body contouring - tummy tuck
Introduction
Tummy tuck or Abdominoplasty is an aesthetic (cosmetic) surgical procedure designed to remove loose and sagging skin from the lower abdomen and to tighten the abdominal muscles.You may consider having an Abdominoplasty if your abdomen is affected by skin laxity following pregnancy or weight loss, or scars from previous surgery. The overall body appearance is improved by reducing and recontouring abdominal skin and fat.
It is not a substitute for weight reduction or a treatment for obesity.
The Surgery
The procedure is performed in hospital, under general anaesthetic. Excess skin and fat is removed from the lower abdomen and the abdominal muscles tightened. In most patients the navel is repositionedAlthough scars are the inevitable results of any surgery, Mr. Bloom will make every effort to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible. In most circumstances the scars can be hidden inside the bikini line where they may be easy to conceal. However scarring is an individual characteristic and can vary from patient to patient.
Complications of abdominoplasty include infection, haematoma and seroma (blood or fluid collections under the wound), wound breakdown requiring regular dressings, poor scarring and minor revisional surgery.
After Your Surgery
In most situations you will require a few days convalescence in hospital after your tummy tuck. Drain tubes are used to remove excess fluid. These will be removed after 1 to 5 days depending on the volume of fluid. The length of your hospital stay will depend on your general health, the extent of the procedure, and your surgeon's advice.Returning to normal activities is an individual matter, but most people return to work within two to four weeks, and to more vigorous exercise after six weeks.
To be able to drive a vehicle you must be comfortable, off all strong pain killers and moving freely, this can vary from one to four weeks after the operation.
Mr. Bloom encourages the use of a supporting garment to minimize swelling and optimise healing and contour.