TUMMY TUCK SURGERY :
- ANAESTHETIC - GENERAL
- STAY IN HOSPITAL
2 nights
- RECOVERY 12 days
If you are at all concerned or disturbed about lack of
muscle and tone, loose skin and /or fat deposits in your
tummy region then you may well be a good candidate for
a Tummy Tuck (also know as an Abdominoplasty) or a related
procedure.
In fact there are three different abdominal conditions
that can fit elements of the above description and as
a result three different procedures that correspond
to the appropriate condition.
If for instance your problem is not loose skin but
a relatively small accumulation of fat in the interior
abdominal wall then a simple Liposuction procedure can
be undergone (See Liposuction
section). Alternatively if your problem is a reasonably
small excess of skin then what is termed a Mini Tummy
Tuck, together with Liposuction or without, can be the
answer.
If however you have more than a little excess skin
and fat to contend with then a complete Tummytuck is
called for. This procedure correspondingly requires
a larger incision in the pelvic region and a repositioning
of the umbilicus during the procedure.
But obviously the surgeon who will perform the procedure
is the best person to assess your particular requirements.
Once he or she has determined what is best the procedure
will be discussed with you in detail, as will all your
desires and aspirations regarding the outcome of the
procedure. You will also be encouraged to ask as many
questions as you like prior to surgery.
YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ANSWERED:
HOW WILL I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURGEON
FOR MY PROCEDURE?
Although all South Africa’s leading cosmetic
surgeons are highly trained and experienced in all
cosmetic /plastic surgery procedures they naturally
have individual, specialist areas of interest and expertise.
Once Surgical Attractions has assessed your particular
desires and aspirations concerning the outcome of your
procedure we will marry them to the surgeon best suited
to your special needs. The surgeon’s CV details will
then be sent to you for your perusal and acceptance.
HOW WILL MY SURGEON ASSESS MY PARTICULAR
SURGICAL REQUIREMENTS?
When you complete the Medical History section of the
General Enquiry Form you will be asked to submit it
together with a clear and reasonably close-up digital
photograph (in colour) of the area of your body requiring
surgery.
Once your recommended surgeon has assessed your particular
requirements along with your medical history and digital
photo, Surgical Attractions will arrange an obligation
free teleconference between the two of you.
At this stage your surgeon will not only be in possession
of all the facts relating to your particular case but
also be in a position to recommend the exact method
to be employed to achieve the results you desire. Your
surgeon will also be available at this point to answer
any questions you may have as regards your surgery and
the outcome.
You will be encouraged at all times prior to your
surgery to continue getting to know your surgeon by
asking as many questions as you like.
On arrival in South Africa Surgical Attractions will
arrange a personal meeting between you and your surgeon.
Once again the method of surgery and the desired outcome
will be discussed along with any other questions you
may have. If at this point you decide not to go ahead
with the procedure your decision will be respected.
HOW WILL THE PROCEDURE BE PERFORMED?
As with most surgical procedures techniques vary from
one surgeon to another but generally speaking an incision
is made horizontally within the vicinity of the pubic
area. The amount of skin to be removed will determine
the size of the incision and the shape of the incision
will be determined by the overall size of the patient’s
stomach.
Most loose skin is situated below the area of the
navel however if there is additional loose skin above
the navel it will be necessary to create another incision
around the navel.
Once the incisions have been made the excess skin
is pulled down and trimmed away. As the position of
the navel stays the same a tiny opening will be made
to allow a natural protrusion of the navel.
Depending on the patient’s particular anatomy, tightening
of the stomach muscles may also be necessary during
the procedure.
WILL I HAVE SCARS?
Your surgeon will do everything possible to ensure
that your incisions will be placed in such a way as
to be hidden by your particular choice in swim suits
and lingerie. However this is not always possible. Your
surgeon will however discuss the size and shape of the
incisions with you prior to surgery so that you will
know exactly what to expect. Wherever the incisions
are made however they will fade more and more with time
and will eventually only be seen as thin inconspicuous
lines.
WILL MY STRETCH MARKS DISAPPEAR
WITH THE SURGERY?
Stretch marks vary from patient to patient, as does
the amount of skin that needs to be removed in the procedure.
Usually most stretch marks are accounted for when the
loose skin from the lower stomach area are trimmed away.
Stretch marks that remain usually have an improved appearance
after the procedure - however no guarantees regarding
the removal and improvement of stretch marks can be
made.
SHOULD I TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR
TO SURGERY?
If you are a smoker you will be asked to stop smoking
prior to surgery in order to prevent unnecessary complications.
Arnica tablets, Vitamin E in large doses, analgesics
like Aspirin and even some anti-inflammatory drugs should
not be taken prior to surgery as they can promote bleeding
during the procedure.
Your surgeon however will give you personal advice
in this regard.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER THE SURGERY?
You will be well sedated during the course of the
first night following surgery however the next day you
will begin moving around in order to normalise your
blood circulation. Sitting for too long in the same
position is not advised. Activity will not be too strenuous
of course but generally short walks back and forth to
your bed are considered best.
Standing up in a straight position may not be that
easy or comfortable to start with but will gradually
be possible within a few days. Only gentle movements
are permissible in the early stages of your recuperation.
No bending or lifting is allowed as any movements of
this kind could result in the disrupture of your stitches
as well as renewed bleeding.
Any pain and discomfort you experience will be corrected
by prescribed medication. Your dressing will probably
be changed during the first week and completely removed
along with your stitches during the course of the first
two weeks following surgery.
HOW LONG BEFORE MY LIFE’S BACK
TO NORMAL?
As is the case with most surgical procedures it is
advisable to take it easy after Tummy Tuck Surgery.
The initial swelling and bruising associated with this
procedure will gradually lessen in a matter of weeks
but its safe to say that it could take months before
all the swelling and discolouration has disappeared
and you can fully appreciate the results of your surgery.
If you experience numbness in the initial stages following
surgery this too could persist over a period of months.
However as with all surgical procedures the recovery
time differs from patient to patient.
Generally speaking you can resume most aspects of
your lifestyle within a few weeks following surgery.
Sexual activity however should be excluded for a minimum
of two weeks. For some weeks thereafter your tummy area
should be treated with great respect during sexual activity.
Exercise programmes during the first few months should
also be approached with caution. You will be able to
go back to work (provided it is not of an overly strenuous
nature) two to three weeks after surgery.
RISKS
As with everything else in life there are also risks
involved in surgical procedures. No matter how good
the Surgeon performing the Surgery may be, complications
can arise. Therefore before proceeding with any surgery
of any kind please discuss all your concerns with your
surgeon and ask as many questions as you like so that
you are in a position to make an informed decision.
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