Surgery that shapes up beautifully, whatever shape is most beautiful to you. The correct surgical term for a tummy tuck is “abdominoplasty”, a common procedure that creates a flatter tummy and more shapely waistline.
The procedure is performed on both men and women, removing excess skin and fat from the tummy area, and sculpting the tummy and waist area. Abdominoplasty is commonly combined with liposuction for improved results. The amount of fat taken away is much greater when the tummy tuck is combined with the liposuction. This operation is termed lipo-abdominoplasty.
The procedure and aftercare
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and lasts between 2 to 4 hours, and you should expect to stay in hospital for the minimum of one night.
You can usually return to work after 2 weeks but may only resume strenuous activity after 4 to 6 weeks, at the discretion of the surgeon. You will need to wear a wraparound medical grade binder for 4 weeks after the operation.
Possible side effects and complications
Possible side effects are temporary discomfort, post-operative swelling, soreness or tenderness in the surrounding areas, numbness of abdominal skin and bruising.
Complications may include bleeding from the incision sites or under the skin, superficial wound infections, pulmonary embolus (blood clots that travel to the lungs), and stretching of the scar or seroma.