Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

If you're dealing with loose skin and excess fat on your abdomen, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) might be an excellent solution for you. This procedure can remove unwanted skin and fat and tighten your abdominal muscles.

Whether you've undergone weight loss or pregnancy and are dissatisfied with your stomach's appearance, a tummy tuck could provide the improvement you're looking for. Furthermore, this surgery can help reduce bulges or scars from a caesarean section or hysterectomy.

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Procedure overview

Type of anaesthetic

General

Length of operation

2-4 hours

Length of hospital stay

Same day discharge or 1 night in hospital

Recovery period

2 weeks off work
6 weeks before strenuous exercise

What you need to know

Suitability

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is ideal for individuals who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, often resulting from significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. It is particularly suitable for those who have not been able to achieve a toned abdominal appearance through diet and exercise alone.

Candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes. It is also important that individuals considering abdominoplasty are at or near their ideal weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of the surgery.

Combination with other treatments

Abdominoplasty is often combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve more comprehensive body contouring results. Common combination surgeries include liposuction, which can further sculpt the waist, hips, and thighs by removing stubborn fat deposits, and breast surgeries such as augmentation, lift, or reduction, enhancing the overall body profile.

Additionally, abdominoplasty can be part of a "mommy makeover," a customised set of procedures designed to restore a woman's body post-pregnancy.

Combining surgeries not only maximises aesthetic outcomes but also reduces overall recovery time, allowing patients to achieve their desired look more efficiently.

Consulting with Ms Teo will help determine the best combination of procedures to meet individual goals and ensure a safe, effective treatment plan.

Procedure details

Abdominoplasty consists of several essential steps to eliminate excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the underlying muscles.

A horizontal incision is made above the pubic area, extending from hip to hip for a standard abdominoplasty. The length and shape of the incision depend on the amount of excess skin and fat that needs to be removed. In some instances, a second incision around the navel may be required.

Next, the skin is lifted to expose the abdominal muscles, which are then tightened and sutured to create a firmer abdominal wall. Excess skin and fat are carefully trimmed away, and liposuction may be employed for additional contouring.

If necessary, the navel is repositioned to a natural location on the newly contoured abdomen. The incisions are then closed using sutures, skin adhesives, or clips.

Finally, the treated area is covered with dressings, and a compression garment is applied to minimise swelling and support the healing process.

Types of abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, comes in several types to address different patient needs and goals:

Standard Abdominoplasty: Involves a hip-to-hip incision and tightening of the abdominal muscles, ideal for those with significant excess skin and fat.
Mini Abdominoplasty: A less invasive option focusing on the lower abdomen with a shorter incision, suitable for patients with a mild to moderate lower abdominal bulge.
Extended Abdominoplasty: Targets the abdomen, flanks, and lower back, often recommended for individuals who have undergone significant weight loss.
Circumferential Abdominoplasty (Belt Lipectomy): Involves an incision that extends around the entire waistline, providing comprehensive contouring for patients with extensive loose skin and fat.

Consulting with Ms. Teo will help determine the most appropriate type of abdominoplasty based on your specific needs and desired outcomes

Recovery

Recovery from abdominoplasty typically involves a period of rest and limited activity to ensure proper healing. In the first few days post-surgery, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.

Patients should wear compression garments to minimise swelling and support the abdominal area. Most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks.

Full recovery and the final results of the surgery, including a flatter and more toned abdomen, can usually be seen within a few months. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are crucial to monitor the healing process and address any concerns promptly.

Potential complications

While abdominoplasty can provide significant aesthetic benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. Common risks include infection, bleeding, and poor wound healing, which can lead to noticeable scarring.

Additionally, patients may experience changes in skin sensation, such as numbness or tingling, in the treated area. There is also the possibility of blood clots, particularly in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be serious.

Other potential complications include fluid accumulation (seroma), asymmetry, and the need for revision surgery.

Selecting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon like Ms. Teo, adhering to pre- and post-operative care instructions, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider can help minimise these risks and ensure a safer, more successful outcome.

FAQs

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.
Good candidates are individuals with loose skin and excess fat in the abdominal area, often due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. Candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes.
Yes, there will be scars, but their visibility depends on the type of abdominoplasty. Scars are usually placed in areas that can be easily concealed by underwear or swimsuits. Over time, scars typically fade and become less noticeable.
In some cases, liposuction alone can provide excellent results for the abdomen, especially if your skin is of good quality and has not been overly stretched. However, if you have a significant amount of loose skin, liposuction alone may not be sufficient and could potentially worsen the appearance.
Becoming pregnant after a tummy tuck will not harm you or your baby. However, it may reverse some of the effects of the surgery. If you are planning to have children, it is advisable to wait until you have completed your family before undergoing a tummy tuck.
Abdominoplasty can remove some stretch marks located on the excess skin that is removed, typically below the belly button. However, it will not remove all stretch marks.

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