Further Information
An abdominoplasty is designed to give you a smoother, flatter stomach and a sleeker, sexier shape. A tummy tuck incision is usually made in the bikini line just above the hairline and around the umbilicus.
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Or depending on your particular requirements, your surgeon may discuss with you a need for a vertical scar. Excess skin and fat from the middle and lower area of the abdomen are removed during the procedure and the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened.
Depending on the amount of fat, the shape of the abdomen, looseness of the skin, and strength of the muscles underneath the skin, a less aggressive procedure known as liposuction may be recommended by a surgeon. Liposuction simply sucks the fat out from underneath the skin.
If your fat deposits are only in the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, or ‘mini-tummy tuck’. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done at the same time as liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for better body shape. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result for you. If you are considering a tummy tuck, R5 Aesthetics can facilitate your needs and requirements in a professional, welcoming environment with highly experienced cosmetic surgeons.
More about the condition
An abdominoplasty is performed under a general anaesthetic and will take 2 to 5 hours depending on the type of abdominoplasty. Partial abdominoplasty: A large incision is made which runs across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. Read More
The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall between the incision above the pubic hair right up to the navel. Fat deposits are removed and the skin is stretched down to the incision line, with the excess skin removed before it is restitched.
Full Abdominoplasty: A large incision is made which runs across the lower abdomen, usually from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is then made to free the navel or tummy button from surrounding tissue. Next, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribcage to reveal the abdominal muscles. Fat deposits are removed and the muscles are tightened. The navel is repositioned.
Dissolving stitches will be used during your abdominoplasty and draining tubes will be placed. These draining tubes will remain until significant drainage ceases and before your discharge from hospital.
Firm elastic bandages will be applied to support the area and a special individually sized garment will be given to you to wear. You must keep your dressings intact and wear your garment all the time until your first follow-up visit.
If you are considering a tummy tuck/abdominoplasty, R5 Aesthetics will be able to guide and advise you as to whether a partial or full procedure is needed during your consultation.
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Overview
Length of Surgery 3 – 5 hours.
Anaesthesia General anesthetic. Can be a day case or overnight case, but the procedure is always performed in a hospital operating theatre. Some patients may be required to stay for 2 nights.
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What to expect immediately after the operation Dressing overwound; pain and discomfort; drains; abdominal skin will feel tight & it will be uncomfortable to stand up straight for few days unaided; the patient will need to walk slowly with small steps and holding the abdomen with their hands; a firm garment such as cycling shorts or girdle type pants must be worn for 6 weeks every day and night, and then for another 6 weeks during the day.
Infrequent Complications Hematoma, bruising and swelling, wound breakdown, wound infection. Numbness can be expected in the lower abdominal skin for typically 3 – 6 months but may be permanent. Please refer to the Department Of Health website.
Recovery
- Shower/body bath after 48 hours covering the wound site.
- 5 – 10 days until socializing with friends & family and requiring analgesia.
- 3 – 4 weeks until bruising and swelling settles (may take longer).
- 12 weeks until return to gym and other strenuous activities. Start gently with cardio exercises.
- 12-26 weeks until full settling of swelling and final shape. Scarring will continue to improve for the next 12 months with very proactive scar management.
Post Surgery Advice
- Use recommended painkillers as required.
- Your surgeon will advise when to begin exercising and normal activities.
- Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice any signs of infection or if you experience bleeding or a sudden increase in pain.
- To improve the healing of scars, patients should consider: Massage; moisturizing cream such as E45/Nivea; 1-inch micropore tape across scar for 3 months to help with scar softening; silicon gel or sheet (we recommend Kelocote Gel); Vitamin E creams may also be gently massaged into your scar; support garment (the longer this is worn, the better).