FAQ

• who is the ideal full abdominoplasty patient?

  A full abdominoplasty procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat on the stomach. A full tummy tuck procedure addresses areas of concern for the patient both above the belly button and down towards the bikini line. This area can often be a cause of concern for many people and can be an area that causes some discomfort and confidence issues.

  It is worth noting that this procedure does not correct in a horizontal direction, which may be required in patients with significant laxity in the upper abdominal area. This is best addressed with a Fleur De Lys procedure.

• how is the procedure carried out?

  Prior to undergoing your full abdominoplasty procedure, a detailed consultation is required with one of our consultant plastic surgeons. During the consultation, the surgeon will talk you through any problem areas, desired improvements, options available, and expected outcomes.

  Should a full tummy tuck be agreed upon as the most suitable treatment, the procedure will be carried out by your surgeon in our newly refurbished operating theatre.

  After careful marking, the anaesthetic is administered. Tummy tuck surgery involves making an incision at the lower part of the abdomen, attempting to place this as low as possible within the bikini line. The skin is then carefully tightened and excess skin is removed. If required, liposuction and abdominal wall tightening are performed. The wounds are carefully closed with dissolving stitches and discrete dressings are applied.

• how does the procedure feel?

  The abdominoplasty surgery will be performed under a general anaesthetic to ensure total comfort for the duration of the procedure.

• Is there any downtime with a tummy tuck?

  Showering may commence the day after surgery as the dressings are waterproof. We will provide you with any garments that may be required. It is helpful to sleep on your back with a couple of pillows behind your knees.

  Gentle exercise may begin after a couple of weeks, slowly building up the intensity over six weeks. After an abdominal wall repair, it is advisable to avoid heavy lifting for three months.

  Following your abdominoplasty procedure, you will be seen by our medical team for a review after one week and further advice on aftercare will be given. Our medical team is available around the clock to answer any concerns that you may have in the weeks following surgery.

• Do you cut my tummy button off and does my tummy button move?

  The tummy button isn’t removed after abdominoplasty surgery, it stays where it is. It is the surrounding skin that is moved down and tightened.

• What will the scar be like?

  The scar will usually mature to a pale line. After a few months it is quite normal for the scar to look red and lumpy, but this will gradually settle as healing progresses.