General Anesthesia
3 Hours
2 Days
7 Days
10 Days
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, addresses sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles, often caused by pregnancy, ageing, or major weight changes. Over time, the skin and tissue in the abdominal area can stretch and lose elasticity, resulting in a protruding or wrinkled appearance.
While mild sagging may be managed with exercise or massage, more significant cases require surgical intervention for long-lasting and visible results.
A tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal wall. The exact surgical plan is customised based on the extent of sagging, fat levels, and muscle condition.
Who Can Receive Abdominoplasty?
This procedure is most commonly requested by women after pregnancy or individuals who have experienced significant weight fluctuations. It is not recommended for those under 18.
During pregnancy or rapid weight gain, the abdominal muscles and skin can stretch and separate. A tummy tuck repairs this separation, reduces stretch marks, and restores a firm, contoured look.
If excess fat is present alongside skin sagging, liposuction may be performed in the same session. The procedure can also reposition or reshape the belly button if desired by the patient.
Eligibility for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck. Smoking can impair wound healing and increase risks during anaesthesia. Therefore, patients should stop smoking well before the operation and strictly follow their doctor’s instructions.
If a patient has recently experienced significant weight fluctuations, the procedure may not be recommended. It’s important to first lose weight and strengthen abdominal muscles before considering surgery. Abdominoplasty is only advised when diet and exercise are no longer effective. Being at a healthy and stable weight is crucial for long-lasting results. Internal fat (visceral fat) should also be reduced beforehand.
Diabetes can also impair healing, so the condition should be well-controlled. Since pregnancy can stretch and weaken abdominal tissues, it is best to undergo a tummy tuck after childbirth for more permanent results.
How is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
The operation typically takes around three hours. If there is significant muscle or skin laxity, excess tissue is removed, and the abdominal wall is tightened using a technique called plication. Liposuction may be added to remove fat from targeted areas. The belly button can also be repositioned if necessary.
Incisions are made low on the abdomen, within the area that can be covered by underwear. A drain may be placed to prevent fluid build-up, and patients are usually required to wear a compression garment (corset) for several weeks to support healing and muscle recovery.
The type of anaesthesia depends on the scope of the procedure and the patient’s health. Local anaesthesia may be sufficient for minor corrections, but general anaesthesia is most commonly used. Patients under general anaesthesia typically stay in hospital overnight.
Risks and Complications of Abdominoplasty
As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck carries potential risks. These include fluid accumulation (seroma), which is managed with temporary drains. These are usually removed the following day.
Blood clotting is another risk, though rare in younger patients. To minimise this risk, medication and compression stockings may be prescribed. Smoking negatively affects healing and increases the risk of scarring, so it must be stopped at least one week before surgery.
To avoid infection, antibiotics are prescribed, and proper wound care is essential.
Recovery and Longevity of Results
The longevity of a tummy tuck depends largely on lifestyle. Future weight gain or pregnancy can affect results, so patients should aim to maintain a healthy weight. If pregnancy is planned, surgery should be delayed until after childbirth.
Patients can usually begin walking the day after surgery, though it’s advised to walk slightly bent forward for a few days. Drains are typically removed within 24 hours, and the area must be kept dry until then. A corset should be worn continuously for three to six weeks to aid healing.
Light exercise can be resumed after a month, but heavy physical activity should be postponed for six months. Most patients return to work within a week, and healthy eating will speed up recovery.
Important Considerations for Tummy Tuck Patients
Stop smoking well before surgery to reduce complications. Excess weight should be lost in advance to improve results. Disclose all allergies and medications to your doctor. Blood thinners should be discontinued under medical supervision. Use your post-op corset consistently. Avoid heavy lifting and follow all recovery instructions carefully.
