Abdominoplasty Tummy Tuck
More commonly called "tummy tuck" surgery, abdominoplasty and the less extensive apronectomy (mini-tuck) flatten and trim the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen.
The shape of the abdomen changes during life for many reasons.
Pregnancy, weight variations, the simple fact of ageing can create significant problems with the appearance of the abdomen, which do not necessarily resolve although they will often get better with exercise and weight control.
Abdominoplasty is a moderate risk surgical intervention and general health conditions can significantly impact on the outcome of the surgery.
Problems like diabetes, hypertension, smoking need to be discussed with your surgeon and controlled to a significant extent before embarking on abdominoplasty surgery.
Abdominoplasty is a significant operation and is carried out under a general anaesthetic.
It typically requires at least one and sometimes two nights stay in hospital, in particular if an abdominal hernia repair takes place at the same time.
Following tummy tuck surgery the drainage tubes are typically removed between 24 and 72 hours after the operation. In some instances patients go home with the drains and return to the practice for the drain or drains to be removed.
The compression garment and compression plates for the abdomen need to be worn essentially continuously during the first three weeks but in some instances they can be of benefit for a little longer.
In the context of abdominoplasty surgery, the risk related to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is higher, because of the added pressure inside the abdomen.
It is therefore very important to combine early mobilisation, anti-embolism stockings during and after the operation, as well as injections that thin the blood for at least a week or sometimes longer.
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