Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Known Symptoms
- Physical findings: Redundant abdominal skin, subcutaneous fat deposits. Diastasis recti (midline abdominal muscle separation). Striae, scarring, or umbilical hernia.
- Functional concerns: Skin irritation or hygiene issues in skin folds. Core weakness or back pain (due to muscle laxity).
- Red flags (contraindications): Future pregnancy plans, uncontrolled obesity, smoking, significant medical comorbidities.
Known Causes
- Primary indications: Postpartum changes (skin laxity, muscle separation). Significant weight loss with residual skin and fat. Abdominal muscle weakness causing bulging.
- Contributing factors: Aging, genetics, prior surgeries (e.g., C-section).
Care
- Prevention: Smoking cessation for 4–6 weeks pre- and post-surgery. Weight stability prior to procedure. Meticulous surgical technique and drain management.
- Follow-up: Short-term: Drain removal within 1–2 weeks; suture care.
- Long-term: Assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Healthy lifestyle maintenance to sustain results.
- Note: Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. Ideal candidates are near their target weight with stable BMI. Combining with liposuction can enhance contouring but increases swelling/recovery time. Realistic expectations and surgeon expertise are critical for optimal outcomes.
- Physical findings: Redundant abdominal skin, subcutaneous fat deposits. Diastasis recti (midline abdominal muscle separation). Striae, scarring, or umbilical hernia.
- Functional concerns: Skin irritation or hygiene issues in skin folds. Core weakness or back pain (due to muscle laxity).
- Red flags (contraindications): Future pregnancy plans, uncontrolled obesity, smoking, significant medical comorbidities.
Featured Specialities
Our Speciality Services
Plastic Surgery
Our Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Microvascular Surgery offers comprehensive care for both functional and cosmetic needs, handling routine aesthetic procedures as well as complex reconstructions that other centres may refer to. Our surgeons are trained in microvascular “free tissue transfer” for head and neck reconstruction. We treat congenital differences, trauma and burns, cancer-related defects, hand conditions and complex vascular problems, and provide a full suite of cosmetic options from rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery to liposuction and non-surgical skin treatments. Supported by a craniofacial unit, dedicated burn services, lymphedema care and specialist operating theatres, the team works closely with oncologists, ENT, maxillofacial and rehabilitation specialists to plan each case.
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