Saggy skin, stretch marks, torn muscles, and a drooping pubic area—this "gift package" often accompanies motherhood for many women. While some may be luckier than others, certain post-pregnancy changes are irreversible and may require surgical intervention to address. Also, significant weight loss can result in similar concerns. If you find yourself in this situation, traditional abdominoplasty may not suffice; additional procedures like vertical spindle removal through the midsection or 360-degree body sculpting may be necessary, either individually or in combination.
What is Tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the shape and appearance of the abdomen. During a tummy tuck, excess skin and unwanted fat are removed from the abdomen, and the connective tissue in the abdomen (fascia) is usually tightened with sutures. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring that the patient won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.
A tummy tuck involves a surgeon making a fifteen-centimetre incision across the lower abdomen. This incision is typically placed below the bikini line, resulting in barely noticeable scars after healing. During the procedure, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat, and when needed for more satisfying results, they also tighten the abdominal muscles. Afterward, the incision is closed, and the patient receives bandages, wound dressings, and a compression garment to aid in recovery. While generally considered low-risk, individual cases should be evaluated for potential complications.
Types
We provide four distinct kinds of abdominoplasties to meet the needs of each patient:
Can other surgeries be combined with tummy tuck?
Tummy Tuck can be combined with other procedures, such as liposuction, thigh lift, and breast enhancement. The advantages of these combined procedures include greater patient satisfaction, convenience, and a shorter recovery period compared to performing surgeries separately. It’s also a way to save patients’ travel time and expenses.
- Lipoabdominoplasty
This procedure supplements the tummy tuck with liposuction, targeting undesired fat tissue. It’s an excellent solution for patients struggling to lose fat from specific areas like the abdomen or flanks, resulting in even more body contouring than a regular tummy tuck. - Thigh lift
Recommended for patients unhappy with excess fat and skin in the thigh area. Combining thigh lift with a tummy tuck or liposuction can lead to an even more improved figure. - Breast surgery
Combining breast lift, augmentation or reduction with a tummy tuck is recommended for women who want to re-contour their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding. - Mommy makeover
This popular combined surgery typically includes abdominoplasty, liposuction, and breast enhancement. It’s advantageous for women seeking to regain their pre-baby figure relatively quickly.
Who is a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck?
Eligible candidates for abdominoplasty should not intend to have more children. Their BMI (Body Mass Index) should be around 27 or lower. The procedure is most effective for individuals within a 10 percent range of their ideal weight. Additionally, the patient should have sufficient loose skin to avoid excessive tension on the surgical sutures. Good overall health and healthy eating habits are crucial for successful wound healing.
It is important to understand that the tummy tuck procedure is not effective for patients with intraperitoneal fat. This type of fat surrounds the organs in the abdomen, and during abdominoplasty, only the fat located above the abdominal muscles can be removed.
Recovery
After a tummy tuck, the surgeon applies special tape and a compressive garment (binder). This tight-fitting garment aids in wound healing, prevents seroma formation, and enhances blood circulation. Patients are advised to wear the compression garment at all times (except during showers) and avoid an active workout regime for the first 8 weeks.
What are possible complications and risks?
While a tummy tuck is generally considered a low-risk surgery, there are still potential complications to be aware of. Let’s discuss some of the most frequent complications:
- Haematoma
This occurs when blood accumulates outside the blood vessels. Although it’s a minor complication, it can happen due to the invasiveness of surgery. Hematomas typically resolve within a month after the procedure. - Seroma
It is a buildup of fluid that accumulates in deeper tissues, often where fat tissues have been removed. During surgery, when fat and skin tissues are separated from the abdominal muscles, minor blood vessels are inevitably ruptured. From the outside, seromas may appear as lumpy skin and feel squishy to the touch. Fortunately, small seromas are not dangerous and typically resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, if there’s a larger accumulation of fluid, it may need to be drained by a specialist. Healthcare professionals usually handle this, and seromas rarely cause long-term issues. In some cases, surgeons may place drains to collect serous fluid and prevent seroma formation. If this occurs, patients are allowed to travel (including flying) with their drains in place. - Wound infection
It occurs due to infection of serous fluid. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and subsequent fluid drainage. - Venous thromboembolism
It refers to a blockage of a blood vessel caused by the formation of a blood clot within a vein. This condition occurs in approximately 1.1 percent of cases
Important: Patient complication rates vary, especially among high-risk patients (such as those with obesity, chronic smokers, or a history of abdominal surgery). Given the uniqueness of each patient’s circumstances, a personal discussion is essential before proceeding with treatment.
