: : www.cosmeticsurgery-thailand.com : :

: : Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) : :

    Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a “tummy tuck”, is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdominal area. The muscles located in the abdominal wall are also tightened as part of this procedure.

    The procedure has the effect of flattening the stomach and improving the appearance of a protruding abdomen. Abdominoplasty is common amongst those who have poor skin elasticity in the abdominal area, or women who have lost skin and muscle tone in this area as a result of multiple pregnancies.

    This document provides information about what you can expect before, during and after abdominoplasty surgery. Further information, including an estimate of cost, is available on request.

Is a Tummy Tuck right for you?

    Ideally, men or women considering a tummy tuck should be in good health with loose skin or fat deposits around the abdominal area that will not respond to diet or exercise.

    Women undertaking this procedure should not be planning future pregnancies, as muscles tightened during a tummy tuck can loosen again during pregnancy.

    As with all surgery, liposuction carries some risks. These risks can vary according to a patient’s medical history and current lifestyle. Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss these fully with you during your initial consultation.

    Smoking can increase the risks associated with surgery and patients should stop smoking several weeks prior to surgery, and during the recovery period.

    Above all, candidates should have realistic expectations of the outcome of abdominoplasty surgery. The procedure will leave a scar that is permanent, but which will fade over time. You should discuss your expectations fully with your cosmetic (plastic) surgeon during your initial consultation.

How is the surgery performed?

    In most cases, the cosmetic surgeon (plastic surgeon) will make a long incision from one hipbone to the other. A second incision is then made in the navel area, to separate the navel from the surrounding tissue. The cosmetic surgeon then separates the skin from the abdominal wall, all the way from the hipbone up to the ribs, allowing access to the abdominal muscles. These muscles are tightened by pulling them together and stitching them into place. The covering skin is then stretched downwards, excess skin removed, and stitched back into place.

     Where partial abdominoplasty is performed (a “mini tuck”), the skin is separated only between the hipbone and the navel.

     Abdominoplasty is usually performed under a general anesthetic. Your cosmetic surgeon (plastic surgeon) will discuss the most appropriate form of anesthesia with you prior to surgery.

How long does abdominoplasty surgery take?

Full abdominoplasty usually takes between 2 and 5 hours. Partial abdominoplasty often takes only 1 to 2 hours.

How long will it take to recover from the procedure?

After surgery, it is common to experience some pain and swelling in the abdominal area, which can be controlled by medication prescribed by your cosmetic surgeon. You should resume walking as soon as possible, even though it may not be possible to stand fully upright in the first few days after surgery. Surface stitches are removed about 1 week after surgery, whilst deeper sutures are removed after 2 to 3 weeks. You may be required to wear a support garment after sutures are removed.

You should plan to return to work 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Strenuous activity should be avoided until 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Fading and flattening of the scars from surgery can take from 3 months to 2 years.

What are the risks involved?

Complications from the surgery can include infection, blood clots, and poor healing of scars resulting in a second operation being required. The best way to reduce these risks is to follow the surgeon’s instructions closely, particularly with regards to the extent and timing of resuming normal activity.