Abdominoplasty + 360 degree Body Contouring.
Loose skin can be especially so for women whose skin and muscle has been stretched by pregnancy. Weight gain followed by a significant loss in weight can be another reason why the abdomen becomes rounded with loose and sometimes overhanging skin. An abdominoplasty is designed to give you a smoother, flatter stomach and a sleeker, sexier shape.
A tummy tuck incision is usually made in the bikini line just above the Pubic hair line and around the umbilicus. Or depending on your particular requirements, your surgeon may discuss with you a need to add a vertical scar. Excess skin and fat from the middle and lower area of the abdomen is removed during the procedure and the fascia over muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened.(Plication)
Depending on the amount of fat, shape of the abdomen, looseness of the skin, and strength of the muscles underneath the skin, a less aggressive procedure known as liposuction may be recommended by a surgeon. Liposuction simply sucks the fat out from underneath the skin.
If your fat deposits are only in the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, or ‘mini-tummy tuck’. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done at the same time as liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body shape and contour Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result for you.
If you are considering a tummy tuck / abdominoplasty, London’s Surgery will be able to guide and advise you as to whether a partial or full procedure is needed during your consultation.
Abdominoplasty & Body Contouring Overview
Length of Surgery
3 – 5 hours.
Anaesthesia
General anesthetic. Usually an overnight case, but the procedure is always performed in a hospital operating theatre. Some patients may be required to stay for 2 nights.
What to expect immediately after the operation
Dressing over wound; pain and discomfort; drains; abdominal skin will feel tight & it will be uncomfortable to stand up straight for few days unaided; patient will need to walk slowly with small steps and holding the abdomen with their hands; a firm garment such as cycling shorts or girdle type pants must be worn for 6 weeks every day and night, and then for another 6 weeks during the day.
Infrequent Complications:
Hematoma, bruising and swelling,wound breakdown,wound infection. Numbness can be expected in the lower abdominal skin for typically 3 – 6 months, but may be permanent. Permanent scars and at time slight asymmetrical because of shape of the body and my require further revision.
More About The Operation
An abdominoplasty is performed under a general anaesthetic and will take 2 to 5 hours depending on the type of abdominoplasty.
Partial abdominoplasty: A large incision is made which runs across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall between the incision above the pubic hair right up to the navel. Fat deposits are removed and the skin is stretched down to the incision line, with the excess skin removed before it is restitched.
Full Abdominoplasty: A large incision is made which runs across the lower abdomen, usually from hip bone to hip bone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is then made to free the navel or tummy button from surrounding tissue.
Next the skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribcage to reveal the abdominal muscles. Fat deposits are removed and the muscles are tightened. The navel is repositioned.
Dissolving stitches will be used during your abdominoplasty and draining tubes will be placed. These draining tubes will remain until significant drainage ceases and before your discharge from hospital.
Firm elastic bandages will be applied to support the area and a special individually sized garment will be given to you to wear. You must keep your dressings intact and wear your garment all the time until your first follow-up visit.
If you are considering a tummy tuck / abdominoplasty, London’s Surgery will be able to guide and advise you as to whether a partial or full procedure is needed during your consultation.
Treatments
Recovery
- Shower/body bath after 48 hours covering the wound site.
- 5 – 10 days until socializing with friends & family and requiring analgesia.
- 3 – 4 weeks until bruising and swelling settles (may take longer).
- 3-4 weeks until bruising and swelling settles. May take longer.
- 12 weeks until return to gym and other strenuous activities. Start gently with cardio exercises.
- 12-26 weeks until full settling of swelling and final shape. Scarring will continue to improve for the next 12 months with very proactive scar management.
Post Surgery Advice
- Use recommended painkillers as required.
- Your surgeon will advise when to begin exercising and normal activities.
- Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice any signs of infection or if you experience bleeding or a sudden increase in pain.
- Massage; moisturizing cream such as E45/Nivea; 1-inch micropore tape across scar for 3 months to help with scar softening; silicon gel or sheet (we recommend Kelocote Gel); Vitamin E creams may also be gently massaged into your scar; support garment (the longer this is worn, the better).
- Small dose of diuretic to remove excessive fluid retention for 30 days.
Submit Enquiry
If you are interested in a particular treatment, please contact us or to find out more about our clinic, please follow the link below.
