lower back pain and lack of core strength.

Abdominoplasty focuses on contouring the front of the abdomen and it can be performed in combination with liposuction around the hips, flanks and pubic area to help sculpt these areas, as well as breast operations (augmentation, uplift or reduction) or arm lift surgery to address loose skin elsewhere on the body.

There are several abdominoplasty techniques that can be used:

Traditional Tummy Tuck

The traditional tummy tuck – abdominoplasty –  is the most common type of tummy tuck surgery. It is ideal for women and men in good physical health who have a considerable amount of loose skin around their midsection. Since it addresses the entire abdominal area, this procedure often involves moving the belly button to ensure it will achieve natural looking results.

Partial or Mini Tummy Tuck

Partial tummy tucks – abdominoplasty  – is less invasive than the traditional one with less scarring. The procedure is ideal for people with small amounts of excess skin, within 10% of their ideal body weight and those who are concerned with changing only the part of the abdomen that is below the navel.

Extended Abdominoplasty

The extended tummy tuck – abdominoplasty is designed to remove even more excess skin and fat than a traditional tummy tuck, whilst tightening the tummy muscles. This surgery is ideal for people have significant amounts of excess skin and fat around their midsection area, including hips and lower back and wish to redefine their figures following substantial weight loss.

Tummy Tuck Results

Full results from tummy tucks will take around 12 weeks to develop. During this time, you will need to take things very easy and surgical garments will need to be worn. Driving will be prohibited for a time, and a follow-up appointment will be required. These will be arranged at 1, 2 and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post surgery to closely monitor your physical well-being.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGEONS (BAAPS) FACT SHEET ON THIS PROCEDURE.