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Maintaining a sensible weight throughout the various stages of life is not plain sailing for most people, especially when fat redistributes itself unevenly around the body, which can lead to problem areas for some people. This is when patients consider having a ‘tummy tuck.’
Even with a healthy diet and a regular exercise plan, it is not always easy to achieve the sculpted, toned body, and flat stomach that we so desire, and it is often disappointing for many people who spend a fortune at the gym doing so.
Excess skin cannot be retightened by doing sit ups after the loss of a lot of weight or pregnancy, because abdominal muscles that have stretched and weakened over time cannot become taut again from multiple sessions at the gym or by eating fewer calories. It can become increasingly difficult to accept the change of shape after sudden weight loss or the birth of a child, which is why an Abdominoplasty may be the alternative answer.
The aim with this procedure is to remove excess fat and surplus skin from the abdomen, whilst tightening the abdominal muscles, to create a flatter stomach and firmer body shape. This will leave a more youthful and sculpted body with a natural looking belly button. A scar is unavoidable with this type of surgery, but a professional surgeon will take exceptional care to ensure the scar is well concealed in the bikini line, and beneath underwear and low cut swimsuits.This also applies to the belly button, where the scar is hidden inside, and the surgery looks completely natural. Liposuction can also be used in conjunction with this process, to further enhance the contour of the body, by giving beautiful results overall.
Patients who have stubborn localized fat, weak abdominal muscles, stomach bulges and excess skin may be good candidates for abdominoplasty, especially if the excess fat and loose skin are not corrected by diet or exercise. Those patients with overly stretched muscles after having a baby or sudden, large weight loss may also benefit significantly, as it is not advised to have this procedure if you are planning on becoming pregnant or at the start of a weight loss programme.
You will be given a routine consultation with your surgeon to discuss the goals desired, and realistic expectations, before a treatment plan is outlined. Your abdomen will be examined, to assess the quality of skin, muscles and soft tissue. Risk assessment or complications will be addressed, including the best way to prepare for surgery by answering any questions you may have.
A general anaesthetic is recommended for this type of surgery, and will be discussed before the surgery commences. With a full tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is made across the bikini line, where excess fat is removed, the abdominal muscles are tightened, and any excess skin will be trimmed and removed. The belly button will remain, but will be repositioned, with the scars carefully tucked underneath and it is then secured to appear natural. The average length of a tummy tuck is 2 hours at our Harley Street clinic in London, though this depends on the extent of the surgery to be completed. After the procedure is complete, you will be rewoken and cared for by the medical team, and once you have recovered from the surgery, you will be able to go home the same day.
A mini tummy tuck is exactly the same procedure, but with a smaller incision, and without any need to relocate the belly button. This is an ideal procedure for those patients with only a small amount of excess fat and skin in the abdominal area.
As every patient is individual and every procedure is different you should allow yourself plenty of rest and sufficient time to fully heal. Most patients expect mild to moderate swelling for 1-2 weeks afterwards, and mild to moderate pain, which can be relieved with medication. You will usually receive dissolvable sutures which should have disappeared approximately 2 weeks after surgery, and you will receive full instructions with further follow up appointments to ensure you are properly looked after.
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