Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Care Before Procedure
- Consultation:
- Discuss goals, incision placement, and extent of correction (e.g., mini vs. full tummy tuck).
- Review before-and-after photos to align expectations.
- Medical Evaluation:
- Disclose medical history, medications, and allergies.
- Lab tests or medical clearance may be required.
- Preoperative Instructions:
- Stop smoking, blood thinners (e.g., aspirin), and certain supplements 2–4 weeks prior.
- Arrange for help during recovery (especially with lifting and childcare).
- Maintain stable nutrition and hydration.
Care During Procedure
- Anesthesia: Administered under general anesthesia or deep IV sedation.
- Process:
- Incisions are made, excess tissue is removed, muscles are repaired, and the navel is repositioned if needed.
- Drains may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation.
- Duration: 2–5 hours, depending on complexity.
Care After Procedure
- Immediate Recovery (First 2 Weeks):
- Wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support healing.
- Drains are typically removed within 1–2 weeks.
- Sleep with knees bent to reduce tension on the abdomen.
- Avoid standing straight or strenuous activity initially.
- Activity Resumption:
- Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation.
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or intense exercise for 4–6 weeks.
- Long-Term Results:
- Scars will fade over 6–12 months but remain permanent.
- Maintain stable weight to preserve results.
- Final contour emerges as swelling resolves (3–6 months).
- Follow-Up:
- Attend all post-operative visits to monitor healing.
- Seek prompt care for signs of infection (redness, fever, unusual drainage).
- Note: This information is for educational purposes. Individual results vary. A detailed consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to assess candidacy, discuss risks (e.g., scarring, fluid accumulation), and personalize the surgical plan.
- Consultation:
- Discuss goals, incision placement, and extent of correction (e.g., mini vs. full tummy tuck).
- Review before-and-after photos to align expectations.
- Medical Evaluation:
- Disclose medical history, medications, and allergies.
- Lab tests or medical clearance may be required.
- Preoperative Instructions:
- Stop smoking, blood thinners (e.g., aspirin), and certain supplements 2–4 weeks prior.
- Arrange for help during recovery (especially with lifting and childcare).
- Maintain stable nutrition and hydration.
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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