Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck)
This webpage will give you information about an
abdominoplasty. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP
or other relevant health professional.
What is an abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty (or ‘tummy tuck’) is a cosmetic operation to
improve the appearance of your abdomen. It may involve removing
excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles.
Is an abdominoplasty suitable for me?
It is common for the skin of the abdomen not to shrink back
after pregnancy or losing a lot of weight. You are most likely to
benefit from an abdominoplasty if you are self-conscious about what
your abdomen looks like.
Your surgeon will carry out a detailed assessment before
deciding if surgery is suitable for you.
What are the benefits of surgery?
If the operation is successful, your abdomen should be firmer
and have a better shape.
Are there any alternatives to an abdominoplasty?
Your appearance may improve if you follow an exercise
programme.
If the problem is caused mainly by too much fat, it may be
better to only have liposuction, where the fat is sucked out using
a small tube.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
usually takes between two and five hours.
The following are the main techniques that your surgeon may
use.
Standard abdominoplasty
This technique is suitable if you have a lot of excess skin.
Your surgeon will make a curved cut from one hip to the other.
They will remove any excess skin and fat. Your surgeon will then
cut under the skin above your umbilicus, pulling it downwards and
tightening it (see figure 1).
Figure 1: Standard Abdominoplasty
Sometimes they will need to reconstruct your umbilicus and
tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Mini-abdominoplasty
This technique is suitable if you only have a little excess
skin.
Your surgeon will only need to make a small cut just above the
pubic area to remove the excess skin.
Endoscopic abdominoplasty
This technique is suitable if you only need to have the muscles
of your abdominal wall tightened. Your surgeon will make small cuts
and use special surgical instruments to tighten the muscles.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in a surgical wound
- Blood clots
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Developing a swelling
- Numbness or persistent pain
- Cosmetic problems
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after two to three days.
You should be able to return to work after the second week,
depending on your type of job. You should avoid sex for the first
three weeks.
The results of an abdominoplasty improve gradually over the
first six months. The best results for you will happen if you keep
to a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
Summary
An abdominoplasty is a cosmetic operation to improve the
appearance of your abdomen. It is only suitable for certain people.
You should consider the options carefully and have realistic
expectations about the results.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Eoin O’ Broin MD FRCS (Plast) and Mr Graham Offer BSc
FRCS (Plast)
Illustrations: Mr Eoin O’ Broin MD FRCS (Plast)
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO
Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the
information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your
personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- North Tyneside, Cobalt Treatment Centre
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Orpington, Bromley Private Patient Unit
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital