Procedure guide · Plastic and cosmetic surgery
Abdominoplasty, often called a tummy tuck, removes loose skin and fat from the abdomen and may tighten stretched muscles. MedlinePlus says it is not an alternative to weight loss. It is usually considered when skin and muscle have not regained their tone after pregnancy or major weight loss. It is done under general anaesthetic.
What is abdominoplasty?
MedlinePlus describes the surgeon removing fat and loose skin from the middle and lower abdomen. In extended operations tissue is also removed from the sides. The abdominal muscles may be tightened. A mini abdominoplasty uses much smaller cuts for limited fat pockets. Less complex cases may use an endoscope through tiny cuts. Small tubes called drains may be placed to let fluid escape. Abdominoplasty is different from liposuction, though the two are sometimes combined.
Who may be suitable?
MedlinePlus gives two examples. One is women whose muscle tone has not improved with diet and exercise after more than one pregnancy. The other is people whose skin and muscle cannot regain tone after losing a lot of weight. Your surgeon decides whether it suits you. If you plan a future pregnancy or further weight loss, raise this early. Both could change the result.
MedlinePlus lists risks. They include heavy scarring, loss of skin, nerve damage causing numbness, poor healing and a fluid collection called a seroma that may need draining. Bleeding, blood clots and infection can follow any surgery. Smoking slows healing and raises the risk of clots.
What will a surgeon usually ask for?
Send photographs of the abdomen from the front and sides. Give your weight history, including any bariatric surgery and the date your weight became stable. Mention any previous abdominal operations, hernias or caesarean sections. Send recent blood tests and a list of medicines, especially blood thinners. MedlinePlus says diabetes, heart disease and smoking should be discussed before surgery.
Scars need protection
MedlinePlus advises keeping the scar out of the sun, as sunlight can worsen and darken it. Pack clothing that covers the area.
How do you plan the trip?
The stages are a remote review, a consultation, surgery and a short hospital stay. Drain care and a support garment follow, then a wound check before you leave. MedlinePlus notes resting with hips and knees bent can ease pressure on the abdomen. The NHS warns that major surgery and flying both raise the risk of a blood clot. It advises against treating the trip as a holiday. Bring a companion who can help you move and carry bags. Your surgeon decides when drains come out and when it is safe to fly.
What should you ask the surgeon?
- Do you recommend a mini or full abdominoplasty for me, and why?
- Will my muscles be tightened?
- Where will the scar sit, and how long will it be?
- Will I have drains, and who removes them?
- Should I wait if I may become pregnant or lose more weight?
- Who will treat a seroma or wound problem after I return home?
Questions people ask
Is a tummy tuck a way to lose weight?
No. MedlinePlus says abdominoplasty is not an alternative to weight loss. It removes loose skin and some fat and may tighten muscles. Your weight should usually be stable before surgery.
What is a seroma after a tummy tuck?
A seroma is a collection of fluid under the wound. MedlinePlus lists it as a possible risk that may need draining. Ask who would drain it if it develops after you fly home.
Can liposuction be done at the same time as a tummy tuck?
MedlinePlus says abdominoplasty and liposuction are different procedures but are sometimes combined. Your surgeon will explain whether combining them suits you and how it affects the risks and recovery. Ask how long the combined operation would take.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.