Tummy Tuck Surgery
Removing excess fat and sagging skin, a tummy tuck is a form of body contouring which is ideal for people following weight loss or pregnancy.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a form of cosmetic surgery which is performed in order to improve the aesthetic appearance of the abdominal area. It helps to remove excess or sagging skin which can’t be removed through normal exercise. You can have both a partial or a full tummy tuck.
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Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Openness and honesty regarding the issues you wish to address during surgery and your current health is vital in any tummy tuck Manchester consultation. Sometimes your current health or lifestyle choices may affect your eligibility for surgery, so it’s important that you’re honest as it’s here you can also raise concerns and issues that you may have.
During this consultation, we will discuss the level of tummy tuck you require. The operation is tailored to the individual, so can involve additional liposuction, repositioning the belly button, a full lift of the abdominal skin and even tightening to the stomach muscles. If you have experienced significant weight loss, then other procedures may be required in order to achieve the best results.
Our consultation process fully aims to provide you with a surgery plan which can achieve results based on your realistic expectations.
Tummy Tuck Pre-Surgery Preparations
A tummy tuck surgery will require you to undergo general anaesthetic. As such, if you are feeling unwell prior to surgery then it must be postponed in order to ensure your wellbeing.
Stop smoking at least 6 weeks prior to surgery as this can increase the risk of chest and wound infection. In the run up to surgery, you should also avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories or any types of herbal supplements. Preoperative tests may also be carried out to determine your suitability for the surgery. But, this will be fully discussed during your consultation.
What to Expect During a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck could take anywhere between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and if you are seeking a partial or fully tummy tuck. The incision is typically made from one hipbone to the other and rests just above the pubic area. This means that it is typically easy to hide under any average clothing waistline.
Dissolvable stitches will be used to close the surgery incisions and a compressive dressing is used to reduce potential swelling.
How Long is the Tummy Tuck Recovery Period?
Following a tummy tuck, it is typical to feel uncomfortable and swollen. Along with some bruising around the wound this is completely normal. You will be able to go home the day after surgery and need will need to keep the wound dry for at least a week. After this week, you will be required to visit the clinic in order to check on the wound for infection or other issues.
You will need to wear a support garment for at least 4 to 6 weeks following the surgery. Light exercise, such as walking, can resume after a week and full exercise after the 6 week recovery period.
As soon as the scar is fully healed you should begin to massage it. This will help to improve the long-term appearance of the scar.