Abdominoplasty

Types of abdominoplasty surgery

Standard Abdominoplasty surgery

This is the most common type of tummy tuck. It involves removing all the excess skin between the bikini line and belly buttonin an elliptical design. The muscles are tightened to achieve a flatter appearance. The skin is then stretched down to the bikini line and the belly button is stitched into the original position by making an opening in the skin that has been pulled down. There will be a long scar along the lower tummy and one around the belly button.

Mini Abdominoplasty surgery

With this procedure, a smaller amount of skin is removed from the lower abdomen leaving a scar along the bikini line. Sometimes the muscles will also be tightened. The belly button is untouched.

Abdominoplasty surgery

Abdominoplasty is carried out under general anaesthetic and requires a two night post-operative stay in hospital.

Mr Chana employs an advanced technique for his Abdominoplasty procedure. It uses deep stitches to close the space under the skin, which in the vast majority of cases helps avoid the use of drainage tubes to collect any excess fluid that may accumulate. The technique also reduces the rate of late fluid collections (seroma) under the skin.

Once complete, a dressing is applied over the main suture line and umbilicus. A special compression garment is also required to help with healing.

Recovery after abdominoplasty surgery

If you have to have drainage tubes with your surgery, they will be removed before discharge from hospital. A light dressing may be required for a couple of weeks, which should be kept dry. The compression garment should be worn for 6 weeks.

Immediately after surgery the abdominal skin may feel very tight and indeed it may be difficult to stand up completely straight for the first few days. It is normal to feel moderate discomfort, however this is easily controlled by mild painkillers which will be prescribed by Mr Chana (Aspirin or non-steroidal medication must not be taken). Bruising will occur, but this will settle within 2 to 3 weeks. Mr Chana recommends taking Arnica for a week prior to surgery and two weeks afterwards to lessen the bruising.

Occasionally, fluid continues to collect under the skin even a couple of weeks after the operation. This is called a seroma and may need to be drained with a needle at your postsurgery follow-up. However, with the use of advanced techniques the rate of seroma formation is significantly reduced.

Numbness of the lower abdomen is also usual. It will gradually return to normal over a few months but a small residual numb area may remain near the middle of the scar.

The risks associated with abdominoplasty surgery

As with all surgical procedures there are risks. In the case of an Abdominoplasty they are small. Blood clotting problems can be a concern, so as a precaution you will have to wear T.E.D. stockings before, during and after the operation as well as mobilisation. Plenty of rest is essential too.

Wound infection can occasionally occur, but can easily be treated with antibiotics. Severe infections are very rare.

Smokers have an increased risk of delayed wound healing, therefore it is important to stop smoking as early as possible prior to surgery. Heavy smokers in particular, risk poor circulation to the skin which after an Abdominoplasty is pulled down to just above the pubic area. If any skin dies because of poor circulation it forms a leathery scab which would need to be removed at a later date.

An Abdominoplasty scar is quite long. After surgery it will be red and perhaps itchy. It will change to a purple colour as it heals, but it may take several months to change to a much lighter colour. Some distortion of the skin, particularly around the hip area may occur. Occasionally it might be necessary to carry out a small adjustment procedure in order to reduce this should it persist once the initial swelling has subsided.

A very small ‘roll’ or prominence may re-emerge just above the scar after many months, especially if the initial problem was severe. If this is of concern, it can be dealt with in a revision procedure at a lower cost to the patient.