What is a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
During a tummy tuck surgery, a plastic surgeon removes loose skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and eliminates stubborn deposits of fat. This proven surgical treatment can be thoroughly customised to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual patient. There are several variations of a tummy tuck surgery, each designed to target certain areas of the body or specific issues. The various types of tummy tucks are:
- Traditional Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – This procedure addresses the patient’s entire abdominal area, combined with liposuction.
- Mini Tummy Tuck (Partial Abdominoplasty) – Alterations to the abdominal area below the belly button (navel)
- Endoscopic Tummy Tuck – This technique is employed in tummy tucks for men or women who suffer from rectus diastasis (a disorder that involves the separation of the abdominal muscles at the midline of the belly)
- Extended Tummy Tuck – This involves the removal of love handles (the fatty tissue and skin around the hips)
- Circumferential Tummy Tuck – Circumferential tummy tuck surgeries are often sought by patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery. This procedure is much like a lower body lift as it can remove excess skin from the thighs, buttocks, and hips as well as the abdominal area.
The Ideal Candidate
An abdominoplasty may be the best way to achieve a firmer, more youthful figure. Although not considered a weight loss procedure, a tummy tuck can refine a person’s contours when diet and exercise are not enough to eliminate stubborn excess tissues and fat cells.
This is a highly customizable surgery, the surgeon will advise what course of action is best for the patient body type.
Abdominoplasty candidates should:
- Be in good general health
- Carry excess weight in the midsection
- Have loose or droopy skin around the abdomen
- Have healthy expectations
- Commit to maintaining the result with a stable diet and regular exercise
- Post pregnancy stubborn excess fat
- Older patients with loose skin due to aging
Ultimately, a good candidate for the tummy tuck procedure is an adult who is not far from his or her ideal body weight, with an abdominal area that has not adequately responded to diet and exercise.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
Before any surgery can be scheduled a consultation must take place, where the surgeon will assess the patients’ needs and suggest the best procedure to achieve the required results. (Procedures will vary in extent from person to person).
Consultation Fee: R1000 – No subsequent consults are charged, either before or after surgery.
Surgical cost are subject to:
- Duration of procedure (hospital & anesthesia fees also are affected by this).
- Complications during surgery
- Duration of your hospitalisation recovery
- Additional procedures possibly suggested to achieve required results
As per the above, It can become difficult to put a general price tag on the procedure.
(Estimated Price: email us)
Tummy Tuck Before and After
Tummy Tuck Recovery
The recovery period for a tummy tuck depends on how many procedures are performed. The recovery time can range anywhere from 2 weeks (highly suggested downtime) to 6 weeks in some cases. Parents with young children are advised to arrange assistance during their recovery period.
Complications | Risks | Side Effects | Scars
Post-surgical tummy tuck scars are unavoidable. The length and location of incisions, which depend on the type of tummy tuck surgery, this will determine how visible and extensive the resulting scars will be.
Tummy tuck scars range from a single small scar, produced by a mini tummy tuck, to the more noticeable tummy tuck scars that circle a patient’s abdomen. Although tummy tuck scars can be fairly prominent, they are placed so that they are easily hidden by a patient’s underwear and swimsuit.
Normal Side Effects:
- Patients will feel a range of these very normal post-surgery side effects, including:
- Discomfort/pain
- Constipation (It is important to keep hydrated)
- Swelling
- Bruising
With all surgery, there are an array of risks every patient must wait aware of.
These are the risks associated with abdominoplasty:
- Blood clots
- Bad reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
Other Possible Side Effects
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweating
- Pus or discoloration around the incision areas
- Liquid drains smell or change in colour
- Excessive drainage fluid
These risks will be fully disclosed and explained by the surgeon, if at any point post surgery a patient suffers from any of these side effects – please consult your surgeon immediately.
