The Tummy Tuck Procedure

An abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure. A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the lower region of the abdomen. This procedure produces a permanent scar and can take patients up to six or even eight months to fully recover. Having said that, the procedure itself is relatively straightforward, with thousands of operations successfully carried out each and every year.

If you are considering a tummy tuck, it is important to meet and consult with your surgeon before and after treatment. He will be particularly equipped to answer questions relating to your specific condition, and will be able to inform you of the necessary pre-op preparation and post-op care as relates to your physical condition.

The procedure usually lasts several hours, and is largely conducted under a general anaesthetic. In some instances, the surgeon may opt for a localised anaesthetic and a sedative to relax the patient and desensitise the abdominal region. With a localised anaesthetic, the patient may still feel a pulling sensation, although the area will not be responsive to pain for the duration.

In a complete abdominoplasty, the surgeon begins by making an incision spanning the whole of the lower abdomen (i.e. from hip to hip, above the pubic bone). In a partial procedure, the incision is significantly reduced. After the first incision, a second incision is made to remove the navel from the surrounding tissue. This is to allow the surgeon to restore a natural looking shape to the area after the excess skin is removed. The surgeon next separates the skin from the surrounding tissues to reveal the abdominal muscles, which extend vertically up as far as the rib cage. The abdominal muscles are then pulled to tighten, before being stitched into place to hold their new shape. The overall aim of the operation is to promote a firmer, tighter abdominal wall. This is largely achieved by tightening theses long abdominal muscles, or the 'tucking' process. The skin is then stretched over the tightened abdomen, with excess skin then removed. A further incision is made for the navel, which is then replaced before the incisions are stitched and dressings applied.

Patients may be kept in hospital for several days after the procedure to ensure there are no major complications. In some cases, patients may even be released the same day, although it is important to take it easy until the body has begun to heal. Activities such as driving and heavy exercising are to be avoided before total recovery, although your surgeon will detail specific requirements to you at the time of your operation.

In the immediate aftermath of surgery, patients will feel some degree of localised discomfort and pain. This should subside soon after with the help of controlling medication. However, the larger healing process takes significantly longer, with some patients requiring several months before resuming physical activity. All things considered, the tummy tuck procedure really does produce effective, long term results. Despite the permanent scarring, patients can benefit from feeling and looking better, and can maintain the results indefinitely with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

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