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The problem
Many of us find belly fat to be stubborn and hard to shake off as we grow older.
Worse still, in women that have had children the 6-pack muscles are weakened such that even if fat is lost through exercise, the tummy does not return to its peak flatness of your teens and 20s.
Men, including myself, are also plagued by “dadbod” and I therefore have a lot of empathy for all who find this creeping belly fat to be a problem.
One finds that clothes that used to fit do not anymore, the beach leads to self-consciousness and a lot of brain space is spent on this problem.
Many people find themselves sucking in the tummy whilst looking in the mirror and might squeeze the excess skin and fat in their hands wishing it away.
If you have experienced these problems, please read on as I might be able to help you.
The solution
An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is an operation performed to remove excess skin and fat from the tummy, as well as tighten tummy muscles.
This is one of my favourite operations to perform as it deals with an issue I identify with, but also leads to very high satisfaction rates amongst patients and an improvement in quality of life, self-image and core strength.
How is a tummy tuck performed
A full abdominoplasty is performed with you asleep under general anaesthetic.
It requires an incision from hip to hip, and below your bikini line.
Excess belly skin and fat is removed, and the 6-pack muscles are tightened to flatten the belly.
A new opening is made for the belly button.
Drains are not always used as I use modern quilting suture techniques.
Sometimes drains are required however.
The skin will be stitched with dissolving sutures.
What is not corrected with a tummy tuck.
Tummy tucks deal mostly with the front of your belly.
It does not reduce love handles and for this you will need liposuction which can be done at the same time. This is called a lipoabdominoplasty.
Simple tummy tuck also does not change the thickness of your belly fat although it removes the excess. A lipoabdominoplasty is also required if you desire thinning of belly fat.
Further, tummy tuck can also be combined with breast procedures in mummy makeovers or in people that have lost weight.
However, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure but is good at removing the hanging skin that results from weight loss.
You will need to have a stable weight and have made lifestyle changes to get the best results.
General anaesthetic.
Tummy tuck is a major operation which needs a good baseline fitness.
If you have serious long term health problems such as heart, lung and hormone disorders you might be advised against undergoing any cosmetic general anaesthetic surgery at all.
The risks of general anaesthetic include chest infections, severe allergic reactions, clots to legs and lungs.
Most cosmetic patients are generally fit and have minimal risks with anaesthetic and my team takes great care to minimise these risks for you.
A consultant anaesthetist will discuss your particular risk factors with you which we use to decide if you are fit enough to undergo this surgery.
Potential complications
The hallmark of a good surgeon is in honestly discussing complications with patients.
My philosophy is to run a boutique practice with few, well informed and selected patients than a production line approach.
All surgeons suffer complications even if the operation is performed to the highest standard.
The complications can be minor including wound infections, temporary bruising and swelling which everyone gets to a varying degree, pain and temporary scar numbness.
All scars are red and thick to begin with and then mature over a period of 6-18 months. In some people, pathological scarring can be genetic causing hypertrophic and/or keloid scars. If you have had one of these scar types, any cosmetic surgery risks these happening again.
Bleeds under the skin can cause blood collections called haematoma which must be drained quickly as they can cause skin necrosis.
Collections of wound fluid called seroma can also build up. They are harmless and the body usually absorbs them but if they cause a swelling, they might need to be drained with a needle.
Tummy tuck wounds are under strain and can open in sections. For this reason, I prefer to err on the side of caution and do not overtighten the tummy.
There is also risk of skin and fat necrosis; another reason I prefer caution.
The belly button can also necrose, although this is very rare.
Importantly, if weight increases again then the belly fat can return also.
Similarly, further pregnancy can loosen tummy muscles again, so it is preferrable to undergo this operation when your family is complete.
Revisional surgery may be required to perfect your result or correct any complications.
Most complications can be correctable and although they are rare, they can happen, and you must be aware of them before committing.
Downtime and recovery
A simple tummy tuck takes about 2-3 hours to perform.
You will likely need to stay in hospital so we can monitor you and give you strong pain relief.
You might also have surgical drains to reduce buildup of blood or wound fluid collections.
Swelling of the face and eyes, bruising and some discomfort is to be expected but measures to reduce these will be started such as advice to sleep propped up with pillows.
Initial swelling and bruising will subside within the first week but overall, it might be 3-6 months before the full result becomes apparent.
Week 1 is all about healing and therefore being at home, stress free to reduce blood pressure, with good nutrition and support from loved ones is encouraged.
Stitches will usually be removed at the hospital after 1 week.
In week 2 you can begin light tasks around the home, and you’ll be able to drive again at the end of week 2.
You’re advised to stay off work until after week 3 unless your job can be done at home relatively stress free.
Lifting, such as a small child after 4 weeks is usually appropriate.
Heavy lifting and gym are usually allowed after 6 weeks.
These guidelines are meant to reduce risks of complications, so it is crucial to follow them.
They are also general, and your particular regimen will be discussed with you.
You will also have access to my team to guide you through.
Do I qualify for tummy tuck?
The consultation is the crucial point at which I will gather your medical history perform a comprehensive body analysis and discuss your suitability for tummy tuck.
We will also have a detailed discussion of the points discussed above to ensure that you are fully informed and that I am the appropriate surgeon for your specific needs.
I will still be honest with you if I feel your needs are not ones I can meet and help suggesting other surgeons who may be able to offer you a better result.
What to do next
If considering tummy tuck surgery, get in touch using the contact forms below and I’d be delighted to help you.