In the realm of cosmetic surgery in the UK, individuals often deliberate between a “Tummy Tuck” and “Abdominoplasty” when seeking abdominal rejuvenation. These terms are often used interchangeably, referring to a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the abdominal area.
A Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty typically involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen, as well as the tightening of abdominal muscles to achieve a smoother, firmer contour. This procedure is commonly sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, resulting in stretched skin and weakened muscles.
There are several types of tummy tuck procedures, each designed to address different concerns and cater to individual needs. The main types of tummy tucks include:
1. Traditional Tummy Tuck (Full Abdominoplasty): This is the most common type and involves making a horizontal incision above the pubic hairline and around the navel. The surgeon then removes excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles, and repositions the belly button if necessary.
2. Mini Tummy Tuck (Partial Abdominoplasty): This procedure is suitable for individuals with limited excess skin and fat below the navel. It involves a smaller incision, and the belly button is usually not repositioned. The focus is on the lower abdominal area.
3. Extended Tummy Tuck: This type addresses a larger area, including the flanks or love handles. The incision may extend beyond the hips, allowing for more significant contouring of the abdominal and flank regions.
4. Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck: This variation is suitable for individuals with significant excess skin not only horizontally but also vertically. The incision is made in both horizontal and vertical directions, resembling a “T” shape.
5. Circumferential Tummy Tuck (Body Lift): This comprehensive procedure targets the entire midsection, including the abdomen, flanks, and lower back. It is commonly performed on individuals who have undergone significant weight loss.
6. Reverse Tummy Tuck: This less common procedure involves making an incision in the upper abdomen, usually just below the breasts, to address excess skin in the upper abdominal area.
The choice of the type of tummy tuck depends on factors such as the amount of excess skin and fat, the desired outcome, and the individual’s overall anatomy. During a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, the appropriate type of tummy tuck can be determined based on the specific goals and characteristics of the patient.
Several important factors should be considered when undergoing a tummy tuck to ensure a successful and satisfying outcome. These factors include:
1. Consultation with a Qualified Surgeon: The initial step is to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. A thorough discussion of your goals, medical history, and expectations will help determine if you are a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck and which type of procedure is most appropriate for your needs.
2. Realistic Expectations: It’s crucial to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of a tummy tuck. While the procedure can produce significant improvements in abdominal contour, it is not a substitute for weight loss or a guarantee of a perfect physique.
3. Health and Lifestyle: Being in good overall health is essential for undergoing any surgical procedure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can contribute to optimal results and long-term satisfaction.
4. Understanding the Procedure: It’s important to have a clear understanding of the tummy tuck procedure, including the potential risks, recovery process, and expected outcomes. Discuss these aspects thoroughly with your surgeon during the consultation.
5. Choosing the Right Type of Tummy Tuck: There are different types of tummy tucks, each addressing specific concerns. The choice of procedure depends on factors such as the amount of excess skin and fat, the desired outcome, and the individual’s anatomy. Your surgeon will help determine the most suitable option for you.
6. Post-Operative Care: Following the surgery, adhering to post-operative care instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery. This may include wearing compression garments, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.
7. Scarring: Tummy tuck surgery involves incisions, and scarring is inevitable. However, a skilled surgeon will make efforts to minimize scarring and place incisions strategically to be as inconspicuous as possible.
8. Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are important for monitoring your progress, addressing any concerns, and ensuring that you are healing properly.
By carefully considering these factors and working closely with a qualified plastic surgeon, individuals can increase the likelihood of a successful tummy tuck experience and achieve the desired aesthetic improvements.
Patients should go through two ‘’sizing consultations’’ before they decide on their implant size. This is usually done with the surgeon, nurse or patient coordinator before the surgery takes place. During the consultation, patients wear a special bra and top and try few different sizers in front of a mirror till they find the size they opt to have.
Implant shape depends on existing breast shape. Surgeons recommend considering your natural breast shape when choosing. Round implants suit round breasts with centered nipples, while teardrop implants work better for slightly droopy breasts with lower-set nipples.
Patients can opt for three implant planes:
A - Under the gland
B - Under the muscle
C - Dual plane
The key aim is to minimize risks like rupture, leakage, or feeling the implant edges by ensuring adequate natural tissue coverage.
If you don’t like the shape of your tummy, want to enhance the curvature of your waist, or want to get rid of some excess fat and skin around your lower abdomen, If you have put on some weight after pregnancy and developed some tummy muscles weakness and want to restore yourself, you can get in touch with us to book you for a consultation with Mr. Alfie to discuss your options, examine your abdomen, take some pictures, and show you what he can offer in order to achieve your goal.
You go home the same day. The team will make sure you are fully recovered and well enough to go before they discharge you.
Right after the surgery, you will be transferred to your private room. You should be able to enjoy a hot drink and have a chat. Mr. Alfie will come and review you to make sure you have recovered well, speak to you about the surgery and how it all went. He will explain to you the immediate post operative recovery period and what to expect.
After going home, you should be able to do all you regular activities in 2-3 weeks.
Drive in 4-6 weeks
Gym and exercises in 6 weeks.
Like any surgical procedure, there will be some general risks like bruises, swelling, bleeding, oozing, infection, Skin necrosis or loss of some skin, wound healing problems, and collection of fluid or blood. Some asymmetries in the scar and position of the belly button.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCEDURE?
On the day, you will meet with Mr. Alfie and his team before surgery. He will do some markings on your body. These are to guide him during the procedure. Once asleep, Mr. Alfie will infiltrate some local anaesthetic to help relieve the post-operative pain. He will repeat the measurements and markings again, start with lower abdominal skin incision over any pre-existing incision, elevate the excess skin and fat tissues and excise them, assess your muscles and see if they need tightening or plication, finish with some lipo-sculpture to enhance the waistline. And close the wound considering normal anatomy restoration. Then he will apply some special dressings to help reduce the tissue swelling and minimise any bleeding.
Right after the surgery, you will be transferred to your private room. You should be able to enjoy a hot drink of your choice. Mr. Alfie and his team will review you to make sure you have recovered well and will talk to you about the surgery and how it went. He will explain to you the immediate post-operative recovery period and what to expect.
There will be some drains or tubes at your abdomen, thighs, and arms. These drains will stay for few days before one of Mr. Alfie team remove them for you. There may be also a tight garment around your arm, thighs, and torso. Mr. Alfie recommends using the garment for 6 weeks after the surgery. Day and night for two weeks then during the day only for 4 weeks. If there are any skin stitches, these will be removed in 7 days. Mr. Alfie will review you in few weeks after the surgery
Most people will be able to return back to work which does not involve heavy lifting or walking in three weeks after the surgery. It may take up to six weeks before returning to normal activities and exercises.
Yes you could have revision procedure if you had the surgery done a few or many years ago and you are not very happy with the results or gained some weight or excess skin.
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