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    Abdominoplasty

    Summary

    Abdominoplasty has always been a popular cosmetic surgery request. It is an excellent solution for bodies with redundant abdominal skin, lax muscles and excess fat. The effects are long lasting provided paients follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

    From weight loss, having children and other lifestyle factors, stretched and loose skin can appear and hang down in front of the abdomen, which can lead to problems of chafing and rashes.
    Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” as it is commonly known, is an operation to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall, and to remove excess skin and fatty tissues from the middle and lower abdominal region, leading to a flatter, firmer, tighter stomach and when used alongside liposuction, a thinner waist too.

    Posted by Mark Solomos in Body

    Would you like to
    book a consultation?

    Get in touch

      What is your enquiry regarding?

      ADDRESS

      Highgate Private Hospital
      17-19 View Road, Highgate
      N6 4DJ, London

      Frequently asked questions

      Am I suitable for this type of reconstructive surgery?

      Women who plan to become pregnant in the near future should postpone the operation until after having children. If you are a smoker you will be asked to stop smoking in advance of the reconstructive surgery. A physical examination will determine if you are a suitable candidate for an abdominoplasty procedure,. Abdominoplasty won’t be performed for obesity. Individuals need to be in 10% of their ideal healthy weight for this surgery, those who are perhaps slightly more than within their 10% of ideal weight (i.e. 15%) yet the result will not be as effective and further secondary procedures, i.e. liposuction may be required. There are a number of variations in the technique of abdominoplasty, based on the quality of your skin, the presence of stretch marks, the laxity of muscles, and the amount and distribution of fat.

      What type of anaesthetic is used in this cosmetic surgery?

      Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia, and patients will usually require an overnight stay at the hospital.

      How long does the cosmetic surgery take?

      Depending on the technique used, and whether this is combined with any other surgery such as liposuction, it usually takes between one and three hours.

      What happens immediately after the Operation?

      Once patients have recovered, there is a compression garment around the waist and abdomen. This is to provide compression of the surgical site to reduce the postoperative swelling and bleeding following this cosmetic surgery

      Is it Painful?

      Pain and discomfort are subjective sensations, yet abdominoplasty is considered to be a procedures that is considered to be painful, although less so than a caesarean section. Any pain is noticeable when standing or walking in the first few days following surgery and usually involves the upper half of the tummy.

      Will I scar?

      There will be a scar extending from hip to hip above the pubic area as a horizontal line. At times it may be necessary to add a small vertical component to this and therefore the appearance may be likened to an upside down T. All plastic surgeons try to suture the incision neatly, yet it is ultimately impossible to predict a scars’ eventual appearance. A silicone gel sheet will be provided which will help the appearance of the scars.

      Can I become pregnant after my abdominoplasty?

      Yes. The skin will be capable of stretching and accommodating the enlarging uterus and baby, however this is not advicsed as further pregnancies will stretch and loosen the skin, giving rise to unwanted skin laxity and stretch marks. Ideally, it is best to have finished with pregnancies before undergoing any abdominoplasty procedure.

      Will the results of my abdominoplasty be permanent?

      Any stretched or loose skin removed from this cosmetic surgery will not return if patients maintain weight and do not subject the body to large weight fluctuations.

      How long before I get back to normal?

      Abdominoplasty is a major operation, therefore patients should expect a few weeks to pass before normally activity can occur. Walking is helpful in the first three to fourweeks as this improves the circulation and helps reduce the swelling, and the chance of blood clots developing. Heavy lifting or strenuous activity is prohibited in the first six weeks after this cosmetic surgery.

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