These are cosmetic surgical procedures aimed at improving the shape and appearance of the body.
Many patients complain that they never regained their flat tummy after pregnancy. They may gain weight and find it hard to lose the bulge. The sagging skin is also altered with wrinkling and stretch marks. The growing uterus also separated the paired rectus abdominis muscles (the six-pack “abs”). They do not always return to the centre, resulting in a condition called diastasis recti. This appears as a protruding belly. In severe cases, patients feel a general weakness in their core and difficulty with lifting objects.
In other cases, repeated weight gain or loss, as well as aging, can take a toll on the appearance of the tummy. This can cause difficulty with clothes-wearing and may affect self-image.
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat below the level of the belly button. When necessary, lipo-abdominoplasty aims to address all 3 components by adding on liposuction of the sides and upper abdomen. The inner edges of the separated rectus abdominis muscle on both sides are sutured back together. This strengthens the abdominal wall and improves the biomechanics of its function.
After removal of the redundant skin as an ellipse, the horizontal scar is low and is designed to be hidden within underwear and swim wear. Discomfort after the procedure is minimised with the use of “pain pumps” or nerve blocks and hence patients usually have a comfortable recovery.
It can be combined with breast surgery (breast augmentation or breast lift) as a “mummy makeover” to address the main areas affected in a single surgery.
Bruising and mild swelling is expected and normal and can take 2 weeks to resolve. Compression garments are best worn for a month and manual massage is encouraged to disperse swelling and fibrosis.
The incision typically heals by 2 weeks. In the meantime, one needs to maintain a slightly flexed position, whether lying down or walking. Drains or suction dressings may be used to help drain fluid.
Patients are encouraged to wear an abdominal binder (similar to post-pregnancy compression) for 2 months after surgery. Post-operative check-ups are important to ensure the patient is recovering well. The scar can be optimized with methods like scar tape and lasers after surgery.
