Tummy Tuck
Remove unwanted areas of fatty tissue and re-shape the body into a smoother more proportional silhouette
A common misconception is that a tummy tuck is intended for people who wish to lose weight. The best results are obtained in those people who may be only slightly overweight but who have lost weight with resulting slackness of the abdominal skin. This lax skin may then be more effectively removed leaving a neater taut stomach. Women interested in this treatment should wait until they are sure they are not planning to be pregnant, as results of abdominoplasty would be undone if they were subsequently to have children after surgery.
About this treatment
Background to the procedure
There are different types of abdominoplasty available. If, for example, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also know as a mini tummy tuck, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result.
A complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two. Both are performed under general anesthesia.Most abdominoplasty procedures utilise a horizontal incision above the pubic line that is made only as long as the skin excess requires, generally within the confines of the hip bones. The position of the resulting incision is maintained as low as possible, and most can easily cover it with regular underwear or a bikini.
In a full abdominoplasty, a second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved.
The surgery will result in a permanent scar which, depending on the procedure, can extend from one hip all the way to the other.
The best tummy tuck candidates will have:
- Excess skin of the abdomen
- Localised excess fat of the anterior abdomen and flanks
- Weak or bulging abdominal contour
- Diastasis recti (midline separation of the abdominal muscles)
- A body weight within 10% of ideal, or BMI around 25
What would I expect from my consultation?
All consultations are private one-on-one sessions with Dr. Salman that normally last 30-40 minutes. During that time a full medical history is taken to confirm suitability for surgery.
In this initial consultation, Dr. Salman will determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. He will have a frank discussion with you about your goals and desires, and will inform you about the best techniques available, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.
What is the recovery after tummy tuck surgery?
For the first few days after your surgery, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by pain medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain overnight at the hospital.
The speed of recovery is largely down the individual. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from a tummy tuck will be quite fast – some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Light exercise (walking, treadmill) can be resumed around 10 to 12 days, and more vigorous exercise resumes at four weeks (core strengthening exercise can be restarted after approximately six weeks).
Scars will take nine months to a year before they flatten out and lighten in colour. While they’ll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
What are the risks of complication?
All surgery, including cosmetic surgery, carries risks. Any potential complications will be discussed during consultation and you will be given a copy in writing.
Surgery & Aftercare
Patient care has always been at the forefront of everything we do, this is why we are a leading cosmetic surgery provider in Ireland. We believe that ‘aftercare’ is just as important a part of the entire cosmetic treatment procedure as the treatment itself. With Auralia, you can be rest assured that all your aftercare needs will be completely fulfilled, providing you the support you need for a fast and stress-free recovery.
Cosmetic surgery aftercare is a very crucial part of recovering correctly and the success of your surgery will depend on how well you look after yourself afterwards as advised by your surgeon. At Auralia our aftercare plan is individually tailored to each patient’s procedure and requirements in order that the quickest possible recovery is achieved.
We are proud to offer fully comprehensive and inclusive aftercare, so you can be reassured you will always be in the very best, experienced medical hands. At Auralia you are a patient for life. Once we meet you we will guide you throughout your surgical journey to a new you.
All your appointments with Auralia, from your initial consultation to treatment to your aftercare consultations, are carried out at our clinic in Park West, Dublin. We have state of the art operating facilities and a six-bedded recovery area, including two elevated needs beds, with a central nurse’s station, conducive to all your recuperation and recovery needs.
Our Irish based surgeon is contactable day and night – 24 hours a day – if you need him.
Our registered, professional and highly trained medical team are accessible at all times to advise you on your individual surgical needs, to explain exactly what the procedure entails and to assist you with any concerns you may have following your treatment. All patients receive three post operative consultations, however, if a patient feels they need more support and time to address any concerns, we can facilitate this without cost or question.
FAQs
Can I just have liposuction as opposed to an abdominoplasty?
Liposuction is suited for patients who have got elastic skin as the principle behind liposuction is to remove any excess of fat and then the surrounding elastic skin can shrink to accommodate this reduced volume. If, however, the skin is inelastic, then the skin will not shrink and an abdominoplasty may be required.
Will the scars be visible?
This is not a scar-free surgery. In fact, scars may be quite severe depending on the amount of skin needed to be removed, your body’s ability to heal, the skill of your surgeon, and the technique used. Most surgeons try to use techniques that leave a scar that can be covered by a standard bikini.
What is a partial abdominoplasty?
A partial abdominoplasty, or mini tummy tuck, is similar to an abdominoplasty, but involves shorter incisions and an overall less invasive procedure, which is ideal for patients with fat localised in the lower abdomen. Many patients choose this procedure to benefit from less scarring and shorter recovery times.
How do I prepare for tummy tuck surgery?
2 weeks pre-operatively
Stop taking any aspirin or aspirin containing products as these may increase the risk of bleeding. Also any non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Brufen or Volterol such should be stopped, as should any Vitamin E tablets or multi vitamins containing vitamin E. Patients should stop smoking at least two weeks in advance of surgery.
1 week pre-operatively
It is advisable to take 1 gm vitamin C twice a day to improve wound healing.
Night before surgery
Nail polish should be removed prior to surgery for the anaesthetic equipment requirement.
The day of surgery
Dress in loose, comfortable clothing – soft, elasticated tracksuit bottoms are ideal.
Download our brochure
If you would like to download or print our full brochure detailing the wide range of cosmetic surgery treatments available at Auralia, including tummy tuck and other related treatments, simply click here.Â
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