abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck)
INTRODUCTION
This brochure explains an abdominoplasty. It is important that you read this information carefully and completely.
What is an abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is an operation in which excess skin, scars, stretch marks and fat are removed from the abdomen. The procedure is sometimes also used to tighten the abdominal muscles.
Why an abdominoplasty
People undergo this operation to remove excess skin and fat or to obtain a flatter abdomen, often after pregnancy or after weight loss and gain. The operation can help to reattach the abdominal muscles if they have been pulled apart in the middle. Ideally, your weight is normal before the operation. An abdominoplasty is not suitable for people who are overweight or for people who undergo the procedure to lose weight. For the right person, an abdominoplasty can make a big difference to their self-confidence and quality of life.
What happens before my operation
You will meet your surgeon to discuss your reasons for the operation and your wishes. The surgeon will note any conditions you have or have had in the past. He or she will also make an overview of all medications you use, including herbal preparations, contraception and medications that were not prescribed by your doctor. Your surgeon will then examine your abdomen and possibly take photos for your medical record. These photos are private and will not be used without your prior consent. Your height and weight will be measured to check whether an operation is safe.
Other options
You could also consider the following:
- Have liposuction (in which fat is suctioned away through a tube inserted into small incisions) performed before or after the abdominoplasty to make the abdominal wall thinner. This can help, but the results are unpredictable. Liposuction alone has less effect than an abdominoplasty.
- Have an extended abdominoplasty performed, in which excess skin and fat are removed from the lower back and above the hips. With this procedure, the scar continues onto the lower back.
- Have an apronectomy performed, a modified mini tummy tuck, for cases where a lot of excess skin and fat hangs over the pubic area. Only the excess skin and fat is removed. This leaves a long, horizontal scar.
If you have scars from previous operations, the standard abdominoplasty can be adapted to the scars.
What can I do to make my operation a success
Try to live as healthily as possible. It is important to keep your weight stable through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Your GP can advise you on this.
You do not need to worry about removing hair near the incisions, but do take a bath or shower before the procedure to ensure the area is as clean as possible.
After the operation, you must wear a pressure bandage day and night for at least six weeks. Be consistent in this, as it can affect the result and the healing process.
Other risks may include: bleeding, infection, seroma formation, scarring, hypertrophic scars and minimal asymmetry.
If you are overweight, pregnant or planning to become pregnant, postponing your operation until further notice is the best option.
Certain medications, such as blood thinners, must be stopped a few days before the operation. You must also stop smoking at least six weeks before and six weeks after the operation, as smoking increases the risk of complications during the operation and wound healing.
You will be admitted to the hospital on the day of the operation and will then stay there for one to three nights.
How is the operation performed
The standard abdominoplasty
This is the most common form of abdominoplasty. An incision is made across the body, from one hip to the other and around the navel. The excess skin and fat are removed from just above the pubic hair to the navel.
The muscles above and below the navel are tightened. The skin is then sutured, creating a circular scar around the navel and a long scar across the lower abdomen.
The mini abdominoplasty
With a mini tummy tuck, a smaller amount of skin and fat is removed from the lower abdomen, although a long horizontal scar above the pubic hair still remains. Sometimes the muscles are also tightened. No scar remains around the navel, which can be reshaped if desired. A mini tummy tuck has a less drastic effect than a full tummy tuck.
The fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty
For patients with a lot of excess skin on the upper and lower abdomen, a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty may be suitable. In addition to the long, horizontal incision of the standard abdominoplasty, a vertical incision is also made, making the scar look like an anchor.