Many people may notice a loss of skin elasticity, with the abdominal skin becoming loose and wrinkled. Common causes include significant weight loss, previous pregnancies, or hereditary factors. A resultant loss of self-confidence may develop. Fortunately, these issues can be easily corrected with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is designed to remove excess abdominal skin and fat and tighten the abdominal muscles to achieve a flat, contoured stomach. Here, we discuss vital facts about tummy tuck surgery and the different types of tummy tucks available in the U.K.
There are several different types of tummy tucks.
Tummy tuck surgery is customised for the individual patient. This depends on the amount of excess fat and skin that needs to be removed and whether the abdominal muscles need to be tightened due to pregnancy.
Full tummy tuck
The full tummy tuck is most appropriate for patients with significant excess skin in the upper and lower abdomen and excessive fat deposits in the waist area. This procedure effectively removes excess skin and fat and reconstructs the weakened abdominal muscles.
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Mini tummy tuck
The mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients with localised excess skin in the lower abdomen, between the mons pubis and the umbilicus, where the skin tends to have a wrinkly appearance. A mini tummy tuck cannot correct weakened muscles; a full tummy tuck is required.
360 Lipo and abdominoplasty
360 lipo and tummy tuck consists of circumferential liposuction to contour the midsection, followed by an abdominoplasty to tighten abdominal skin. Rectus muscle repair may be undertaken if required.
Brazilian tummy tuck
This procedure combines liposuction and abdominoplasty to contour the abdomen, waist, and flanks, achieving a sculpted look. The recovery time after Brazilian abdominoplasty is shorter compared with a traditional full tummy tuck.
Centre for Surgery is one of a handful of providers in the UK that specialise in Brazilian tummy tucks, combining liposuction and abdominoplasty. The Brazilian method of performing a tummy tuck provides a better shape and contour, especially in the flanks, with simultaneous reduction in the risk profile and a shortened recovery period.
A tummy tuck can get rid of love handles.
A full tummy tuck does not explicitly target the love handles located between the hips and the lower rib cage on each side of the abdomen. An extended abdominoplasty is an ideal procedure to remove love handles. If you have good skin elasticity, you may be able to remove the love handles with liposuction alone.
Tummy tuck scars fade with time.
Most patients are understandably keen to improve the appearance of tummy tuck scars. Abdominoplasty scars will gradually fade over the first 6 months and may take up to 1 year to fully mature. The scar will be red and often thickened during the first three months, but will gradually flatten and take on a pale, whitish appearance. Tummy tuck scars can be improved with silicone gel, which can be applied 4 weeks after the procedure.
Initial recovery from an abdominoplasty takes between 2 and 4 weeks.
Recovery is approximately 3 to 4 weeks after a tummy tuck surgery. Once the procedure is complete, you’ll be discharged roughly a few hours later to allow you to recover in the comfort of your own home. During the first couple of weeks, prescription painkillers can easily control any discomfort. It would help if you tried to keep the stomach area straight or slightly bent forward to facilitate good wound healing. It is essential to wear an abdominal compression garment for the first four weeks to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, should not be considered a treatment for weight loss.
Tummy tuck surgery is a specialised body contouring procedure. It is designed to remove excess skin in patients who have been pregnant or have lost significant amounts of weight. In some cases, abdominoplasty may be performed for people who are unhappy with the appearance of their abdomen due to the ageing process and would like to achieve a firmer, flatter stomach. Patients who choose to have a tummy tuck at Centre for Surgery in London should aim to reach their ideal body weight before having the procedure, as future fluctuations in weight can affect tummy tuck results, and you may require revision surgery to correct this. If you are considering becoming pregnant after a tummy tuck, it is essential to be aware that the abdominal skin may stretch significantly, leading to loose skin. This may require a revision of the abdominoplasty to improve the initial results from the first procedure.
Men can also have abdominoplasty surgery.
Although tummy tuck surgery is most commonly performed in women who have often been previously pregnant, an increasing number of men each year choose to undergo a male tummy tuck to get rid of excess skin, which is most commonly developed as a result of significant weight loss. Some men may also require repair of the abdominal muscles for rectus diastasis.
Tummy tucks can be performed under general or local anaesthesia.
Most tummy tuck surgery is done under a general anaesthetic as a day case. In a small number of cases, a mini tummy tuck can be safely carried out under local anaesthetic with mild sedation. Your surgeon will determine whether the patient is suitable for a local anaesthetic. You could learn more about a mini tummy tuck under local anaesthetic by booking a face-to-face consultation with one of our expert tummy tuck surgeons in London.
FAQs
What Is Involved in a Brazilian Tummy Tuck?
A Brazilian tummy tuck is a much safer and more refined surgical technique than a standard abdominoplasty. The procedure first involves liposuction of the flanks and upper abdomen, followed by skin removal and repair of the rectus muscles. Our surgeons’ enhanced technique results in less pain and discomfort, as well as a more contoured shape. Traditional tummy tucks without liposuction are still most commonly performed in the UK, leading to a typical ‘square’ appearance.
Our surgeons are specially trained in the Brazilian tummy tuck technique and have performed hundreds of these highly specialised procedures. Due to its less invasive nature, a Brazilian tummy tuck can be performed as a day case. Using the most advanced form of liposuction, SAFElipo, in combination, our surgeons are among the very best practitioners in the UK.
Can a tummy tuck be carried out at the same time as a C-section?
The combination of a tummy tuck with a C-section is called a “C-tuck”. Our surgeons do not recommend this procedure to any of our patients, as the recovery period can be significantly prolonged and may affect the ability to look after your newborn baby. The risk of complications is also much higher. The abdominal muscles commonly stretch after pregnancy, and a full tummy tuck is ideal for tightening them. Because of this, we recommend waiting at least 12 months before having a tummy tuck after a C-section. This will ensure that you are in the best possible fitness for abdominoplasty surgery.
RELATED: Can You Combine a Tummy Tuck with a C-Section?
What is tummy tuck recovery like?
The average abdominoplasty recovery requires approximately 4 to 6 weeks for initial healing. It is essential to follow the post-operative instructions below to ensure proper healing after a tummy tuck:
- Take your pain medication and antibiotics for one week after the surgical procedure.
- You must wear an abdominal compression garment for at least 4 weeks.
- If you are developing excessive swelling, cold packs can be applied to the area to reduce localised swelling. You should check with one of our post-operative nurses before undertaking this.
Complying fully with the surgeon’s post-operative instructions minimises the risk of complications after tummy tuck surgery. We recommend attending all your scheduled post-operative appointments with our nurses and your surgeon.
Choosing Centre for Surgery for tummy tuck and abdominoplasty surgery
Centre for Surgery is the leading cosmetic surgery clinic in London and is home to some of the U.K.’s most experienced tummy tuck surgeons. We have considerable expertise in all types of tummy tuck surgery, including the Brazilian tummy tuck. We focus on achieving the highest standards of medical care to help you get the best abdominoplasty results. From your first consultation to your final post-operative appointment, we strive to ensure that your patient journey with us is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
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If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck surgery or book an abdominoplasty consultation, please call us on (020) 7993 4849 to speak to one of our friendly and expert patient coordinators. Our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic is among London’s most advanced cosmetic surgery facilities.
RELATED: Can I get a tummy tuck on the NHS?
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