Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty
Although pregnancy remains one of life’s miracles, it often takes its toll on a woman’s body, especially her abdomen! So often a female patient will arrive at my office, despondent because she has not been able to regain her figure, through exercise and weight control, following pregnancy. Unfortunately, in many cases the patients only chance to again have a flat, well-contoured abdomen, will have to be by means of surgery. Different procedures are available for restoring the abdomens contours ranging from liposculpture only, to liposculpture together with a mini abdominoplasty, to a full abdominoplasty.
Who will benefit from Liposculpture only?
In general younger patients with an elastic skin and moderate amounts of abdominal fat are ideal candidates. Good abdominal muscle tone contributes towards a good liposculpture result.
Note:
- All liposculpture procedures are done under sedation and local anesthetic.
- No overnight stay required.
Who wil benefit from mini abdominoplasty?
Patients experiencing excess skin and muscle weakness in the lower abdomen. The procedure starts with a liposculpture of the entire area, followed by exposure and tightening of the underlying muscles, from the belly button down to the pubic area. The belly button basically remains untouched, resulting in a flat well contoured lower abdomen.
Note:
- All procedures are done under general anesthetic.
- One night stay in hospital required.
What are the risks?
Although an abdominoplasty is regarded as major surgery, this is not a high-risk procedure in case of healthy, non-smoking patients, with a BMI of 30 or less. Complications seldom seen are the following:
- Unfavourable scaring (should the patient’s body not form good scars )
- Infection
- haematomas( excessive bleeding),
- Deep Venous Thrombosis
- Reaction to sutures.
Deep Venous Thrombosis , although very seldom seen could be of a very serious nature with a devastating outcome. It is for these reasons that patients are carefully selected , together with numerous precautionary measures that are taken to reduce the patient’s risk.
Recovery
Following a mini abdominoplasty / full abdominoplasty patients will always have a drain, which will stay in position for approx. 2-5 days.
- Liposculptures are done as same day procedures.
- Mini abdominoplasties are discharged after 1 day.
- Full abdominoplasties are discharged after 1 or 2 days.
The rest of the first week needs to be taken easy i.e. reading, watching tv, etc.
Note:
- DO NOT ONLY REMAIN IN BED! CONSTANTLY SLOWLY WALK AROUND TO PREVENT DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS!
- Driving, office type work, light household duties e.g. buying bread & milk may commence after 7-10 days.
- Exercising may start after 4-6 weeks.
- Sexual activity may start after 3 weeks ( As comfort permits)
- You will be fitted with an elastic corset which must be worn for 4 weeks