Abdominoplasty : Tummy tuck surgery

The famous ‘tummy tuck' (Abdominoplasty) is designed to firm and smooth your abdomen, giving you a slimmer, trimmer profile. Many women have excess or stretched skin after loosing a large amount of weight or being pregnant, with some women developing an apron tummy. Skin which has lost it's elasticity is difficult to improve through diet and excercise causing many women to feel self conscious.

At Beauty Travel, we have helped many women to achieve the leaner look they long for. And it's all so easy and straightforward.

FAQ's relating to this procedure

1. Who is tummy tuck surgery for ?
2. What does a tummy tuck involve ?
3. What should I know about tummy tucks ?
4. What are my options ?
5. Are there any risks with tummy tucks ?
6. What happens after tummy tuck surgery ?
7. When can I resume my normal activities ?
8. When will I see the improvements ?
9. Can I expect aftercare ?

1. Who is tummy tuck surgery for ?

A ‘saggy' stomach is often the result of substantial weight loss or following pregnancy. You lose all the pounds, but end up with a surplus of loose skin and fat.

Many women also suffer weakened stomach muscles after pregnancy especially in the case of multiples. Abdominoplasty can help by tightening up those muscles, helping you to regain that flatter, tighter tum.

The procedure can even eliminate some stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.

2. What does a tummy tuck involve ?

Quite simply, the ‘tummy tuck' removes excess skin and fat. The aim is to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall, resulting in a flatter abdominal profile.

Beauty Travel's goal is to make your experience as easy and comfortable as possible. You will be given a general anaesthetic so that you'll be asleep throughout the procedure, and expect to spend one night in hospital.

• Generally, a horizontal incision is made just within or above the pubic area. The length of the incision depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. The contour will vary a little according to the structure of your abdomen and the style of beachwear or underclothes you prefer.
• If you have loose skin above the navel, your surgeon may make a second incision around the navel to remove this excess skin. The position of your navel will remain unchanged.
• Any skin on the lower abdomen that contains stretch marks may also be removed. Any remaining stretch marks may be flattened and improved.

3. What should I know about tummy tucks ?

Before you decide to go ahead with a tummy tuck, Beauty Travel will offer you a thorough one-to-one medical consultation with a surgeon who specialises in Abdominoplasty. She or he will explain the improvements you can realistically expect.

Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin will be assessed, as well as the amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles.

If you plan to become pregnant or lose weight in the future, you should mention this to your surgeon.

4. What are my options ?

Your surgeon will explain the options available for achieving the best result according to your individual case and your personal preferences.

For example, if the amount of loose skin is minimal and the excess fat deposits are located below your navel, a short horizontal incision may be all that is necessary.

In some cases your surgeon may recommend liposuction as well as a tummy tuck to remove abdominal fat.

5. Are there any risks with tummy tucks ?

Tummy tuck complications are extremely rare.

6. What happens after tummy tuck surgery ?

Depending on the technique used, you may have to wear a support garment for several weeks. Generally stitches will be removed in stages over one to two weeks.

7. When can I resume my normal activities ?

Recovery time varies from person to person. Depending on the extent of your Abdominoplasty and your general physical condition, you may be able to go back to non-strenuous work anywhere from two to three weeks after surgery. You may even be able to resume most of your normal activities after just four weeks, including some form of mild exercise.

8. When will I see the improvements ?

The bruising and most of the swelling will disappear over a period of two to three weeks. However, it may be some time before all swelling subsides and you see the final results. Over time, the scars should fade away to barely noticeable faint lines. Fortunately, most swimming costumes and underclothes will conceal these scars.

9. Can I expect aftercare ?

At Beauty Travel, we take a special pride in our excellent levels of post-operative support. To monitor your progress, we will invite you back to Beauty Travel at prescribed intervals for follow-up examinations with your surgeon or our nursing staff.