Abdominoplasty: all you need to know about tummy tucksPublished on 18th October 2018
If you’re worried about excess skin in your abdominal area, a tummy tuck procedure is something to consider.
What is abdominoplasty and why is it performed?
Known more formally as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck it is a popular procedure for those wanting to remedy the issue of loose skin in the lower stomach area. It is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to remove excess skin and fat from the mid to lower abdomen and to tighten the muscle of the abdominal wall.
Loose and saggy skin around the abdomen can be due to obesity, weight loss surgery, pregnancy or the ageing process. Often, no amount of exercise or further weight loss can remedy the surplus of skin that typically occurs after rapid or extreme weight loss and having the residual skin can be unsightly and problematic.
Also, many people have very stubborn areas of fat that even if it were possible to lose it, they would still have the muscle separation that is sometimes so severe that an apron of skin is evident that hangs down over the pubic area.
This excess skin can cause discomfort, hygiene issues and rashes and the individual may experience difficulties in wearing certain clothes, in particular form-fitting clothing and swimwear.
It is often very difficult for those who have succeeded in losing their desired amount of weight to experience excess skin, and it can be very distressing after all their efforts to still feel unsatisfied with their appearance.
Those who undergo abdominoplasty are usually at or close to their ideal weight. It is not a weight loss procedure.
What does tummy tuck surgery involve?
Abdominoplasty is carried out under general anaesthetic. There are different degrees of abdominoplasty available, depending on individual patients. For full abdominoplasty, an incision is made from hip to hip and around the umbilicus (belly button). The excess skin and fat is removed from the umbilicus to just above the pubic area. The muscles above and below the umbilicus are tightened.
Patients are left with a large scar across the lower abdomen, but the appearance of the abdominal area is usually vastly improved despite it. Some drains may be in situ after the procedure, which will be removed before leaving hospital, typically 2 to 3 days later.
A mini abdominoplasty may be appropriate for those with a small amount of excess skin, where a smaller incision is made above the pubic hair and a wedge of fat and skin is excised. Sometimes the muscles are tightened. At Liverpool Cosmetic Clinic every effort is made to conceal the scars so that they are as inconspicuous as possible.
What results can I expect?
Patients who undergo abdominoplasty can expect a much smoother and more defined abdominal area. Those who undergo the procedure are usually very pleased and it is associated with very high patient satisfaction.
It is important to remember that it is major surgery, however, and a month or so off work is required in order to fully recover. A compression garment is required to be worn for 6 weeks postoperatively.
Abdominoplasty with Liverpool Cosmetic Clinic
Here at Liverpool Cosmetic Clinic, abdominoplasty is carried out by our highly-respected and experienced surgeon Mr Sohail Akhtar at Manchester. Mr Akhtar offers free mini advice appointments, for anyone wanting to discuss the procedure and any queries you may have.
All our hospitals are CQC approved and your treatment will be carried out the very highest standard.
For any further information or to book a consultation please get in touch.
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