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A Tummy Tuck, also known as an Abdominoplasty, is an operation to remove excess fat and skin from the tummy (abdomen) and tighten the abdominal muscles.
When you visit Kingsbridge Private Hospital you’ll not only be visiting one of Northern Ireland’s leading five star cosmetic surgery facilities, you will benefit from outstanding customer care, including access to our Private ONE2ONE Private Patient Advisor who will answer any queries you may about our services and the finance packages available for cosmetic surgery.
A Tummy Tuck removes folds of skin left behind after losing a lot of weight and tightens stretched skin and muscles after pregnancy.
Tummy Tuck surgery is not a treatment for weight control or a substitute for regular physical activity and a healthy, balanced diet. It will not stop you from gaining weight in the future.
If you require information on maintaining a balanced diet, you may wish to book an appointment with one of our Dietitians.
It is important to note that the results of a Tummy Tuck are permanent as long as you maintain a healthy weight after surgery.
It’s important not to rush into the decision to have cosmetic surgery. You should discuss your options with your GP or book at appointment at our Private GP service so you fully understand the results you should expect.
If you smoke you will be asked to stop, as smoking increases your risk of getting a chest and wound infection, which can slow your recovery time. Your surgeon may choose not to carry out the procedure if you smoke and they feel there is a risk.
Your surgeon may also advise you to:
It is usual to have your tummy tuck under a general anaesthetic so you will be asleep during the procedure. You will be asked to fast, typically for about six hours beforehand. Very occasionally, certain types of Tummy Tuck can be done under local anaesthesia and sedation. Your surgeon will discuss your options with you at your appointment.
Photographs may be taken, so that the results of your Tummy Tuck can be compared with your original appearance.
You may be asked to wear compression stockings to help prevent blood clots forming in the veins in your legs. You may need to have an injection of an anticlotting medicine called heparin as well as, or instead of, wearing compression stockings.
The type of Tummy Tuck you have will depend on how much skin and fat you need to have removed. Your Surgeon will explain which type is most suitable for you at your initial consultation. The operation may take up to three hours.
There are three types of Tummy Tucks:
During surgery a long cut in your abdomen will be made above the pubic area (in women this is known as the bikini line). Your Surgeon may also make a second cut to remove your belly button from the surrounding skin. Stretched or torn muscles will be pulled together and stitched in place. Excess fat will be removed and the skin will be pulled down and repositioned with your belly button in the correct position. Your excess skin is then removed.
Cuts from the surgery are closed with stitches and your lower abdomen is firmly strapped with bandages. It’s likely you will have a scar around your belly button and a long curved scar on your abdomen above your pubic area. You can usually hide these scars with your underwear, but this may not always be possible.
With a Mini Tummy Tuck the excess skin and fat from below your belly button is removed, leaving a long curved scar on your abdomen above your pubic area. Your belly button remains in place.
Excess skin and fat from your abdomen and lower back is removed. You will have a scar around your belly button and a long curved scar on your abdomen above your pubic area, and around your lower back.
You may need to stay at Kingsbridge Private Hospital for up to three days after your surgery depending on your recovery time.
You will need to rest until the effects of the anaesthetic have passed and you may need pain relief to help with any discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off. Our Nursing staff are on hand to care for you and provide pain relief as required.
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home when you are discharged. It is recommended that you try to have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours after your Tummy Tuck procedure.
General anaesthesia temporarily affects your coordination and reasoning skills, so you must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours afterwards. If in any doubt about driving, contact your motor insurer so that you're aware of their recommendations, and always follow your Surgeon’s advice.
You may need to wear an elasticated garment to help reduce swelling and improve comfort for the first several weeks following your surgery. You may also be advised to keep your knees bent when you’re in bed to prevent putting strain on your stitches and may find it difficult to stand up straight at first.
Stitches will be removed after one or two weeks, or you may have dissolvable stitches. The length of time your dissolvable stitches will take to disappear depends on what type you have. Your Surgeon will tell you how long this may be and whether you have any stitches that may need to be removed.
It usually takes about six weeks to make a full recovery from a Tummy Tuck, but this can vary between individuals and the technique used, so it's important to follow advice from your Surgeon. You should be able to return to work about three or four weeks after your operation.
If you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your Pharmacist for advice.
You may be advised to wear a support garment for up to six weeks after your surgery. It’s likely you will have some tightness around your healing wounds.
In most cases, you should be able to do light activities comfortably about 10 days after your surgery. Most people can return to work after two to four weeks, but it is advised that you do not do any vigorous activity for at least six weeks following your procedure. Your Surgeon will give you specific instructions depending on the type of operation you have.
As with every procedure, there are some risks associated with surgery of this kind. Risks are evaluated on an individual basis by your Surgeon prior to having the procedure. This will be discussed with you before you make a decision.
Side-effects are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects you may get after having your procedure.
Side-effects of a Tummy Tuck include:
Complications of a Tummy Tuck include:
If so, you can book a free, confidential chat with a Private ONE2ONE Patient Adviser at Kingsbridge Private Hospital to discuss the various procedures available (Mini Tummy Tuck, Standard Tummy Tuck or Extended Tummy Tuck), finance packages and the benefits of having surgery at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.
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