Weight loss, pregnancy and the natural ageing process can cause the abdominal muscles and the skin on the tummy to become loose and weak. This can mean that no amount of exercise will smooth or tighten the stomach area.
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is used to remove excess and saggy skin, as well as fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen. It can also involve the surgical tightening of abdominal muscles to give the stomach a flatter, more toned appearance.
A tummy tuck could be suitable for you If you are not happy with the way your abdominal area looks and you wish for a flatter stomach with smooth skin. A tummy tuck could give you back the confidence you once had before your body changed.
At the London Medical and Aesthetic clinic a full consultation with one of our highly experienced Consultant Plastic Surgeons is required. A tummy tuck will remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.
The best candidates for tummy tucks are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that will not respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they cannot return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
Those patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, our doctor may recommend against a tummy tuck or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.
A tummy tuck, has been shown to produce excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin.
In most cases, the results are long lasting if patients follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly and they have to be realistic about their expectations which will be discussed with a consultant plastic surgeon.
