Tummy tucks and abdominoplasty

After pregnancy, even women who are not excessively overweight can find themselves with a permanent bulging stomach.

There are two main types of abdominoplasty to correct this problem. One, the mini-abdominoplasty, addresses predominantly excess skin and fat between the umbilicus and the pubic bone. This is often combined with liposuction. The other, major abdominoplasty, addresses excess skin and fat from the pubic bone to the ribcage. This is a more extensive procedure and requires a general anaesthetic.

Many patients with vertical scars between the umbilicus and the pubic bone from gynecological operations or caesarean section can have these scars removed during a major abdominoplasty.

It is necessary to stay in hospital two or three nights. A return to light activity is possible within seven to ten days. When fat is the major problem, day surgery with liposuction can remove fat in the abdomen and flank area.