Abdominoplasty

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic (you are asleep) and is usually a daycase. The operation involves removal of excess skin and some associated fat; it may also involve liposuction to adjacent areas to further reduce the volume. Additionally there is usually the opportunity to tighten the abdominal muscles which are often slightly separated, this is called divarication. The extent of skin excess determines the extent and placement of the scar pattern which will range from a relatively small transverse scar low in the abdomen to a full width hip to hip scar and occasionally a vertical scar up to the rib cage, this is called a ‘fleur-de-lis’. There are no drains and stitches are internal.

You will be immediately placed into a compression garment which you will continue to wear for a few weeks, depending on the extent of surgery, surgeons preference and personal comfort.

You will return after a week for dressings to be removed and wounds inspected, usually no further dressings are required, however, occasionally small areas may take longer to heal and require simple dressings. Strenuous activity should be avoided for approximately six weeks as this can stress any muscle repair as well as the healing skin. Swelling will probably take a few weeks to settle and by three months you will usually have a good idea of the final result.

Abdominoplasty is a very frequently performed operation and is safe with a very high patient satisfaction rate. However, all surgical procedures come with a degree of risk and it is important that you thoroughly research the procedure before committing to the operation. Further information on this can be found here https://baaps.org.uk/patients/procedures/3/tummy_tuck_abdominoplasty