Mr Simon Mackey, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at The McIndoe Centre, talks about the various tummy tuck techniques available.
Abdominoplasty or ‘tummy tuck’ surgery helps to improve the appearance and function of the abdominal wall after weight loss, pregnancy or abdominal surgery. During abdominoplasty, excess skin and fat is removed from the lower abdomen, whilst tightening the skin and the “six-pack” muscles can produce a flatter tummy and help to define the waistline.
Depending on the degree of skin and muscle laxity, any one of a number of different techniques may be most appropriate for you. Sometimes it may be possible to perform a “mini-abdominoplasty” leaving the “tummy-button” untouched and a shorter scar along the bikini line. However, after significant weight loss, a “fleur-de-Lis” abdominoplasty which is likely to provide the best result, leaves a scar along the “bikini-line”, and also a vertical scar along the center of the abdomen.
It is also often possible to combine abdominoplasty with other operations such as liposuction, breast enlargement or reduction. Combination surgery can mean fewer anaesthetics and shorter total recovery. However, with any surgery the precise technique should be tailored to you specifically.