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Tummy Tuck Surgery

  

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is more commonly referred to as a "Tummy Tuck". It entails removing a slice of the lower abdomen and stitching it back together just above the line of the pubic hair.
Before Surgery 10 Days after Surgery
Preparation
Patients are advised to take zinc and magnesium for at least one month before the operation to aid the healing process. Aspirin interferes with blood clotting and must not be taken three weeks prior to the operation (many painkillers contain aspirin). Smokers should stop smoking 2 weeks before and for at least a week after the operation. The type of general anaesthetic you would receive, is one designed to minimise the risk of you feeling sick afterwards.
What happens during Abdominoplasty?

The surgeon will examine your tummy to see if there is enough loose skin to be cut away without stretching the subsequent scar, note any scars that might interfere with healing and check to see if you have a hernia. He will also want to see whether your tummy button can be pulled right down to pubic hair level to check that you have enough loose skin.

The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic and requires one or two nights in hospital. It entails cutting from hip to hip just above the pubic hair, where there is a natural crease, and cutting around the tummy button and leaving it on a stalk. The surgeon sucks out any excess fat with liposuction - especially over the hip area and then frees the skin and fat from the surface of the abdominal muscle. The muscle is then tightened. The skin and fat are drawn downwards, the surplus cut off and the incision stitched into place. Drains will be inserted and removed 24-48 hours later.

Aftercare

After the operation you will stay overnight in a private hospital room with round the clock care.

It is very important to get up as soon as possible after the operation. You will be advised to wear a pressure garment for three weeks and stitches are removed after 12 days. You will be left with a long scar, which will be low enough to be concealed by a bikini, and a small scar around the navel. It will take about a year for the scars to soften and fade.

Remember to keep taking vitamins everyday, especially Vitamin C, to promote healing. The operation causes a lot of soreness and discomfort level is quite high, but it is controllable by simple painkillers.