What is a tummy tuck?

12th, Aug 2015

With growing enquiries from Tummy tuck patients, our experts have answered the big questions on the matter, "What is a Tummy Tuck?" and "What things do patients need to consider".

This summer we’ve seen a rise in the number of patients enquiring about and undergoing tummy tuck surgery. But what is a tummy tuck? Our experts explain what it is and the things patients need to consider.

The Society of Plastic Surgeons defines a tummy tuck as, “removing excess fat and skin, and in most cases restoring weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.”

Dramatic weight loss, pregnancy or simply a desire to smooth over a bulging tummy are just two of the factors that may lead people to consider abdominal surgery. These sudden changes in body shape can result in loose, wrinkled, stretch-marked skin around the stomach. In some cases this excess skin will no longer respond to diet and/ or exercise and surgery becomes a viable option.

Before you start

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a big decision and you should have a chat with a specialist to see if it is the right option for you. An initial consultation with a clinical specialist is vital so that you know your options.

At Kingsbridge Private Hospital, we pride ourselves on patient care, before, during and after cosmetic surgery. Our ONE2ONE service allows patients to have a free, confidential chat with a patient adviser. It’s a great chance to raise any concerns you might have about what’s involved.

To find out more about our free ONE2ONE service call 08450 60 06 352 or email our team directly at one2one@3fivetwo.com.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

This depends on the type of surgery required in order to achieve your goals and would become clear after a consultation with a surgeon.

At Kingsbridge Private Hospital we offer some great finance packages allowing you to spread the payments over a period of time.

Where to undergo Tummy Tuck surgery?

The promise of cheap cosmetic surgery can be very tempting for some. But the reality is that the risks to your health are often significantly increased if you take a cheap option.

At Kingsbridge Private Hospital, for example, we make a number of promises to our patients including:

• World-renowned clinical excellence with experienced, qualified surgeons.
• Outstanding aftercare making sure you stay healthy after the operation.
• Consultation with your consultant surgeon before making a decision.
• 5-star facilities at Kingsbridge Private Hospital ensuring you enjoy the best facilities before, during and after the operation.
• Finance packages that ensure you get great results at a price you can afford.

We know that the above matters to patients when deciding where to have surgery. What matters to you?

Types of Tummy Tuck

Choosing the right type of abdominal contouring can reduce scarring and improve results. You should speak to a specialist who can help you decide whether you should be considering surgery or whether there is a non-surgical solution.

Full Tummy Tuck – A Full Tummy Tuck is commonly recommended if you have too much loose skin or your muscles have been stretched or separated during pregnancy.

Mini Tummy Tuck – Either an endoscopic abdominoplasty (1-2 inch scar), or a mini-abdominoplasty (a scar about the length of a C-section) is best for removing small amounts of loose skin.

Liposuction – Liposuction is recommended if your abdomen is relatively tight but you would like to lose some excess fat. There is often less scarring than with tummy tuck surgery.

Full tummy Tuck & Liposuction – This is a very common combination as if you have too much fat, liposuction can be combined with a tummy tuck to remove excess skin.  

The first port of call should always be a consultation with your consultant where you talk about what you would like to achieve with a tummy tuck.

What a Tummy Tuck will not do

Tummy tuck surgery is not a treatment for weight control or a substitute for regular physical activity and a healthy, balanced diet. A tummy tuck will not stop you from gaining weight in the future so it is important that you adjust your diet and physical activity to remain at a steady weight.

A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, however these can be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.

Preparing for a Tummy Tuck

There are common ways to prepare for tummy tuck surgery. Your consultant-surgeon will advise you on the steps you need to take before and after. Four of the most common ways to prepare are:1

• Stop Smoking
• Take certain medication or adjust your current medication

Healing Time

After a tummy tuck, our surgeons recommend time off work and exercise where appropriate. This can vary between individuals and the techniques they use, so it is important to always follow your surgeon’s advice.

Support garments will help to ease any pain, discomfort and swelling around your abdomen. These can be worn for the full 6 weeks after your surgery.

As with any major cosmetic surgery there are many factors to consider, and whilst this article should provide answers to the majority of questions, a consultation will give you answers that will apply to your personal situation.  No amount of searching on the web will give you the personal answers that a professional consultant can deliver.

Want to know more, call our ONE2ONE service on 08450 60 06 352 or email our team directly at one2one@3fivetwo.com.