Abdominoplasty
(TUMMY TUCK)
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and is performed under general anaesthetic.
The procedure suits those with problems such as excessive skin laxity (looseness), excess fat and laxity of the abdominal wall muscles, often resulting in the skin flapping downwards. Typical patients have often experienced extreme weight loss or pregnancy and wish to create a more svelte looking abdominal area. It is often performed in combination with liposuction.
During the abdominoplasty procedure, skin and fat are removed from the stomach area and the abdominal muscles are repaired, tackling a number of conditions at once. While liposuction is used only to remove fat, an abdominoplasty can flatten the stomach area by tightening the muscles as well as recapturing a more hourglass figure.
An incision is made across the lower abdomen, above the pubic bone, and is positioned in such a way as to be invisible under swimwear and underwear. A circular incision is then made around the navel and the skin is then separated from the muscle, working up toward the ribs, stitching the muscles together then tightens the stomach. Excess skin is removed, and a new opening is made for the belly button.
Patients usually take around three weeks off work. Results are a flatter stomach with repaired abdominal muscles and removal of excess skin. A scar is created across the lower abdomen, which can be hidden
