| Procedure | Weight changes and pregnancies can stretch the abdominal skin and leave behind lax tissues and stretchmarks. An abdominoplasty (=tummy tuck / belly tuck) removes excess skin, fat stretchmarks and scars in the lower abdomen, leaving behind a transverse scar over the pubic hair line from one hip to the other. The skin and fat are undermined (=lifted off the underlying muscle) and can therefore be tightened. Abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction and muscle tightening (=rectus plication for divarication of rectus muscles). I don’t use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which don’t require removal and dissolve within four months. A support garment following surgery is recommended. Variations of abdominoplasty surgery are: |
|---|---|
| Mini–abdominoplasty: Tightening of lower abdominal tissues only | |
| Full abdominoplasty: Tightening of upper and lower abdominal tissues. A new belly button is shaped as part of the procedure | |
| Fleur–de–Lys abdominoplasty: Tightening of upper and lower abdominal tissues and narrowing the waist using an inverse “T”–scar | |
| Belt lipectomy (=lower body lift): Excision of a belt of abdominal tissues from front, sides and back | |
| Apronectomy: Excision of lower abdominal tissues without tightening. This is safer in overweight patients with medical problems but is less aesthetic than an abdominoplasty | |
| Scars | Mini–abdominoplasty: Transverse |
| Full abdominoplasty: Transverse & circular around belly button | |
| Fleur–de–Lys abdominoplasty: Inverse “T” & around belly button | |
| Belt lipectomy: Circumferential around body | |
| Apronectomy: Transverse +/– around the belly button | |
| Operation time | 2.5 – 4 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General > (Local) |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery > (Overnight) |
| Benefits | Cosmetic, Psychological, Functional, Symptomatic |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Skin cones, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis of skin and umbilicus, Fat cysts, Pain, Numbness, Weakness, Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Remaining stretch marks, Recurrent redundancy, Cosmetic imperfections (higher risk after subsequent pregnancies / weight changes), Seroma, Organ injury, Bowel problems, Contour irregularities, Functional problems, Liposuction: Friction / thermal burns and fat embolism, Allergic reaction, Need for further surgery, Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs |
| N.B. Most complications are unlikely and serious risks are rare | |
| Risk factors | Smoking / contraception / flights within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, weight changes, pregnancy, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency, diabetes |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage, sun protection, support garments, a healthy and stable weight |
| Discomfort | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 2 weeks, Driving 3 weeks, Physical work & sports & sex 6 weeks, Unrestricted 3 months |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 – 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective and patient dependent) |
| Final result | 6 –18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Garments, Exercises, Weight loss, Liposuction |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
