Tummy Tuck

Yes, as part of a full abdominoplasty, due to your skin being pulled tight to leave you with a youthful stomach your belly button placement will need to be moved higher, you will have a small scar around your belly button which can fade in time.

Yes it is common for drains to be used to get rid of excess fluid following surgery they may be removed during surgery or the following morning in hospital, this may be uncomfortable but is very quick and helps to reduce swelling.

You will be supplied with a support garment which will help to control swelling and bruising whist protecting the area and dressings. You will wear this garment for up to 6weeks following surgery. Loose dark clothing is advisable for the first week following surgery.

For the first few days following tummy tuck surgery you may find it difficult to stand up straight, you will be encouraged to try during the first week even though your stomach will feel tight. Walking even if just around the house in the first weeks will help blood flow and thus encouraging healing, however, it is not advisable to overdo it as this can cause a buildup of fluid which may require further intervention and delay healing.

Tummy tuck surgery can take between 1.5 – 3 hours. Incisions are made around the lower abdomen and the tummy button, where muscles are then pulled tighter and stitched into place. A new tummy button is created after the removal of excess fat and skin. Those with a small amount of excess skin may be suitable for a mini tummy tuck, with no need for muscle repair or repositioning of the naval.

Before having a tummy tuck, you should have reached your ideal weight, if you are continuing to lose significant amounts of weight then you may find that further areas of excess skin appear.

Depending on the type of tummy tuck that the patient is undergoing, the procedure can take up to 3 hours in theatre. Patients will be required to stay for 1-2 nights in one of our MYA hospitals to recover.

Our FREE tummy tuck eConsult service allows patients to speak directly to our expert team of advisors via a secure and private video call, so there is no need to travel to one of our clinical hubs. During your eConsult you can discuss the often personal and emotional reasons you are considering an abdominoplasty procedure from the comfort and privacy of your own home. 

Our specialist trained eConsult advisors will guide you through the process of a tummy tuck procedure and discuss the outcome you are hoping to achieve. Our advisors have a wealth of knowledge and have helped many tummy tuck patients over the years; they understand that the process can be a little overwhelming at times, but your consultation is a safe space for you to discuss all your questions and concerns. You will also have the opportunity to look at tummy tuck before and after photos and discuss which MYA surgeon is the right fit for you and your requirements. 

COVID-19 SAFETY 

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, MYA have introduced enhanced safety measures to protect both patients and staff. Patients should only be required to attend a clinical hub or hospital where clinically necessary. To ensure your safety, MYA will be offering virtual consultations where possible. 

You will meet your chosen tummy tuck surgeon at one of our local clinical hubs. The surgeon consultation provides an opportunity for you to express your areas of concern and discuss the outcome you are hoping to achieve with abdominoplasty surgery. 

All MYA Surgeons are highly experienced, GMC registered and only perform cosmetic surgery. They are highly skilled in this field and will be able to make appropriate recommendations regarding the best treatment plan for you.  

During your consultation, the surgeon will assess your BMI (body mass index) and will then explain the risks, limitations, and benefits of a tummy tuck procedure. Patients are entitled to have a second surgeon consultation ahead of their operation if needed. Your surgeon will also discuss what to expect during recovery and the importance of the post-op compression garments.  

Following your face-to-face surgeon consultation, you will be invited to attend a ‘vitals’ appointment with a MYA nurse. During this appointment, the nurse will take physiological measurements and perform screening procedures such as taking blood samples and swabs, as required. You are also required to attend an e-pre-operative assessment with a nurse who will discuss the tummy tuck pre and post-operative advice and requirements.   

You will receive your hospital admission time, up to 24-48 hours before your surgery date. Patients should shower either the evening before or the morning of surgery and must not apply deodorant, makeup, or skincare products.   

Patients must not eat anything (including chewing gum) 6 hours prior to the hospital admission time. If you do eat prior to the 6 hours, please ensure that it is a small, light meal such as 2 pieces of toast or 30g of cereal; if you eat too much, there is a risk of your operation being cancelled. You can drink small sips 30mls per hour of still clear water, up to 2 hours before your hospital admission time.   

Patients must not drink alcohol for a minimum of 48 hrs before surgery. If you drink more than 2-3 drinks daily, you will need to abstain (stop) for 2 weeks prior to the date of surgery. MYA advises patients must not smoke, vape or use nicotine patches for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to surgery (each Surgeon will provide you with specific guidance on stopping smoking). Patients are advised not to smoke, vape or use nicotine products until they are fully healed, as this can lead to delayed healing and infection. 

You will be admitted to your MYA hospital on the day of your tummy tuck procedure. COVID-19 screening will be applied prior to your admission to the hospital. Once admitted you will be taken to the ward and given your hospital gown to change into. Some patients will be asked to take a nicotine test and women at risk of pregnancy will be asked to take a pregnancy test.    

On admission to hospital, you will not be taken straight into surgery, there can be a wait of up to 6 hours depending on the surgery list scheduled that day. Your hospital team will keep you updated on your operation time and will be able to answer any questions you may have on the day. You will meet your anaesthetist and surgeon on the ward before you are taken to theatre for surgery, they will gain your written consent to operate, answer any further questions you have and run through the process of the day.  

Your tummy tuck procedure will be performed under general anaesthetic; this will be administered by inserting a needle into the back of your hand and it will take about 30 seconds for the anaesthetic to start taking effect. If you are worried about needles, speak to your MYA Nurse, who will inform the anaesthetist and hospital ahead of your admission. A tummy tuck procedure can take up to 3 hours, depending on your physical requirements and your surgeon’s recommended treatment plan. 

Typically, the surgeon will make an incision across the lower abdomen (similar to a C-section). Depending on the type of tummy tuck you are undergoing, the surgeon may also make a vertical incision and/or an incision around the umbilicus (tummy button). The surgeon may also tighten and repair the stomach muscles and stitch into place. The surgeon will remove any excess skin or fat from the abdomen and if required, they will reposition the umbilicus (tummy button). 

The surgeon will use either dissolvable or non-dissolvable stitches. Dressings will then be applied along with a compression garment. The compression garment should be worn day and night (except when showering) for the period of time instructed by their surgeon, this will help to aid healing, reduce excess swelling and help to prevent seromas (a build-up of fluid). 

In some circumstances the surgeon may decide the patient requires drains. The drains will remove any fluid that collects after the procedure and will be removed by a nurse prior to your discharge from hospital or by your nurse at one of our MYA clinical hubs.  

Patients who have undergone abdominoplasty surgery, typically take 6-8 weeks to heal from the procedure. Patients may experience some pain and discomfort following their procedure, pain relief will be prescribed to ease any discomfort. Mobility will be restricted for the first week (recovery is described as similar to a C-section) and patients are required to rest for 7-14 days and not lift children or any heavy items for 6 weeks.  

Bruising and swelling is normal following a tummy tuck surgery and should start to subside after 7-21 days. It is important that patients do not get their incisions wet until advised it is safe to do so by a MYA Nurse. Patients can wash around the area and have shallow baths but must not submerge their wounds in water until they are fully healed. It is very important to attend all your post-op appointments at your MYA clinical hub for a nurse to monitor your healing and deliver wound care.    

Many patients will see a result straight away, but it can take many months to see the final result. Scars are a natural part of the healing process following surgery, most will fade and become paler and flatter over time, although they never completely disappear. 

Ms De Leo 
Mr Giannas 
Mr Mahadi 
Mr Mileto 
Mr Samouris  
Mr Traynor