Abdominoplasty- Tummy Tuck

TUMMY TUCK(ABDOMINOPLASTY)
Abdominoplasty, commonly know as a "tummy tuck" is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. However, please bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip. If you are considering abdominoplasty, this information will give you a basic understanding of the
procedure, when it can help, how it's performed and what results to expect. It will not answer all your questions since a lot will depend upon the individual patient, but please do not hesitate to speak to either Dr Roberto Viel or Dr Maurizio Viel about any questions you may have.

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men and women who are in relatively good shape but who are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin which wont reduce with diet and exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful for women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched abdominal muscles and skin. Loss of skin elasticity, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Patients who intend to loose a lot of weight should postpone surgery until they have reached their desired weight. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen, which are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, you may be recommended against abdominoplasty, or cautioned that your scars could
become unusually prominent.

Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it wont necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause people to treat you differently. Before you have surgery, it is important to think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with the surgeon.

All surgery carries some uncertainties and risks.
Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

We have provided a form on the website if you would like to request further information or an appointment. The cost of a consultation is £130. Alternatively if you prefer the telephone we are happy to take your call.

further information and appointment
more information about the procedure


	BEFORE YOUR SURGERY In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully asses your skin tone. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if your taking any medications, vitamins or other drugs. Be frank when discussing your expectations with the surgeon, and they will explain the risks and the limitations, together with the alternative surgeries which may be more suitable. 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 known as a mini tummy tuck, which may be performed here at the clinic as an outpatient. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty, performed in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. It maybe that liposuction alone will create the desired results. Your surgeon will always discuss with you and recommend the procedure which is appropriate for you. During the consultation, the surgeon will also explain the anaesthesia that will be used, the hospital or clinic in which the procedure will take place, as well as the costs involved. You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medicines. If you smoke, plan to quit at least two weeks prior to the surgery and not resume smoking for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before the surgery, especially on the abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. It you develop a cold or infection of any kind, it is important to inform the surgeon as your surgery may need to be postponed. You will need to arrange for someone to collect you after your surgery, as you will be unable to drive. It is also advisable to have someone to stay with you for a few days to help you out, if needed.
	THE PROCEDURE Generally, abdominoplasty procedures are performed at the Highgate Private Hospital in Highgate. You may or may not stay in hospital overnight. The procedure is carried out under a general anaesthesia, so there will be no pain and you'll sleep through the operation. Complete abdominoplasty usually takes between two to five hours depending upon the extent of the work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.Most commonly, the surgeon will make an incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubis area. A second incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched. Next the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts the large flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitched into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched into place. Finally, the incision will be stitched, dressing applied and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. In the partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. The skin flap is stretched down, excess skin is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.
	AFTER THE PROCEDURE For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be allowed to leave the hospital within a few hours of your surgery or you may need to remain in hospital overnight. The surgeon will give you instructions on showering and changing your dressings. You may not be able to stand straight at first, but you should start walking as soon as possible. Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, some of which may protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment after one to two weeks. It may take you some weeks to feel back to normal again. If you are in good physical condition prior to surgery, with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while other may take three to four weeks to rest and recover. Exercise will help you heal better. People who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of a blood clot and to tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably, generally one month. Your scars may appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in colour. While they will never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show through most clothing, including bikini's. Also the way you treat your scar will affect the end result, if you follow the surgeons instructions, regularly apply vitamin E cream or other scar creams and keep the scar out of sunlight you will be left with a small, neater and less noticeable scar. Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. In most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. If your realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and the possibility of a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you. If you have any further questions or queries about this procedure, please feel free to call and speak to either Dr Roberto Viel, Dr Maurizio Viel or any of our nurses. Please note that it is necessary to attend a consultation prior to your operation, this is also the case with existing patients, it may also be necessary to have repeat blood test.	top