Abdominoplasty surgery, often referred to as a tummy tuck, is a procedure to reshape the abdomen. There are a variety of procedures available and operations can be tailored to suit a patient’s wishes and needs. Generally speaking, however, this surgery is most commonly carried out to remove excess skin, unwanted scars, stretch marks and fat, and to tighten the stomach muscles.
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Why you might need tummy tuck surgery
Typically, patients who are interested in this surgery experience at least one of the following:
- Loose, excess skin with develops with age and following pregnancy
- Surplus skin and fat on the abdomen after rapid weight loss
- Loose, ‘overhang’ skin that will not reduce despite increased exercise and positive changes to diet
The ideal patient for this surgery is someone whose weight is stable, particularly those who have been overweight and have lost the excess weight. This is not an operation for people who are overweight, or as an attempt at losing weight. In appropriate patients this procedure can have a very marked effect and is associated with high patient satisfaction.
Assessment for this surgery
Before you go ahead with the surgery, it’s important you understand how the procedure works and what will work best for you. Mr Sherif Wilson FRCS (Plast) will be more than happy to meet with you as many times as you need to ensure you are comfortable and happy before the surgery takes place.
What does this procedure involve?
There are several types of tummy tuck surgery and following a consultation(s) Mr Wilson will advise which is best for you.
Mini abdominoplasty
A mini abdominoplasty is suitable if there is only a small amount of excess skin. Excess skin below the umbilicus (belly button) is removed leaving a low abdominal scar at the level of the pubic hair.
Standard abdominoplasty
A standard abdominoplasty is most suitable for patients who have lots of excess skin and fat. Performed under general anaesthetic, this operation can require patients to be in hospital for two to three days. During the operation, an incision is made from hip to hip. The excess skin and fat is excised from the umbilicus (belly button) to just above the pubic hair. Although this operation leaves a larger scar, it does provide the greatest improvement in abdominal shape. It is also important to advise that if you have prominent flanks (love handles) this surgery will not solve this problem. In this case, it may be recommended that you have a combination procedure of abdominoplasty with liposuction to the flanks (love handles).
Fleur-De-Lys abdominoplasty
For patients with lots of excess skin on the lower and upper tummy, and with muscle separation, a Fleur-De-Lys tummy tuck might be appropriate. The excess skin and fat is excised from the umbilicus (belly button) to just above the pubic hair. The muscles above and below the umbilicus (belly button) are tightened. Here, as well as the long horizontal cut of the standard tummy tuck, there is a vertical cut too, so the scar looks like an anchor. Performed under general anaesthetic, this operation can require patients to be in hospital for two to three days.
Liposuction
Liposuction can sometimes be done at the same time as the abdominoplasty. However, liposuction can be recommended instead of an abdominoplasty for younger patients who have good quality, elastic skin and whose main problem is a localized excess of fat. A general anaesthetic is most commonly used, but treatment can often be as a day case. During the procedure, small incisions are made, excess fat is removed and the wounds are then closed. Some degree of skin tightening or shrinkage can be expected as well, but the results of liposuction can sometimes be unpredictable. Liposuction alone will have less effect than abdominoplasty.
Before and after gallery
Going home after surgery
Patients will be admitted on the day of surgery, and the length of stay depends on which procedure is carried out. With a full abdominoplasty you will have some dressings on your tummy and usually some drains (plastic tubes attached to suction bottles). The drains will be removed before you go home. Patients are required to wear a pressure garment for at least 6 weeks post-surgery. Patients will be mobile from day one and should be back to full exercise within six weeks. Patients are recommended to take two weeks off work immediately after the operation in order to ensure they recuperate fully.
How much does this surgery cost?
Depending on the type of procedure you require, the cost of surgery can vary. These are guide prices (based on a standard abdominoplasty) and are subject to change following an initial consultation with Mr Wilson, where a bespoke quote will be provided, specific to each patient. Please see prices below:
At Spire Bristol Hospital
From £6,400
At BMI Bath Clinic
From £5,900
At Winfield Hospital (Gloucester)
From £6,900
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