Abdominoplasty/ Tummy tuck
Abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) improves body contour and achieves a smoother shape to the abdomen for both women and men. It is ideal for:
- Contouring the body after pregnancy
- Removing excess skin after weight loss
- Slimming the shape of the body after the effects of ageing
- Eliminating fat around the belly
- Increasing strength and tone of the abdominal muscles
- Relieving incontinence or pain as a result of weak abdominal muscles.
A full abdominoplasty involves the removal of excess skin and fat and the repairing of any muscle separation (this tends to be more common after childbirth). The abdominal muscles and their tissues are pulled together and tightened.
Dr Bill Lyon will work towards ensuring your incisions are as inconspicuously placed as possible, but there will be a few well-placed scars. Abdominoplasties are a common procedure and (with the right surgeon and care) the results can be life changing.
A circumferential body lift is a more extensive tummy tuck involving an incision around the entirety of the lower body and can also help lift the buttock and thigh skin.
Some possible complications and risks associated with tummy tuck surgery may include:
- Infection of the wound
- Bleeding
- Incision site pain
- Haematoma (Blood clot)
- Skin/flap/umbilicus loss requiring a skin graft
- Seroma (Excessive accumulation of fluid) may occur under the incision site
- Temporary or permanent numbness of the incision site and surrounds
- A blood transfusion may be required
- Short term nausea and vomiting
- Hypertrophic and keloid scars.
How quickly can I return to exercise?
You should plan for at least a few weeks recovery time, with at least two to four weeks recommended off work, with normal physical activities including exercise not recommended for at least four to six weeks after the surgery. This allows your body time to heal including the incisions and stitches.
How much pain will I be in after surgery?
You may have drains, bruising, swelling, tightness and discomfort which Dr Bill Lyon will help you to manage with medication and aftercare advice.
