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Tummy Tuck
Click here to see a video of our Senior Surgeon and Medical Director Andrew Skanderowicz F.R.C.S. discussing the tummy tuck operation (abdominoplasty).
The Operation
Day of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Important factors to be fully aware of before a tummy tuck operation (abdominoplasty)are:
1. Driving
Do not drive home after a tummy tuck operation because it is against the law to drive within 24 hours of a general anaesthetic. You will need to arrange for transport to take you to and from the hospital.
2. Eating & Drinking
Abstain from all food and drink (including sweets and water) for at least 8 hours before your tummy tuck operation.
3. Body Jewellery
Ensure all body piercings and jewellery is removed before you leave home.
You will need to bring with you:
• All necessary personal items for a short hospital stay (e.g. dressing gown, slippers, toothbrush, etc).
• All medications that you are currently taking including any/all alternative medicine/preparations/tablets/capsules.
When you arrive at the hospital you will be met by the admitting officer who will confirm your personal details (e.g. name, address, next of kin, etc) before escorting you to your room.
Once you have changed into an operating gown, you will then be required to complete a questionnaire to ascertain your current medical status.
A nurse will then complete final routine preoperative checks measuring your temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. Patients over 40 years of age will have an ECG (electrocardiogram) which monitors your heart and evaluates your fitness for surgery. Any medication/s you are currently taking must be given to the nurse.
The operating surgeon will then see you to answer any final questions/queries you may have about the tummy tuck procedure before taking preoperative photographs of your abdomen (front, back and both side profile views) and making the necessary skin markings.
Finally, the anaesthetist will see you to complete the final checks before he administers the general anaesthetic. You will then be taken into the operating theatre for your tummy tuck operation.
The Tummy Tuck Operation
A tummy tuck operation (abdominoplasty) usually takes about two hours to complete and is performed under general anaesthetic.
A long horizontal incision is made in the lower abdomen below the so called "bikini line". The skin-fat flap is dissected (lifted) from the muscles of the abdomen as far upwards as the rib cage and lower aspect of the breastbone.
An incision is then made around the whole circumference of the umbilicus (navel) and it is freed from its attachments to the skin and fat of the abdominal wall.
The abdominal muscles are usually tightened with non-dissolvable stitches, as invariably they have been stretched. The excess skin and fat layer is re-draped downwards and the excess is suitably trimmed. Because the flap is stretched downwards, the wound is closed under tension so that the abdominal wall is as tight as possible. The umbilicus is re-sited, after a small circular area of skin at the new site of the umbilicus is removed, so that it effectively ends up in its original position. Dressings are applied to the incision lines.
Drains are usually inserted under the abdominal flap to suck out any blood and serum that collects in the space behind the flap in the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery. They are usually removed on the second day following surgery, prior to discharge home.
Whilst you are still asleep under anaesthetic, a heavy-duty elastic corset is fitted to facilitate healing, enhance comfort and reduce the chances of a postoperative bleed.
To find out more about Tummy Tuck Surgery, click on any of the links below:
Before the Tummy Tuck Operation
After the Tummy Tuck Operation
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Tummy Tuck Gallery
or
Click here to download Dublin Cosmetic Surgery Centre's "Guide to Tummy Tuck"
Further Information about Tummy Tuck Surgery can be obtained by reading our senior surgeon's latest book "Every Woman's Guide to Cosmetic Surgery". If you would like to purchase a copy, please click here.
