body procedures
Abdominoplasty – Tummy Tuck
What is Abdominoplasty Surgery?
Abdominoplasty surgery, also referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure aimed at eliminating excess skin, scars, stretch marks, and fat from the abdominal area. Additionally, it may involve the tightening of the abdominal muscles in certain cases.
Why Have a Tummy Tuck?
People have this surgery to remove excess skin and fat, as well as achieve a flatter abdomen. This is commonly sought after pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. In cases where the abdominal muscles have separated in the middle (known as ‘ divarication of recti’), a tummy tuck can help rejoin them.
It is important to note that individuals undergoing this surgery should ideally have a normal weight beforehand. A tummy tuck is not intended for overweight individuals or as a means to lose weight. However, for suitable candidates, a tummy tuck can greatly enhance their self-assurance and overall quality of life.
How is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
The Standard Tummy Tuck
This is the most common type of tummy tuck. It involves making an incision that spans from one hip to the other, as well as around the umbilicus (belly button). The excess skin and fat are removed from the area just above the pubic hair up to the belly button. Additionally, the muscles both above and below the belly button are tightened. Finally, the skin is meticulously sewn together, resulting in a circular scar encircling the belly button and a long scar across the lower tummy.
The Mini Tummy Tuck
In this procedure, a smaller amount of skin and fat is removed from the lower abdomen, resulting in a lengthy horizontal scar above the pubic area. Occasionally, the muscles are also tightened. No scar is left around the tummy button, but it may be stretched to become a different shape. A mini tummy tuck produces a less pronounced outcome compared to a full tummy tuck.
The Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck
For patients who have excess skin on both the upper and lower abdomen a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck may be suitable. In addition to the typical horizontal incision made during a standard tummy tuck, this procedure also involves a vertical incision.
Other Information
- Having liposuction performed before or after a tummy tuck procedure to reduce the thickness of the abdominal wall, can be beneficial, although the outcomes may vary. It is important to note that liposuction on its own may not yield as significant results as a tummy tuck.
- Having an extended tummy tuck, where excess skin and fat are removed from the lower back and above the hips. As a result of this surgery, the scar extends around to the lower back.
- An apronectomy, which is a modified tummy tuck suitable for individuals with excess skin and fat protruding over the pubic region. During this surgery, only the excess skin and fat are removed, resulting in a long scar running horizontally.
- If you have scars from previous operations, the usual tummy tuck may be modified to suit the scars.
Our Doctors
Michael McBride FRCS (Plast)
