Tummy tuck

• Operation time: 2 - 3 hours

• Anaesthesia type: General (asleep)

• Length of admission: 1 - 3 days

• Recovery: 2 - 4 weeks

• Analgesics (for pain control)

• Garments (for comfort and support)

• Dressing check: 10 - 14 days

• Recovery & work: 3 - 4 weeks

In our practice, a tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthetic, and takes two to three hours. Dressings are left for 10 - 14 days and a compression garment may be suggested for up to three-weeks.

There are different types of tummy tuck methods, and after examining you, we’ll explain the appropriate ones based on your specific needs.

This involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal wall (between the pubic area and the umbilicus). The skin of the abdominal wall is then drawn down to suture it to just above the pubic level. You’ll then have a curved scar across the lower part of your abdomen at the level of the pubic hair and a smaller scar around your belly button. We repair hernia and any separation of the central abdominal muscles.

Surplus skin below the umbilicus is removed, leaving you with a smaller scar at the level of the pubic hair, because the umbilicus is not moved, only a limited amount of tissue can be removed.

Surplus skin and fat of the loins and back are removed, so that the scar extends around the flanks and onto your lower back.

We combine the standard abdominoplasty with a further transverse tissue excision to tighten your abdomen. It’s a more complex surgery and is indicated in those patients with a lot of vertical skin excess / folds. This leaves a scar with a transverse and midline component. Complications are slightly more prevalent with this method.

Ideal patients for the tummy tuck include individuals who are a normal weight, in good general health, have realistic expectations, and are looking to improve pockets of fat or loose skin that have not responded to a healthy diet or exercise.

Patient satisfaction rate is relatively high with tummy tuck, however the level of satisfaction depends on a number of factors, particularly having a realistic expectation of what surgery can achieve. The greater the amount of excised tissue, the better the overall improvement. Smaller and slimmer patients will generally achieve a better shape following surgery. Swelling above the scar is normal and will settle within a few months.

Complications do occur in 8-12% of patients after this operation, although mostly minor, approximately 5-8% if patients may require revision surgery to further improve their result.

• Wound infection may occur but often settles with antibiotics prescription.

• Delayed wound healing can take more than four-weeks to heal.

• Fluid collection above the scar (seroma / haematoma) is not uncommon and is usually treated by repeated aspirations until it settles.

• Skin and fat necrosis may manifest as delayed healing and could require additional surgery to speed the healing process.

• Prominent (hypertrophic) scars occur in around 5% of patients, and wound healing and scar quality varies between individuals.

• Numbness of the abdomen is usually temporary but could be permanent.

• Belly button loss is a possible but fortunately a rare occurrence (<1%).

• Residual excess flank skin ('dog ears') or prominent side and central bulges may later require minor revision surgery or liposuction.

• Over / under correction is a subjective judgement and is often largely dependent on the patient’s expectation.

• Recurrence of tissue excess may occur over months or years, especially following weight changes or pregnancy.

• Asymmetry including displacement of the umbilicus to one side maybe seen and if significant, can be improved with remedial surgery.

• Anaesthetic complications are rare but the Anaesthetist will discuss these with you.

• The above are the more common complications but the list is not exhaustive. We’ll happily address further questions you may have.