What is it?
Tummy tuck - abdominoplasty - is surgery designed to remove skin and fat to produce a flatter tummy.
What does it involve?
A general anaesthetic, and the surgical the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen, along with tightening of any laxity in the abdominal wall muscles.
Will it leave scarring?
It leaves a scar which can extend from the hip, down the groin crease and across the pubic area. The laxer the skin, the more will be removed and the longer the scar will be.
What happens afterwards?
With the tissues being freed up to the rib margin there is a space behind the skin and fat layer and drains are used to help close this space. These are usually taken out on the second post operative day, so most patients will stay in hospital for 2 nights. Tapes are used to help support the wounds and an abdominal support corset is applied. The tapes normally stay on for10-12 days but the support garment should be worn for 4-6 weeks, to minimise any swelling of the lower abdomen whilst things settle.
When will I be up and about?
If the muscles have been repaired, then these should be protected for 4 weeks after surgery - patients should get out of bed by rolling sideways. Normal day to day activities can not be resumed for 4-6 weeks and impact exercise introduced gradually two weeks later.
What are the risks?
Complications are unusual but there are still risks:
- Because the tissues are pulled tight, there is a small risk of wound breakdown when the support tapes are removed. If this occurs, usually only simple dressings are needed to protect your clothes whilst the wound heals.
- Infection and haematomas - collections of blood - are uncommon.
- Fluid can collect after the drains have been taken out - seroma. If uncomfortable these can be aspirated, but most will settle on their own.
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus are rare.
- Secondary adjustments of the scar may be required, particularly if there has been some wound breakdown or the fold points at the end of the scar, (dog ears), do not settle.
- Any fatty bulges present in the upper part of the abdomen, pre-operatively, are brought down into the lower part, with surgery. Should this create a bulge, then liposuction may be required to improve the contour. This is something that cannot be done at the initial operation.
- Patients who have had previous surgery with scars on their tummy may require modifications to minimise the problems of wound healing. This may limit the final result and should also be discussed pre-operatively.
Read our glossary of surgical terms
You can find more information at www.douglasmcgeorge.com/ and www.baaps.org.uk/
