Excess fat and loose skin around the stomach can develop for a variety of reasons. In many cases diet and exercise can help to restore a slimmer figure, however there are some circumstances where this is difficult to achieve, such as with massive weight loss, after pregnancy and with natural ageing.
Abdominoplasty often takes around 2 - 3 hours. At Real Plastic Surgery we use a general anaesthetic and you are often able to go home the same day. We tend to avoid usg drains.
You may need to take up to 4 weeks off work with most people having significantly recovered within 6 weeks. You will wear compression garments for 6 weeks, day and night, just removing them to shower.
In most cases 1 procedure can produce long-term results.
To create a slimmer and more toned appearance of the abdomen.
You will need to avoid strenuous exercise and the gym for 6 to 12 weeks.
If you have any doubts. Our team of experts will provide support and guidance all the way through your treatment journey; using the consultation to determine your suitability and your certainty.
Abdominoplasty is the medical term for a ‘tummy tuck’. There are a range of techniques that we can use at REAL plastic surgery depending on how much of the stomach area needs to be addressed.
When focussing on the mid-section of the stomach a traditional tummy tuck is often suggested. It involves removing excess skin and fat in order to improve the appearance of the entire abdominal area. A partial abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck) is effective when smaller amounts of loose skin and fat need to be removed. It focuses on the lower stomach and causes less scarring. An extended abdominoplasty is often required when concentrating on larger amounts of skin and fatty tissue. This procedure often helps to correct the appearance of an ‘apron flap’ (a saggy lower stomach) and when the muscles also need to be tightened.
Abdominoplasty can be performed alongside other body contouring treatments, such as: liposuction, breast augmentation, arm lift and thigh lift, to help improve the overall body profile.
Your surgeon will advise when would be the best time to shower, depending on the type of abdominoplasty that you have undergone. Typically, this will be between 1 and 3 days, depending on the dressings used.
REAL plastic surgery cares for you just as well after the surgery as we do during the procedure. We will closely monitor your healing and recovery at a series of follow-up appointments made at 1 week, 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery. You will be given advice on how to care for your wounds and recommendations as to when certain activities should be resumed.
You will have some scarring when the wounds have healed, but these will fade over time. The locations of the scars will depend on which technique is used, but we take steps to ensure any scarring is as low as possible so it can be hidden by clothing.
The full outcome of the abdominoplasty procedure may take between 8 and 12 weeks to develop. All swelling and bruising will need to subside and the skin and tissues will need time to settle into place.
In most cases a tummy tuck can last a lifetime. However, natural ageing can cause the skin to become a little looser over time, and gaining weight can also alter the shape of the stomach.