What Is An Abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty is also called a ‘tummy tuck’ and is an operation designed to rejuvenate the abdominal area and remove excess fat and skin. It is often performed on patients who have either lost a lot of weight or to remove the excess loose tissue following childbirth. In most cases it restores weakened or separated muscles creating an improved abdominal contour.
Who Is It Suitable For?
For those of normal stable body weight who have developed excess skin and / or fat. The common causes are pregnancy, weight loss, aging, genetic or due to prior surgery.
Who Is It Not Suitable For?
A patient who has been encouraged to improve their contour by others is not a good candidate for surgery as they may not actually be comfortable going ahead with surgery. Patients with unrealistic expectations are also not good candidates for surgery as they will never be happy with the results they achieve if they expect perfection or unrealistic outcomes. Patients who smoke or have a significant past medical history are also not ideal candidates for surgery. Those who plan to have more children should consider the pros and cons of an operation.
How Much Does A Tummy Tuck Cost?
This depends on what is required. After a consultation with Mr Ross you will be given a quote for surgery. This will include the surgeon’s fee, hospital fee and anaesthetic fee and will include all the benefits of the BMI’s options package.
What To Expect During Your Consultation?
The success of the consultation depends on your openness and honesty in relation to what troubles you and your expectations of surgery. You will be asked questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. Different operations can be tailored to your needs and the potential outcomes and the risks and complications will be discussed with you. The operation removes excess tissue from the abdominal area and the type of abdominoplasty needs to be tailored to the individual. Various types of abdominoplasty procedures are available and may be combined with liposuction. It may involve lifting the whole abdominal skin, repositioning of the belly button and tightening of the abdominal muscles. For patients following significant weight loss other adjunctive procedures may be required. A consultation regarding the risks and limitations of surgery will help you to choose a procedure that will meet with your expectations.
Preparing For Tummy Tuck Surgery
The majority of abdominal rejuvenation procedures on the abdomen require general anaesthetic. Your health is of prime importance and any cosmetic surgery should be postponed if you are unwell for any reason. It is important that if anything changes with your health that you make contact with us. You should ideally stop smoking 6 weeks prior to surgery and stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements before surgery, you may need preoperative tests prior to surgery, which we will arrange if required. You will generally experience abdominal discomfort following the surgery and should aim to be off work for at least 2 weeks depending on the type of work you have done.
