TUMMY TUCK

This operation (called an Abdominoplasty) is designed to remove excess skin from the lower part of the tummy and often to tighten the tummy muscles in the same procedure. The scar with which you would be left would run from the hipbone just above the pubic hair to the opposite side. Your tummy button remains attached to the tummy wall and is stitched into its new position as close to the mid point of the tummy as possible. In the operation all the skin of the tummy is lifted off the underlying muscle and in consequence the skin of the lower part of the tummy just above the scar is quite numb after the operation. This recovers over subsequent months, but an area above the scar may remain numb permanently. In addition, the pubic hair is pulled a little higher.

The operation takes approximately two and a half hours to complete and is done under a general anaesthetic. You would need to be in hospital for one or two nights after the operation and you will have to wear an abdominal support day and night for a month after the operation, which we will supply. You will have a tube (drain) coming out from each end of the wound, and these are removed when there is little drainage. Your tummy will feel very tight after the operation. Do not worry, this is normal.

There is a very small chance of not being able to pass water after the operation, in which case a small tube (catheter) has to be passed temporarily into the bladder until you are up and about. Usually this is for a matter of a few hours only.

Any stitches will be removed the week after the operation. Your activity must be restricted for a month if there has been extensive work to the muscles; you should do no heavy lifting for three months to allow everything to knit together well.

Other complications relate to the scars themselves, which may either become infected or become raised and itchy, and may take up to eighteen months to settle.

There is a small risk of developing a blood clot underneath the skin, which may have to be drained, or of a persistent collection of fluid, which may have to be drained on several occasions over several weeks. In very exceptional circumstances, infection can set in, which can lead to loss of some of the skin of the abdominal wall. To prevent this, you are will be given antibiotics during the operation.

Please bear in mind that after a tummy tuck, an important source of tissue which may be needed for reconstruction after a breast cancer, is removed and prevents what is called a TRAM or DIEP reconstruction being performed, if ever you are unfortunate enough to need a mastectomy for breast cancer.

It is also inadvisable to be on regular Aspirin containing tablets, rheumatic type of drugs like Nurofen or Brufen, or Ginkgo Biloba as these can cause bleeding. You should discontinue them not less than 1 week before the operation. Smoking affects your skin blood vessels and makes both bleeding after operation and the risk of skin dying more likely. If you are in doubt about any of these points please consult us or your doctor.

Whilst we do our utmost to try to achieve the best possible result for you, this cannot be guaranteed. If subsequent revision procedures are required, there may be additional fees.

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