Who Is A Tummy Tuck Suitable For?
A tummy tuck, also known by the medical term of abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure to improve the shape of the tummy area. The surgery will result in a flatter abdomen, by removing excess skin and fat which is the result of weight loss or pregnancy. It can also remove stubborn abdominal folds which won’t respond to diet or exercise.
What is the purpose of a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck can help to tighten abdominal muscles, and remove excess skin and flab, to give the appearance of a trimmer and more toned midriff. However, it may not result in a completely flat stomach area. It is not a short cut to weight loss, as the candidate must be in good physical health and not very overweight.
It is regarded as a cosmetic rather than a medical procedure, so in most cases, it won’t be available on the NHS. The reasons for having the procedure may vary, but it should be a personal choice, and not the result of pressure from others to look a certain way.
Like all cosmetic surgery, the results can help to boost the self-esteem and quality of life of the individual. They may feel more confident about taking exercise, wearing different clothes, or feel more comfortable and assured in social situations.
Who is a not suitable candidate?
A tummy tuck is not suitable for men and women who are very overweight, a smoker, have a history of blood clots, heart disease, or uncontrolled diabetes, or are planning on getting pregnant in the future.
A surgeon should also assess whether the candidate genuinely has an issue that would benefit from surgery, or whether they suffer from a psychological condition such as body dysmorphia. This is where a person focusses obsessively on a bodily flaw that is trivial or non-existent to others.
What happens if you decide to go ahead?
First, you will need to choose a suitable surgeon. All independent cosmetic surgeons in the UK must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which publishes reports and ratings based on routine inspections. The surgeon must also be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
Once you have made your selection, you should then be offered an appointment to discuss the types of procedure they offer, what is involved, and what you expect to gain from the process. They should ask you about your medical history and reasons for wanting the surgery, and explain the risk of complications and the recovery process to you.
What does a tummy tuck involve?
The surgery will normally be carried out under general anaesthetic. A full tummy tuck involves making a long cut across the lower tummy, and a second cut around the belly button area. The overlying skin and fat layer is separated from the underlying abdominal wall muscles and excess fat and skin are removed. If the middle abdominal muscles (Rectus) are too far apart, we will tighten and repair them as an integral part of the procedure. Any midline hernia is also repaired at the same time. The skin is then pulled together and stitched up.
It normally takes about six weeks to recover, and the scars will fade over time, but may never completely disappear.
If you are looking for tummy tuck surgery in Lincolnshire, please get in touch today.