1300 DR BISH BOOK A CONSULT
This is an illustrative stock photo and is not a patient result.
PROCEDURES

Abdominoplasty

Why Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a “tummy tuck”, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of skin and fat from the abdominal area. It is often considered by individuals seeking to address their abdominal area, particularly after significant weight loss or changes due to pregnancy.

This procedure is most suitable for individuals who have maintained a stable weight in the months leading up to surgery. Abdominoplasty can be personalized to address specific patient needs and may involve either a traditional or mini approach, depending on the extent of skin and tissue to be addressed. During a consultation, Dr Bish Soliman will assess your circumstances and discuss the most appropriate surgical plan to help achieve your goals.

Considerations for Abdominoplasty surgery

Abdominoplasty may be suitable for individuals who are in good physical health, are non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of surgery. During your consultation, your medical history, areas of concern, and goals for the procedure will be discussed. This allows your surgeon to assess your suitability and create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your needs.

Candidates are generally at or near their goal weight and should have maintained a stable weight for at least six months prior to surgery. Significant weight changes after the procedure may affect the long-term results.

Suitability also depends on a candidate’s willingness and ability to follow pre- and post-operative instructions. This includes taking adequate time off work (approximately four weeks for recovery), adhering to wound care guidelines, and attending all required follow-up appointments.

To minimize the risk of complications, you may be advised to quit smoking or adjust certain medications before the procedure. These precautions help ensure the best possible conditions for a safe surgery.

Considerations for Abdominoplasty surgery

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is a procedure that may offer both functional and aesthetic benefits depending on a patient’s individual needs, goals, and reasons for undergoing the surgery.

Excess skin and fat in the abdominal area can result from factors such as pregnancy or significant weight loss. Pregnancy often stretches the abdominal skin and can lead to separation of the underlying muscles, which may not respond to diet and exercise alone. Similarly, both men and women who have experienced significant weight loss may find they have excess skin that can sometimes cause irritation, rashes, or infections.

The Procedure: Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is performed under general anesthesia administered by an accredited anaesthetist, in an accredited hospital. The procedure typically takes three to four hours to complete and may require a hospital stay of up to five days, depending on the specific details of your surgery.

Your surgeon will use techniques tailored to your individual needs, as discussed during your consultation. In some cases, the procedure may be combined with liposuction to address localized fatty deposits.

Types of Abdominoplasty

  • Traditional Abdominoplasty:
    A traditional abdominoplasty involves a horizontal incision placed low on the abdomen, often from hip to hip, to provide access to the abdominal muscles. The abdominal wall muscles are tightened, and excess skin and fat are removed. The remaining skin is repositioned and sutured into place, and the belly button is relocated into position. Depending on the patient’s surgical plan, liposuction may be used to address areas such as the upper abdomen, flanks, and pubic region.
  • Mini Abdominoplasty:
    A mini abdominoplasty is suitable for individuals with a smaller amount of excess skin or fat. This procedure involves a shorter incision and focuses on removing loose skin and fat from the lower abdomen. Unlike the traditional approach, the abdominal muscles are not typically addressed.

The choice of procedure depends on the specific characteristics of your abdomen and your goals for the surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the details of your personalized surgical plan during your consultation to ensure it aligns with your needs and expectations.

Potential benefits of abdominoplasty include:

  • Removal of excess skin and fat
  • Reduced skin irritation caused by chafing or excess skin
  • Improved abdominal muscle tone and function
  • Addressing abdominal muscle separation following pregnancy
  • Lifting the pubic/mons area

It is important to note that outcomes vary between individuals based on their unique anatomy and surgical plan. These factors will be discussed in detail during your consultation to help set realistic expectations and develop a personalized approach to your procedure.

Your patient-centered consultation

Before your procedure, get personalised guidance from highly skilled Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Bish Soliman. With years of experience, he will tailor your treatment for your body, health, and ideal outcomes. Book your personal consultation to receive:

  • In-depth information about your desired procedure
  • Personalised advice from Dr Soliman
  • A customised treatment plan tailored to your needs

Aftercare and Recovery Following Abdominoplasty

After a traditional abdominoplasty, patients are typically required to wear a compression abdominal binder for approximately six weeks. This helps to minimize swelling and support the abdominal area during the healing process. Temporary drainage tubes may also be placed to remove excess fluid and reduce the risk of complications.

Since abdominoplasty is a personalized procedure, recovery instructions will be tailored to your specific needs and provided during your consultation. General recommendations include walking short distances and performing deep breathing exercises to promote circulation and prevent complications. Strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and exercise, should be avoided for about six weeks. Patients may need to take approximately four weeks off work and should refrain from driving for about two weeks after surgery. Recovery timelines vary, but most individuals can resume light activities within one to two weeks. You will be provided with detailed instructions on caring for your incision sites to reduce the risk of infection and support healing.

What to Expect During Recovery

During the initial recovery period, it is common to experience swelling, bruising, and some numbness in the area between the belly button and the surgical scar. Tightness in the abdomen and difficulty standing fully upright are also expected. Pain and discomfort are typically managed with prescribed pain medication. For the first week, you may require assistance with daily tasks and childcare.

Most patients find that swelling and bruising begin to subside within two weeks, but complete recovery can take several months. It is important to follow all aftercare instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Risks and Complications of Abdominoplasty

No surgical procedure is without risk. During your consultation, Dr Bish Soliman will explain the potential risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty and discuss how these can be dealt with. Choosing a qualified surgeon and carefully following preoperative and postoperative instructions are essential steps to help reduce the likelihood of complications.

As part of your consultation, your suitability for the procedure will be assessed. This process helps ensure the procedure is appropriate for you and minimizes potential risks. You may need to make certain adjustments in preparation for surgery, such as quitting smoking or altering medications, as smoking and some medications can increase the risk of complications by affecting blood clotting or healing.

Potential Risks and Complications

While risks vary between individuals, possible complications of abdominoplasty include:

  • Bleeding at the incision site
  • Infection
  • Fluid build-up (seroma)
  • Scarring, including poor or thickened scarring
  • Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation
  • The need for further surgery to address issues
  • Medical complications such as pulmonary embolism or chest infection
  • Complications related to anesthesia

In the event that complications do occur, many can be managed with appropriate treatment or follow-up procedures.

After your surgery, you will be monitored in the hospital to ensure no immediate complications arise. Upon discharge, you will receive personalized recovery instructions to support healing and further minimize risks. It is important to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and address any concerns. Should you notice any unusual symptoms during your recovery, you are encouraged to contact your surgeon promptly for advice.

Have questions or need guidance?

Share your details and receive a call from our professional medical team at a time that is convenient to you.

REQUEST A CALLBACK
REQUEST A CALLBACK

Tell us a few details about you

This will allow us to contact you about your consultation.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.