Abdominoplasty

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Abdominoplasty is hugely popular due to the many benefits that can be achieved. These can include:

• A firmer and smoother abdomen
• A flatter profile in the abdominal region
• Restoration of separated or weakened muscles
• Alleviation of back pain
• Reduction of skin infections caused by excess skin

 During the initial consultation Ms Kelemen will ask you about your general medical history focusing on the following: 

• Health: Patients are encouraged to be in general good health without serious health issues. 
• Commitment: Eating right and working out regularly after your recovery is highly recommended to upkeep results.
• Skin: Patients unhappy with loose, lax skin and tissue forming in the abdominal area caused by past surgeries, pregnancies, weight loss, or ageing. 
• Weight: Candidates should be at a BMI of less than 35. It should be noted that a tummy tuck should not be  treated as a weight loss program. 
• Pregnancy: Women patients are advised to be finished with their pregnancies.
• Expectations: Have positive and sensible expectations of what a tummy tuck can do.

Pain and discomfort are subjective sensations, but an abdominoplasty is considered to be one of the more painful procedures. Luckily appropriate painkillers will keep you comfortable and our team will care for you and support you. Any pain is probably more noticeable when standing or walking in the first few days following surgery and usually involves the upper half of the tummy. Some patients report the sides as being more painful than the abdomen itself. So for the first week or so, you’ll need to take regular painkillers to minimise this.

Abdominoplasty scars are typically substantial in length. These normally extend from hip to hip above the pubic area in a slightly curved but horizontal line.

Although all surgeons try to suture the incision as neatly as possible, it is ultimately impossible to predict the eventual appearance. In fact, very rarely can abdominoplasty scars be described as hairline. Due to the normal healing response of the body, these scars will appear red, raised and lumpy in the first few months after surgery, but do tend to settle with time. A silicone gel will be provided for you which will  help the appearance of the scars. However, it may take up to 18 or 24  months for the scars to improve.

Stretching and prominence of all or parts of the scar can occur. If necessary, and when deemed appropriate, Ms Kelemen may have to revise a scar to try to improve its appearance. This will be discussed at your follow-up consultations.

• Pre-Surgical Care: You will recieve a full body assessment and a list of pre-operative precautionary measures – the actions you should take before surgery to ensure the best results.
• Day of Surgery: A thorough health assessment is conducted to ensure that it is safe proceed with surgery. A qualified nurse will prepare you, and the procedure will then commence. The team will ensure your well-being and comfort throughout.
• Post-Surgical Care: Once the procedure is completed, and you are ready to go home, you will receive some guidelines of how to look after your wound.
• Follow up: If required, you will be booked in for a follow up appointment for no extra cost.
• Personalised Aftercare: Feel free to contact the team in case you face any issues or have any concerns, you will have our full support.

After the surgery, Miss Kelemen will prescribe pain medication. It’s common to have some pain or discomfort, along with swelling and bruising. 

Miss Kelemen will give detailed instructions on when to remove any dressings or drains and when to make any follow-up appointments. 

Once the swelling subsides, you’ll be able to see the difference in how you look. Your skin will feel tighter than you are used to and “feeling normal” may take several  months. 

Allow for around 2 weeks before resuming normal daily activities. It is typically advised to wait for around 4 weeks before engaging in more strenuous activity such as exercise .

It is advised to do the following to help hasten your recovery and improve your results:

• Moisturize daily.
• Protect your skin from the sun.
• Get enough sleep.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Drink plenty of water.