Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

 

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal area and around the waist, and also to correct laxity of the abdominal wall. Cosmetic abdominoplasty can be performed as a stage of body contouring surgery. Abdominal wall laxity and skin looseness is very common among women who have been pregnant or undergone gynaecological surgery. Often, excess skin on the anterior abdominal wall occurs after significant weight change. Although abdominoplasty is performed more frequently in women, it can also be considered for men.

Procedure

Abdominoplasty begins with a transverse incision in the lower part of the anterior abdominal wall, just above the pubic hairline. A second incision is then made directly above the umbilicus. The umbilicus itself is liberated from the surrounding tissue, in order to be repositioned towards the end of the procedure. The upper and lower incisions are then joined together so that the elliptical skin and excess fat flap is excised. Later, the rectus abdominis muscles are drawn together using special stitches and the area where the skin and subcutaneous tissues has been excised from the abdominal wall is covered with tissue from above the umbilicus.

In some cases it is possible to conduct a mini-abdominoplasty, when there is little excess tissue to be removed and the skin elasticity is good enough. In such cases the upper incision is made below the umbilicus, meaning that much less tissue needs to be removed.

 

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
	Incision		Dissected tissue
	After removal of tissue		Postoperative scar

Operation risks

Abdominoplasty, like any other intervention, can have side effects, such as reaction to anaesthesia, postoperative pain, swelling, tightness, and tissue fluid or blood accumulation at the surgical wound site. More rarely patients might experience prolonged bleeding, wound dehiscence, wound infection, and scar hypertrophy. Other possible complications or adverse reactions should be discussed with the plastic surgeon during the consultation.

Postoperative period

Usually patients return to work after 2-4 weeks. Physical activity restrictions should be followed for 1-3 months.

The cosmetic effect of an abdominoplasty can last for years or decades, but this is greatly dependent on the patient's lifestyle, diet and physical activity.