Tummy Tuck

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What is a tummy tuck?

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

  • · Aging
  • · Heredity
  • · Pregnancy
  • · Prior surgery
  • · Significant fluctuations in weight

What you should know before getting a tummy tuck

Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfil someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Generally, you may only be considered a candidate for a tummy tuck if:

  • · You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
  • · You have realistic expectations
  • · You are a non-smoker
  • · You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen
Be prepared to discuss:
  • · Your surgical goals
  • · Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
  • · Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
  • · Previous surgeries
Your surgeon will also:
  • · Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
  • · Take photographs
  • · Discuss your options
  • · Recommend a course of treatment
  • · Discuss likely outcomes

Important facts about the safety and risks of abdominoplasty

The decision to have tummy tuck surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks of abdominoplasty include:
  • · Unfavourable scarring
  • · Bleeding (hematoma)
  • · Infection
  • · Fluid accumulation
  • · Poor wound healing
  • · Skin loss
  • · Blood clots
  • · Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  • · Anaesthesia risks
  • · Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
  • · Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
  • · Major wound separation
  • · Asymmetry
  • · Recurrent looseness of skin
  • · Pain, which may persist
  • · Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • · Persistent swelling in the legs
  • · Nerve damage
  • · Possibility of revision surgery
  • · Suboptimal aesthetic result
Be sure to ask questions:

It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.