Abdominoplasty

• General
• The Consultation
• The Operation
• Recovery
• Gallery

Abdominoplasty is a major operation carried out under general anaesthesia. It requires at least one, and sometimes two nights stay in hospital after surgery.

During tummy tuck surgery, a ellipse of skin and underlying fat is removed from hip to hip above the pubic hair and below the umbilicus (navel). The umbilicus is left attached on a stalk.

• A pocket is made beneath the skin and fat of the upper abdomen as far as the ribs. This skin is then stretched downward to join the lower incision.
• Often, particularly in women who have had children, it is also necessary to tighten the underlying muscles to improve the contour of the abdomen.
• Once the skin has been sutured, a second incision is made at the new site of the umbilicus, which is then sewn into its new position.
• Drainage tubes are placed under the skin to collect any excess fluid that may accumulate. Dissolvable stitches used beneath the skin surface do not require removal.

Apronectomy is a somewhat less extensive version of this procedure in which the umbilicus is usually left in place.