FAQ

What is abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
It is a surgical procedure to give the abdomen a flatter and youthful contour.
 

Can I undergo abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
Abdominoplasty can be carried out for the following reason: bulging middle and lower abdomen. This is usually caused by loose, wrinkled and overhanging skin with or without excess fat and may be accompanied by weakness of abdominal muscle. Multiple pregnancy, old age and excessive weight loss can lead to above problems. Abdominoplasty can remove the overhanging skin along with the excess fat and also tighten the muscle. This results in a flatter and youthful looking abdomen.

Is there any other option?
Diet and exercise should be tried in the first instance, especially if the bulge is due to excessive fat. However if the fat deposit does not respond to diet and exercise and it is accompanied with loose and overhanging skin, then abdominoplasty is the only option.

What tests do I require to undergo prior to abdominoplasty?
Blood tests are required prior to any surgery. Additional tests such as X-Ray,    cardiogram, physician check-up etc may be required depending on your health status. These tests are carried out for your safety.                                

Do I need to have anaesthesia for the procedure?
You will be put to sleep (general anaesthesia) for the abdominoplasty.

What does abdominoplasty involve?
The cut (incision) is made from one hipbone to the other and just above the pubic area. The skin and fat is then lifted off the abdominal wall and pulled down to determine the excess. The excess is then discarded and the wound stitched. The incision and stitching is done in such a way that the subsequent scar will not show under most clothing and even innerwear or bathing suits.

What to expect immediately after the operation?
There will be a padded dressing over the operation site. Drainage tubes are sometimes placed at the operation site to prevent collection of blood clot. These tubes are removed in approximately 2 days. You will be allowed out of bed the same evening or the next morning. Painkillers are given to minimize any discomfort after the operation.

How long do I need to stay in hospital?
You will be discharged once the drainage tube is out and you are able to move around. In general the hospital stay is for 2 to 3 nights after the operation.

What is the recovery period like?
At the time of discharge a light waterproof dressing will be applied. This will allow you to have shower. However the dressing will required to be changed again on the 6^th or 7^th day.  Dressing will be required for 2 to 3 weeks after the operation. The stitches dissolve and do not need to be removed.

When can I get back to normal routine?
You will be up and about within 24 hours of the operation. You can resume light activity within a week’s time. Usually heavy activity like going to the gymnasium and heavy exercises can be safely done after 3 to 4 weeks. However every individual is different. You should increase your level of activity according to your comfort level.

What can go wrong?
Abdominoplasty itself is a safe procedure. However as is true for any operation abdominoplasty can be associated with certain risk and uncertainty. Infection is rarely seen and can be treated with antibiotics.
As the skin has been tightened you may have a stretching sensation for few weeks.
The skin over the abdomen may have diminished sensation. This recovers in 2 to 3 months. Swelling around the operation site usually disappears in 4 to 8 weeks time. Scar extends from one hipbone to the other. It is placed low on the abdomen (just above the pubic area) so that it can be hidden under most clothings and innerwear or swimwear. The scar fades over a period of 6 to 12 months.

What result to expect?
Abdominoplasty gives a smooth and youthful contour to the abdomen. The results are long lasting leaving majority of the patients satisfied.

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