PROCEDURES

BODY

INDICATIONS

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is done to flatten the stomach area for those who may have excess fat or loose skin in that area. A tummy tuck is able to flatten the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tighten the abdominal wall to give a smoother, slimmer, thinner abdomen for those who have recently lost weight or undergone bariatric surgery and have excess skin and flab around their waist, for women who are struggling to lose weight in their abdominal area after pregnancy or for those who are simply overweight in this region. 

This procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, but lifestyle changes will affect whether or not these results last. Following a healthy diet and sensible exercise after surgery is essential. A tummy tuck is not advised for women planning to fall pregnant and should be postponed until after having children. 

PROCEDURE

A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) can be done in two ways. As a full abdominoplasty or a partial abdominoplasty, or mini-tummy tuck - the latter being the least invasive with the most appealing scar. Which of the two indicated will be decided with your plastic surgeon during your consultation. Furthermore, liposuction can be done during this surgery to remove any fat on the hips or ’love handles’.  

Under general anaesthesia, your plastic surgeon will make a horizontal incision across your abdomen near the pubic region. How long this incision will be will depend on the type of tummy tuck indicated. Another incision is made around the navel, and the skin and fat are then separated from the abdominal muscles. The excess skin and fat are then removed. The abdominal muscles are pulled towards one another to create a slimmer waist. The skin is then pulled over the new tummy, and a new belly button is created. Liposuction is then used to remove any excess fat cells before closing the incision with stitches below the bikini line. 

RECOVERY

Recovery after an abdominoplasty will largely depend on the extent of surgery. Generally, you can expect pain and sensitivity for two days during which time you will remain in the hospital under observation. If any liposuction or body contouring was done during the surgery, you may expect some bruising in those areas. You will be encouraged to start walking soon after surgery to aid healing. Those who have undergone a partial abdominoplasty or mini-tummy tuck will have a significantly shorter recovery time and less pain post-surgery. Those who have undergone a full tummy-tuck may take up to 2 weeks to recover. 

Once discharged from the hospital, you will be instructed on how to care for your incisions and how best to manage your healing. You will be instructed to avoid strenuous activity and avoid lifting heavy objects. You will see Dr Sofianos for a follow-up in 1 week. 

Abdominoplasty is a slow-healing procedure, and it may take several months to see the end result. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can be assured that the results after your abdominoplasty will be long-lasting. Contact us today for more information and prices for tummy tuck in Johannesburg.

 

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