In this Section

• Plastic Surgery
  
  
• Consultation
• Reconstructive Surgery
• 
  Facial Procedures
  
  
• Facial Procedures
• Ear Reshaping
• Eyelid Surgery
• Face Lift
• Nose Reshaping
• 
  Breast Procedures
  
  
• Breast Procedures
• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Uplift
• Male Breast Reduction
• 
  Body Procedures
  
  
• Body Procedures
• Arm Lift
• Liposuction
• Thigh Lift
• Tummy Tuck

Consultation Reconstructive Surgery Facial Procedures Ear Reshaping Eyelid Surgery Face Lift Nose Reshaping Breast Procedures Breast Augmentation Breast Reduction Breast Uplift Male Breast Reduction Body Procedures Arm Lift Liposuction Thigh Lift Tummy Tuck

TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)

If you lost a considerable amount of weight, or experience excess skin around the stomach or on the sides of the waist, you may be a candidate for either abdominoplasty (also known as tummy tuck) or a partial abdominoplasty (a modified or mini-tummy tuck). Both procedures remove excess skin and fat and tighten the stomach muscles. These procedures can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdominal paunch. Mini abdominoplasty is usually more suitable if your skin laxity is confined to the lower abdomen, and is especially advised if you have a lot of stretch marks, hanging skin or have had loose skin post C-section or multiple pregnancies.

The treatment

This involves removing all of the skin under the tummy button (usually as an oval shape) and leaves a large scar extending from hip
 to hip and a small scar around the tummy button (umbilicus). The tummy muscles (rectus) are also tightened up which produces a flatter tummy and an improved waistline. The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic with a 1-2 night in-patient stay.

The benefits

Tummy tuck surgery is a body contouring procedure producing a flatter and more contoured abdomen.

Duration of Surgery

The surgery can take anything up to 3 hours depending on the complexity and severity of the problem. Plastic Surgeon at Lesprit Medical Clinic uses two drains and these are usually removed after 2 days.

The complications

As with any medical procedure, complications can occur following surgery and patients need to be fully aware of their safety. Plastic Surgeon at Lesprit Medical Clinic does his utmost to minimise
 the possible complication associated with the procedure. You will be advised during your consultation on the most common complications and possible adverse effects following your procedure.

After Surgery

You will usually be in hospital for two nights. The wound will be dressed with waterproof surgical tape (micropore). This is to stay in place for at least two weeks. You will be able to shower the day after you leave hospital and then it is important to pat the tape dry with a towel then use a hairdryer on a warm setting to dry the tape off. In addition you will need to wear a supportive binder for 8 weeks night and day. You will usually need to take 3 weeks off work and will return to normal within 6-8 weeks.

The recovery

Your recovery period and post-operative care will be explained to you in detail during your consultation. The recommendations will be specifically tailored to your individual case and type of surgery carried out. You will be advised about basic steps to take such as taking or avoiding certain medication, sleeping position, driving, exercise or time off work, make up and other procedure-specific care.

The outcome

Patients repeatedly report how happy they are with the results of this type of surgery and they accept the scarring involved as well as the recovery period.

Important Notice

Specialist Plastic Surgeon at Lesprit Medical Clinic strongly advises you stop smoking prior to surgery as smoking can greatly impair your ability to heal and increase complication rates. Nutritional supplements, anticoagulant medication and anti-inflammatory drugs, (like Brufen, Voltaren, etc.), or any other blood thinning drug which increases the bleeding should be stopped prior to surgery unless otherwise instructed.