Abdominoplasty
For anyone who wants a flatter stomach, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is ideal, as it can effectively remove an excess of skin and fat to correct a large abdomen. It can also tighten up the underlying muscles, improving the look even more.
There are many reasons why patients choose to have a tummy tuck. The most common concerns of patients requesting a tummy tuck are:
• Feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment or shyness about their abdominal appearance
• Inability to exercise, play sport or lose weight as a result of abdominal size
• Difficulty in buying clothing due to imbalance in body proportions
• Rashes below the abdomen
• Back discomfort or pain
Men and women can both benefit from this procedure. The best candidates for a tummy tuck are patients who are in good shape, but with loose abdominal skin. If there is a large fat accumulation on the abdominal wall, liposculpture may be required as a primary procedure before the tummy tuck to remove the fatty layer.
The Procedure
Dr Tew will tighten the vertical muscles in your stomach by pulling them close together and stitching them into position. The most common technique used involves an incision made across the lower abdomen, extending to the hip on each side. Extra skin and fat is also removed and Dr Tew performs all abdominoplasty under general anaesthetic.
It is important to realise that a tummy tuck is not a replacement for weight loss. Tummy tuck surgery results are long-lasting however they may not be permanent as your lifestyle choices may greatly affect results.
The Risks
Early sequelae of surgery include bleeding from the wounds, wound infection, wound breakdown, and blood or fluid accumulating under the skin that may require drainage, a long scar from hip to hip. Later complications include asymmetry, numbness, and wound breakdown.
The Recovery
Recovery will vary from 4 to 6 weeks, and it is important to rest and follow wound care instructions and avoid heavy lifting.