Abdominoplasty - Tummy Tuck Treatment

An abdominoplasty (also know as a Tummy Tuck) is a popular form of cosmetic surgery for people wishing to regain a flatter abdomen.

Abdominoplasty is designed to flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. It is an excellent procedure to correct excess abdominal skin and repair muscle laxity following childbirth, prior surgery, or as a result of significant fluctuations in weight.

A full abdominoplasty under a general anaesthetic. The procedure takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the individual patient. The doctor will make a horizontal incision in the area immediately above the pubic bone. The length and shape of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Excess skin is removed and the weakened abdominal muscles are sutured together resulting in a smooth, tight abdominal wall. If necessary, liposuction may be used to achieve the desired correction. A small incision around the navel will be necessary to re-position the belly button.

You may be considered a good candidate for an abdominoplasty if you are physically healthy and your weight is stable. Patients considering abdominoplasty should have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their surgery.

After your surgery, the doctor will apply dressings to your incision. You will wear a removable compression garment in order to minimize swelling while supporting your abdomen as you recover for two weeks. The doctor may also place a temporary drain tube under the skin to drain any excess fluids that would otherwise collect around your incision. Typically patients can return to work after about two weeks. However, strenuous activity must be avoided for four to six weeks. After this time, you should be standing tall and confident with your new slimmer profile. Your scars will take approximately three to twelve months to fade and flatten.