ABDOMINOPLASTY, or “tummy tuck,” is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper, middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in good health and relatively good shape, but are bothered by a large fat deposit and/or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.
If your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also known as a mini tummy tuck. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from a complete abdominoplasty. Liposuction alone may be satisfactory. After careful assessment and discussion, we will recommend the procedure or treatment that, in our opinion, is most appropriate for you and addresses your main concerns regarding your body contour.
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of surgery required. Partial abdominoplasty may take 2 to 3 hours. Abdominoplasty is carried out under general anaesthesia and requires 1- 3 nights stay. Most commonly, a long incision will be made from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made around the belly button to free it from the surrounding skin and subcutaneous tissue. (The belly button is not removed, but is moved. It remains attached to its deep tissue connections.)
Next, the layer of skin and fat is separated from the abdominal wall up to the lower border of the rib cage (ie the costal margin).This large skin flap is lifted to reveal the vertical muscles of the abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.
The skin tissue flap is then stretched down and the excess skin is removed. A new hole is fashioned for your belly button, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the wound will be closed with 3 layers of stitches, dressings will be applied, and temporary drain tubes will be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the belly button may not be moved. In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the belly button. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place. Most of the sutures used are dissolvable.
If you are considering Abdominoplasty we can certainly guide and advise you. We want your new shape to be as attractive and appropriate for you as possible. All surgical procedures have limitations. Therefore, if for any reason we feel that we are unable to fulfil your expectations we will tell you immediately. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss this procedure. Following consultation we encourage you to take as much time as you need to reach your decision, and either contact us or come and see us for further discussions if desired.
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