Do you want a rockin’ bod? FAQs about abdominoplasty

If you’ve recently dramatically shaped up your silhouette, you may find that you’re stuck with some extra baggage and don’t know how to get rid of it. Well, the tummy tuck may be something to consider. Leading plastic surgeon Nick Pantelides answers every question you may have about abdominoplasty.

What is abdominoplasty?

A standard abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure in which the skin of the lower abdominal area (around the stomach) is refined by removing excess skin and fatty tissues and tightening the abdominal muscles.

What does an abdominoplasty entail?

An abdominoplasty is a major surgery that requires a general anaesthetic. The procedure can take between two to four hours. A cut is made underneath the belly button and will be sealed with stitches, though there could be more depending on the type of abdominoplasty. There will be scarring that should fade with time along the bikini line and another around the belly button, which may need to be relocated to suit the new proportions of the patient. Patients should not drink or eat anything beyond water up to six hours before the surgery.

Who is suitable for abdominoplasty?

Though it might be misconceived as a weight-loss surgery or a fat removal procedure like liposuction, abdominoplasty is for patients who have had notable weight loss and want to manage any baggy, stretched-out skin. For example, someone who has recently given birth or someone whose skin has separated from their anterior rectus muscles. It is not suitable for patients who experience weight fluctuations regularly or have inelastic skin. Furthermore, frequent smokers, people experiencing heart problems, people with diabetes, or people on anti-coagulant medications are not recommended to have this procedure.

If you are planning further weight loss or pregnancy, then you are encouraged to wait until after these goals have been realised.

Types of abdominoplasty

There are several kinds of abdominoplasties aside from the standard, including:

• Mini abdominoplasty, where only a small section of skin and fat is removed and the resulting scar should be hidden around the bikini line. This is only suitable for patients who do not have a lot of excess skin to get rid of.
• Fleur de Lys abdominoplasty which is similar to the standard except for an extra cut that will run vertically on the front of the abdomen. This is to facilitate the removal of fat and skin from higher areas of the abdomen and is more suitable for those who have more excess skin as a result of significant weight loss.
• Extended abdominoplasty is similar to the standard abdominoplasty, but the surgical scar will extend around the bikini line to past the hips and to the back. This procedure is to accommodate those who have a lot of excess skin after extreme weight loss.  

What are the risks of abdominoplasty?

As with any major surgery, there are risks to consider, such as:

• discolouration, excessive scarring or keloids
• infection during healing
• blood clots
• asymmetrical healing
• nerve damage
• issues with anaesthesia during the procedure
• pulmonary embolism

What is the healing process for abdominoplasty?

For around three weeks, there will be feelings of restraint and tightness around the abdominal area, and some physical discomfort that can be eased with the prescribed painkillers. It is recommended that the patient take six weeks to heal, during which time the patient should avoid strenuous activities like exercise, driving, or work, if need be. Patients should maintain personal hygiene to facilitate the healing process and prevent infection.

Patients need to wear a girdle-like bandage to help support healing, apply pressure, and minimise swelling for some weeks. This will help with the texture of the scar, and continued vigilance with suncream application will help to keep the colouring consistent.

If you are thinking of abdominoplasty or other cosmetic surgery services, Mr Nick Pantelides is available for consultation via his Top Doctors profile.