What is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure that improves the flatness and firmness of your abdomen, commonly known as a tummy tuck. The pinchable excessive skin and fat over the lower portion of your abdomen (often under the umbilicus) is the area of interest. For patients with localised sagging or stubborn fat below the navel, mini tummy tuck may offer a faster recovery and minimal scarring. For patients with localised sagging or stubborn fat below the navel, mini tummy tuck may offer a faster recovery and minimal scarring.
Stretch marks found under the umbilicus will also be removed concurrently. Underlying abdominal muscle laxity, divarication of the recti and umbilical hernia can be repaired at the same time. In exchange for these benefits and improvements, a well-hidden scar is strategically placed at the lowest portion of the abdomen, easily concealed even in a bikini.
Who is suitable for a Tummy Tuck?
There are many reasons for people who decide for abdominoplasty surgery, these are some of the more common reasons:
Obese patients following bariatric surgery, resulting in massive weight loss and a drop in BMI. Leaving excessive and loose skin as a result of the weight loss (this is often a Medisave claimable condition)
Personal weight loss efforts resulting in excessive and loose skin
Women post pregnancies with excess skin, fat, stretch marks and divarication of recti – also commonly known as a mummy makeover
Abdominal / umbilical hernia
Any men or women who desires aesthetic improvement of their abdominal contour
As this is a cosmetic procedure, you should be in good health and assessed to be in the low anaesthetic risk profile. Smoking should also be stopped (ideally 6 weeks prior to and after the surgery) as it will affect wound healing and overall results of the abdominoplasty. We will understand your medical history thoroughly and may also conduct several blood investigations before the procedure.
What type of Abdominoplasty are available?
The abdominoplasty suitable for you will be dependent on the total areas of excessive skin and fat. This is best discussed with you after the consultation and examination. Here are the options available:
Mini-abdominoplasty – shorter than one hip bone to the other
Standard abdominoplasty – incision is generally from one hip bone to the other
Extended abdominoplasty – incisions extend further behind each hip bone
Circumferential / belt body lift – the entire lower abdomen
Can umbilical hernia be repaired at the same time as Abdominoplasty?
Yes. Umbilical hernia or belly button hernia forms during pregnancy. The umbilical hernia presents fullness around your umbilicus (belly button), especially during certain activities like coughing or exerting yourself. This fullness can often be pushed back (reduced) when you lie flat. The cause of the umbilical hernia is due to a weakening of the fascia that normally lines the rectus abdominal muscle or a gap between the rectus muscle that allows a portion of the intestines to come through the gap.
Similarly, during an abdominoplasty, the weakness in the abdominal fascia and protruding intestines can be repaired at the same time. The repair of the belly button hernia is a medical condition and most of the time can be claimed under medisave or insurance coverage.
What does the Consultation Process include?
At the consultation, Dr Lee will first find out your medical history, long-term medications or supplements, previous surgeries will also be discussed. Previous pregnancies and future plans for pregnancy will also be discussed. If you are still planning for future pregnancy, it is best to hold off the abdominoplasty till you have completed your family.
An assessment for the abdominal region, presence of belly button hernia, weakness of the abdominal wall, presence of divarication of the recti, location of stretch marks (if any) and adiposities will be assessed. Following this, the suitability of various types of abdominoplasties will be discussed.
Location and placement of the scar from the abdominoplasty will also be discussed. The recovery process and care will be explained in detail.
What is the recovery and downtime like?
After abdominoplasty, it will take about 2-4 weeks for downtime and recovery. You will initially experience tightness over the abdominal region which gradually relaxes as the skin stretches out and improve over the first 4 weeks of recovery. You will be assisted with ward nurses or physiotherapy to start walking 1-2 days after surgery.
There will be surgical drains placed after abdominoplasty to ensure that any blood and seroma produced will be safely drained out. This generally stays for about 1-2 weeks. Before discharge, we will teach you how to care for the drains at home.
Compression garment should be worn for about 4-6 weeks to aid with the swelling, bruising and tightness.
Scar management will be started once the wound has healed and continued till the scar becomes barely visible.
Are there any limitations?
The result of abdominoplasty is most ideal if BMI is less than 30. The thickness of the abdominal skin also affects the overall results of the abdominoplasty. When the skin flap is thinner and looser, it will re-drape over the underlying muscle smoothly. If the BMI is over 35, it may be ideal to postpone the abdominoplasty while continuing on efforts to reduce BMI, occasionally bariatric surgery maybe considered.
Certain medical conditions may affect wound healing and delay recovery. Do discuss with your plastic surgeon of your medical conditions and medications.