Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) is the surgical procedure performed to improve the shape and contour of your tummy. The operation is performed to remove excess skin, unwanted scars, stretch marks, fat and also tightens the stomach muscles.

Who is suitable for a tummy tuck?

There are a variety of different abdominoplasty procedures that may be suitable for you depending on your age and specific circumstances. These include:

Liposuction
Typically, liposuction is suitable for younger patients, who have not been pregnant, who have good-quality elastic skin and whose main problem is an excess of fat. Often patients have what might be termed a ‘pot belly’ – a slight excess of fat in the lower tummy. Liposuction involves small incisions, through which excess fat is removed. The wounds are then closed and some skin shrinking or tightening can be expected in the months following surgery.

Mini-Tummy Tuck
This is performed on slightly older patients who may have had previous pregnancies (causing the muscles below the belly button to splay apart), and who have a slight excess of skin and fat, especially below the belly-button. A wedge of ellipse of skin and fat is cut from the lower tummy, leaving a horizontal scar similar to that from a Caesarean Section. Liposuction is performed on the upper tummy and waist
and muscles below the belly-button are tightened. The belly-button itself is stretched slightly to become more elongated, and generally
more appealing.

Classic Tummy Tuck
In patients with a greater degree of slack/excess skin, excess fat and splaying of the muscles, a classic tummy tuck may be required (not
in women who are planning future pregnancy). An incision is made from hip to hip, around the bully button and a larger wedge of skin is excised from above the belly button to just above the pubic hair. Some areas may be treated with liposuction and the muscles above and below the belly-button are tightened. Although this operation leaves the biggest scar, it provides the greatest degree of improvement in shape.

What to expect at the initial consultation?
At the initial consultation, Mr Fleming will discuss your thoughts and needs with you and elicit a past medical history. At this stage, Mr Fleming will assess whether abdominoplasty is suitable for you and whether the operation will meet your specific needs. Your abdomen
will then be examined by Mr Fleming to assess skin quality and the quantity of fat and muscle tone.

It is important that you mention to Mr Fleming any previous abdominal surgery, pregnancies, previous leg or lung blood clots and whether you smoke. If you are on any long-term medication, if you have any allergies, if you have a tendency to bleed or bruise easily, if you have had any previous surgery, if you had any problems with local or general anaesthesia and if you have any medical ailments, tell you surgeon.

Where does the treatment take place?
Your operation can take place at either Parkside Hospital Wimbledon, St Anthony’s Hospital, Cheam or The New Victoria Hospital, Kingston upon Thames. You can expect to spend 2-3 nights in hospital recovering from the operation before going home.

What can go wrong?
In general, abdominoplasty is safe and results are entirely predictable, with an associated high-degree of patient satisfaction. Nevertheless, no surgery is without risk and Mr Fleming will explain the risks and possible side-effects of treatment with you at your consultation.

How long does it take to recover?
Recovery can take up to 4 weeks and you are not advised to return to work during the recovery period.

How satisfied can you expect to be with the procedure?
Mini or Classic tummy Tucks produce excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin and fat. In most cases, the results are long lasting, especially if you avoid weight-gain, follow a balanced-diet and exercise regularly. Patients frequently experience improved self-confidence from an improved abdominal contour.

Scars are inevitable with any operation, but with time these should decrease and appear much less conspicuous.

Mr Fleming can discuss the exact nature of your treatment, including procedure details, recovery times and any possible side-effects at a consultation. This will reflect your exact circumstances and needs. The information included here is provided for general guidance only.

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