Abdominoplasty also known as Tummy Tuck removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened or separated muscles, creating an abdominal profile that is smoother, flatter, and firmer.
The Procedure
Depending on the degree of excess skin and its location, the surgeon will suggest a Full Tummy Tuck , a Mini Tummy Tuck, an Extended Tummy Tuck or a Fleur de lis Tummy Tuck.
Full Tummy Tuck : The surgeon makes a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen. Through the incision, he corrects loose, separated or weakened abdominal muscles and stitches them together, making an internal “corset” to narrow the waistline. The surgeon also removes loose skin and tightens the remaining skin. The belly button is then released from the skin and repositioned in the correct location after the skin is stretched and tightened. If necessary, he may also use liposuction to remove surplus fat deposits around the abdomen, flanks, and other areas. Two small surgical drain tubes will be temporarily placed under the skin to help remove any excess blood or fluid before the surgeon closes the incisions with absorbable sutures and dresses the area with sterile gauze. A compression garment over the lower abdomen is then applied to help support the tissues as they heal.
Mini Tummy Tuck : The procedure is similar to the regular tummy tuck except it involves a shorter incision and the skin is only lifted to the umbilicus, which does not have to be moved. This procedure is ideal for patients who need minimal improvement limited to the lower abdomen.
An Extended Tummy Tuck : The incision continues to the flanks and enables additional removal of skin and fat.
A ‘Fleur de lis’ Tummy Tuck: The procedure includes a vertical scar in addition to the horizontal abdominal scar allowing for removal of skin in a side-to-side fashion. Both an Extended and Fleur de lis tummy tuck procedure more extensive than the typical abdominoplasty but are occasionally needed for more severe cases.
A Tummy tuck surgery is performed with the patient under general anesthesia and the length of time taken to complete the surgery is approximately from 3 to 6 hours depending on the procedure.
How long do I have to stay?
When your surgery is complete, dressing or bandages may be applied to your incisions. A compression garment is often used to minimise swelling and support the your abdomen as you heal. You will spend at least 48 hours in hospital for observation.
One or more small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect. Deep sutures are used to close any incisions that dissolve within four months. If there are any sutures in the skin they will be removed one to two weeks after surgery.
You are advised to remain in Malaysia for at least 3 -4 weeks during recovery for regular follow up care.
Recovering from Tummy Tuck
Recovery is normally between two to three weeks, however 1-2 days after surgery you should be on your feet. It is important not to carry out vigorous activities for the first five days after the surgery. You can return to work and resume most normal activities after three weeks and begin exercise after six weeks.
All cosmetic surgery procedures will be performed by our well sought-after Plastic surgeon at accredited Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Sister Kay McNaught 