Abdominoplasty
sometimes known as a stomach tuck, is a cosmetic procedure to alter the shape of the abdomen (abdomen).
It may entail strengthening the abdominal muscles as well as eliminating extra loose skin, fat, and stretch marks. The goal is to remove extra skin from the stomach that cannot be removed through exercise, such as extra skin brought on by pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Given that the surgery is typically only advised for those with a healthy body mass index, it is not a quick fix for losing weight (BMI). Since an abdominoplasty is viewed as cosmetic surgery, it is typically not covered by the NHS.
Make sure you are informed of the cost and the fact that this is significant surgery if you decide to proceed.
What is it composed of?
Both of the two types of abdominoplasty—there are two—are typically carried out under a general anesthetic.
An incomplete abdominoplasty entails:
A deep cut (incision) is made across the lower abdomen, separating the skin from the abdominal wall below the belly button, removing the excess fat and skin, and then pulling the remaining skin together and stitching it in place.
A complete abdominoplasty entails:
- making a big incision right above the pubic area across the lower tummy, from hip to hip
- removing the abdominal button from the tissue that surrounds it with a second incision.
- Realigning the abdominal muscles while separating the skin from the abdominal wall
- removing extra skin and fat, creating a new belly button hole, and repairing it with stitches
- bringing the remaining skin together and securing it with stitches
- The procedure may take two to five hours. Most patients require a few nights in the hospital.
- Following the general anesthetic, you will likely experience some pain. If necessary, painkillers can be supplied.
You will leave the hospital wearing dressings and either tummy-control pants or a corset to apply pressure to your stomach. You’ll need a ride home and someone to stay with you for the next 24 hours.
Recovery
You’ll need to take four to six weeks off work to rest and work out. After the procedure, you won’t be allowed to drive for a few weeks (your surgeon and insurance company can advise you about this).
To fully recuperate and experience the full results of a tummy tuck, it typically takes 6 weeks. For six weeks, you will typically need to wear a special corset or pair of belly-control pants to encourage proper skin healing and to minimize any swelling. To avoid straining your stitches, you should generally take it easy during this time and keep your knees bent while lying in bed.
You’ll likely be asked to go to a follow-up appointment a few weeks later to check sure the wound is healing properly. You should be able to quit wearing a corset and resume most of your normal activities after six weeks.
Expected side effects
If you have a full abdominoplasty, you will also have a scar around your belly button and one running across your lower tummy.
Following an abdominoplasty, it’s also typical to:
standing up straight is difficult for you; you could feel like your stomach is being dragged in (this will improve over time)
- have swelling and pain
- have a temporary fluid-filled swelling above the scar and red, raised scars for the first six weeks before they eventually fade. Feel numbness in your stomach for a few months to years.
What possibly may fail
Sometimes, an abdominoplasty might lead to:
- thick, noticeable scars accumulating fluid in the area that was operated on, developing bulges under the skin, “dog ears” (extra skin) at the edges of the scars, and a collection of blood beneath the skin.
- stomach cramps or pain, numbness or pain in the abdomen or down the leg, and breathing issues.
