Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is performed on men or women who wish to enhance the appearance of their abdomen.  The procedure involves the surgical removal of excess abdominal skin and fat under general anaesthetic and usually involves a 2 – 3 night stay in hospital to recover.  The objective of a tummy tuck is to improve and flatten the abdominal contour, tighten the abdominal muscles and remove any excess skin or visible scarring from the area.

Who is Suitable for the Procedure?

Men and women who would like to improve their abdominal contour by removing excess abdominal skin and fat.  The common causes of loose abdominal skin are:

• Pregnancy
• Weight gain
• Weight loss

The procedure is also beneficial to patients who are unable to tighten the abdominal wall skin through exercise and wish to achieve a smoother, flatter abdomen.

Expected Results

This procedure can provide excellent results for men and women wishing to improve their abdominal contour.  Those who have had successful abdominoplasty frequently report that their self-confidence and feeling of wellbeing is boosted following surgery.

This advanced corrective procedure needs to be performed by a Consultant Plastic Surgeon who is fully qualified and well experienced.  However, it is important to note that no matter how high the surgical standards, this procedure cannot be performed without the introduction of visible surgical scars on the operated area.

Another important consideration is that there is no specific treatment for stretch marks (striae) which are the scars left after extreme stretching of the skin.  Many will be excised during abdominal reduction and those that are left are tightened, which may make them look less obvious.

How is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

Techniques for a tummy tuck vary slightly between surgeons and according to the individual needs of each patient.  A standard abdominoplasty involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal wall between the pubic area and the umbilicus (navel) leaving the umbilicus in place.  The skin of the abdominal wall is then drawn down and sutured at the pubic level and the umbilicus is re-sited.  Repair of any laxity of the muscles or abdominal wall or hernia is carried out at the same time. 

The patient is left with a long, usually curved scar across the lower abdomen at the level of the pubic hair along with a scar around the umbilicus.  Patients are fully anaesthetised throughout the procedure, which can take an average of 2 hours to perform.

Following your operation it is likely that you will be attached to a drip to keep you hydrated until you are able to drink.  You are likely to have drains coming out of your lower abdomen to drain collections of blood and serum.  These will be removed 1- 2 days after your operation.  It is possible for fluid to accumulate after the drains are removed.  Depending on the amount, this will either be left to disperse naturally or will be aspirated.

Post-Operative Recovery

You may experience some moderate to severe pain, though patients often express that they experience a surprising lack of post-operative pain.  However, analgesic tablets (pain killers) are provided for any discomfort experienced.  You will be advised to keep your knees and hips bent to reduce the strain on your sutures.

It is usual for patients to take around a fortnight away from work following this type of surgery.  Over- activity in the early days reduces healing and increases fluid accumulation.  Light activities can usually be resumed from 10 days onward, though it is important to refrain from any strenuous exercise for 8 – 12 weeks as advised by your Consultant.

Variations to the Standard Tummy Tuck Procedure 

Mini Abdominoplasty

Surplus skin below the umbilicus is removed leaving a low abdominal scar at the level of the pubic hair.  The umbilicus is not disturbed but liposuction may be carried out at the same time to reduce the thickness of fat in the abdominal wall.  Any laxity or hernia of the abdominal wall is carried out at the same time.

Extended Abdominoplasty

Surplus skin and fat of the loins and back are also removed causing the scar to extend around the flanks onto the lower back.

Endoscopic Abdominoplasty

This procedure is used to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall to give better contour.  This is carried out through a short incision above the pubic hair.  Liposuction may also be performed through the same incision.  Skin is not removed during this procedure.

Apronectomy

A modification of the mini abdominoplasty.  This is suitable for patients who have a large excess of skin and fat hanging down over the pubic area; only the surplus skin and fat is removed.  The scar is long and transverse, it extends from one side of the apron to the other.

An alternative less invasive procedure to a tummy tuck that should always be considered before opting for the above procedures is liposuction.  This procedure reduces fat and may cause a little retraction of the skin.

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Consultant Plastic surgeon for an initial consultation, usually within 48 hours.  Abdominoplasty surgery is available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

You can’t usually use your private medical insurance for cosmetic surgery but you can pay directly for your Tummy Tuck treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are able to use your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• 0% and low finance options**
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

**Terms and conditions apply

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, Barnet, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.