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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) About the Operation
Indications for surgery
This procedure is for patients who have excessive skin, fat and stretch marks on the abdomen. The patients are usually woman post children. They may also have lost the waistline and have divarication (separation) of the midline muscles giving further bulge to the tummy. This technique does result in some weight removal but is primarily for re-shaping the abdomen and not a means of weight loss in the obese patient.
Procedure in brief
There are essentially two types of abdominoplasty. The full and mini-abdominoplasty. They are designed at different patient groups and give different length of scars. The full abdominoplasty is really designed at the patient with a lot of extra skin and fat in the lower tummy. All this tissue below the tummy button is excised. The skin above this area is elevated off the muscles and brought down to the bikini line scar. The tummy button is brought out at the new position. Before stitching the skin the muscles can be tightened to give a much improved shape and waistline. It is this part of a full abdominoplasty that is a major advantage.
The mini-abdominoplasty is for patients with some extra skin/fat but not enough that all the lower regions could be removed. Usually the patient is a little younger and thinner. The scar extends just beyond that for a caesarian section compared to the full that goes from hip to hip. The tummy button is not touched and only the lower tummy is addressed in this operation. The muscles are not generally tightened although can be. This method is often used with liposuction.
Scars
The position of the scars will depend on the technique used (as above). Scars tend to be quite pink in the first 6 weeks moving to purple over next 2-3 months and then fade to white. Most patients will form very good quality scars over time. Some reach this quickly while others take longer period of time. A small group of patients form raised or stretched scars.
Medicines and smoking
All medical history will be sought before any surgery. Do not take herbal medicines prior to surgery or for 3 days following (arnica etc). Also avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and voltarol-based tablets. It is always better if you do not smoke. Smoking is a risk factor for complications with abdominoplasty. If you are a smoker try and stop for preferably six weeks but a minimum of one week before and after surgery as it can reduce the chances of complications.
