COSMETIC SURGERY

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Excess skin and fat on the abdomen - whether the result of pregnancy, Caesarean section or weight loss - may be very difficult to reduce through diet and exercise. The solution is plastic surgery tummy tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty. This offers a range of procedures to suit individual circumstances. Apart from liposuction (which is often carried out as part of the operation), all these procedures result in a lower abdominal scar, which is placed in the bikini line. Sometimes, a scar is also produced around the umbilicus (tummy button). Stretch marks are not corrected with this procedure but marks on the skin will be removed.

As well as removing extra fat and skin by Abdominoplasty, the procedure may include tightening of the abdominal muscles to flatten the abdomen after tummy tuck and recreate a waistline. The operation is normally performed under a general anaesthesia usually followed by at least an overnight stay, as plastic surgical drains from the wound will normally be removed the day after the surgery. Pain in the early phase after the surgery can be controlled by tablets or injections and sometimes a continuous pump to administer the painkiller on demand.

It is usually necessary to wear a corset support for a few weeks after the operation and there may be some numbness of the skin of the lower abdomen for up to six months.