Pregnancy affects the body in many ways, most notably in the abdomen region. Post-pregnancy the skin and muscles do not always contract as hoped, and for some mothers, excess skin and lax muscles can be left. Improving the look of the abdomen post-pregnancy is increasingly more popular year-on-year, and Mr Chana offers tummy tuck surgery in the form of an abdominoplasty, or tummy-tuck, to help tighten the skin and muscles damaged by having a baby.
During pregnancy, the abdomen area expands gradually as the baby develops. Often once the baby is born, the new mother may find that she is left with excess skin, where the pre-pregnancy form has not returned. Tummy tuck surgery can reduce excess skin by removing the fold (or apron) and therefore improve the appearance of the abdomen. If necessary, the surgeon can also rebuild and tighten the abdominal muscles to further improve the structure of the abdomen.
A consultation with Mr Chana will be required to discover which technique or combination of abdominoplasty techniques is best suited to your concerns. During the consultation you will be asked about your aspirations, and what you wish to achieve through tummy tuck surgery. The finer points of the surgery itself will be explained to you in depth, and you will be encouraged to ask any questions you may have about abdominoplasty.
It’s important you understand the risks as well as the rewards of undergoing tummy tuck surgery. What are your expectations of the results of your tummy tuck? Are you emotionally able to cope with the results if they are not as you hoped? Are you prepared to accept you will be left with a scar?
Dr Chana will be able to show you where the scar will be placed; it runs from hip to hip and is designed to be covered by your underwear. Most women that opt for tummy tuck surgery decide the scar is a fair trade-off for a more toned, flatter-looking abdomen, but it is a consideration that must be made prior to surgery.
Techniques vary between tummy tuck procedures. There are two main forms of abdominoplasty surgery offered by Dr Chana:
– Mini tummy tuck
– Full/traditional tummy tuck
Tummy tuck surgery usually takes around two hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. During a tummy tuck, Dr Chana removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the muscle where necessary, before stretching the skin down to the bikini line. The belly button is then stitched into the original position by making an opening in the skin that has been pulled down. During a mini abdominoplasty, the belly button does not require repositioning. The amount of skin removed during tummy tuck surgery varies from patient to patient.
Recovery Notes:
• You’ll be required to stay overnight, and drains may be used post-operatively.
• You will require time away from work, and six weeks recovery time is recommended, though you may be able to return to work within a fortnight.
• Numbness of the lower abdomen is usual after this procedure. It will gradually return to normal over a few months but a small residual numb area may remain near the middle of the scar.
• Full recovery from tummy tuck surgery usually takes around three to six months, but this varies between patients.
• No heavy lifting is advised for several weeks.
Dr Chana has performed dozens of successful abdominoplasty surgeries. For more information, please book a consultation and a member of our team will contact you.