What is Abdominal Reduction Surgery (Abdominoplasty)?

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck", is the surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen to improve contours and tighten the muscles.

Why is Abdominal Reduction Surgery popular and what are the benefits?

It is normal for the skin of your tummy to sag downwards with the passage of time, and for it to bulge outwards as muscles lose their strength and tone. For women, the problem is most frequently a consequence of multiple pregnancies, but in men and women it can also be a result of weight loss, weak abdominal muscles or a hernia. Once these changes have occurred, many people are unable to restore their youthful shape even with diet and exercise and turn to abdominal reduction surgery as an answer. A tummy tuck flattens and tones a saggy, protruding abdomen and gives the tummy a flatter, more attractive contour and - for women - a more shapely, feminine waistline.

Waistline Abdominoplasty - Tummy Tuck

This is a special technique in which emphasis is placed upon tightening in such a way to emphasise the waistline.

What does a Waistline Tummy Tuck procedure involve?

The abdominal reduction procedure chosen to achieve a flat tummy depends on the amount of skin and fat to be removed. Patients with good muscle tone and minimal excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen may benefit from a "Mini-Abdominoplasty" procedure. An incision is made across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area, and another below the navel to free the surrounding skin. The navel is not disturbed, and liposuction is usually carried out at the same time to reduce the thickness of fat in the abdominal wall. Loose muscles in the lower abdomen are then pulled together and tightened, repairing any slackness or hernia, producing a flatter tummy and a tightened waistline.

For those with a greater area of skin and fat, and looser muscle tone, a "Full Abdominoplasty" is usually necessary. This removes all surplus skin and fat from the abdomen and loins, the scars will therefore be longer.

The technique used for abdominal reduction surgery depends on your needs: your surgeon will discuss these with you at your consultation. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic, and depending on the extent of the tummy tuck and the technique used, you may be released the same day or remain in hospital for a couple of days.

What are the risks and likely after-effects with a Tummy Tuck?

Abdonimal reduction surgery, like any other surgery, involves a "trauma" to the human body and there are risks associated with any procedure. Each person's body is different, and your general health, level of fitness, age and genetic profile will all have an effect on the speed of healing and also on the risk of side-effects.

If you smoke, drink alcohol, are overweight and/or take drugs for medical or other reasons, the risk of complication during and after abdominal reduction surgery can be greatly increased. Smoking, in particular, is discouraged because it increases the risk both of wound breakdown and thrombosis (blood clots).

After abdominl reduction surgery it is normal for all patients to experience some pain and discomfort, tiredness, swelling, numbness and bruising. Some may also experience bleeding around the scar area and small healing problems are quite common, and can be treated with antibiotics and dressings.

A degree of scarring is a normal following a tummy tuck and it is an unavoidable consequence of this procedure. It will vary in appearance and severity, depending on the extent of surgery and on your body type. Your scars may appear to worsen during the first few months but this is normal. It may take up to two years before your scars flatten out and lighten in colour. Whilst they will never disappear completely following an abdominal reduction, they will certainly reduce and fade and your surgeon is careful to position them as discreetly as possible so that they will be covered by your clothes, including most bathing suits.

What will happen after the Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Post-OP

Your surgeon will see you when you have come round from the anaesthetic to check that all is well, and you will be fitted with a firm abdominal garment to provide support and reduce strain. As soon as you are fit to return home (usually a maximum of two to three days) you will be discharged and given medication and post-operative instructions as well as a telephone number in case you need to contact us in an emergency.

Week 1-2

Bed rest for two or three days after abdominal reduction surgery is recommended, whether you remain in hospital or at home. However, gentle mobility is encouraged as it helps to speed the healing process. Deep breathing exercises are also recommended.

Between 7 and 10 days after surgery you will also receive a check up and you can gradually build up your level of non-strenuous activity after this time.

Weeks 6-10

You may begin a light exercise programme around eight weeks after surgery to reduce swelling and improve muscle tone. Strenuous exercise, however, should be avoided until your surgeon advises you otherwise.

Your surgeon will see you again, usually 8-10 weeks after the procedure for a full post-operative consultation.

As long as you keep your weight relatively constant, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and follow your surgeon's instructions on resuming physical activity, the long-term results from abdominal reduction surgery are generally excellent.

Full Cover Policy

We're confident that you will be delighted with the results of your tummy tuck. For that reason, we guarantee that we will provide post-operative cover for a full three years after your procedure. It's our way of ensuring that you have peace of mind and confidence in Linia.