TUMMY TUCK / ABDOMINOPLASTY

Dr Chia Hui Ling
In an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, a list of abdominal complaints may be addressed: loose skin, excess fat, umbilical changes, including a hernia, and diastasis recti.

Diastasis recti (DR) is a condition where there is a midline separation between the rectus abdominis, also known as the six-pack muscles. DR occurs to nearly all women during pregnancy, as the core muscles stretches to accommodate a growing fetus. After delivery, DR reverses over time but not completely, and is the cause of a persistent abdominal bulge or expanded waistline despite returning to your pre-pregnancy weight. Another cause of DR, apart from pregnancy, is significant weight gain. Additionally, DR results a weakened core and may contribute to abdominal weakness, constipation, backache and incontinence. DR is sometimes referred to as “mummy tummy”.

TREATMENT

Have a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon, including your surgical goals, medical conditions, drug allergies, medications and previous surgeries. Expected outcomes, risks and other treatment options should be explained to you.
  • Preparing for Surgery

    Inform your plastic surgeon of previous pregnancies, abdominal surgery, including c-section, liposuction and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgeries. Discuss the scar placement with your plastic surgeon. Avoid blood-thinning medications, anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplementations as they can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery, unless indicated by your doctor.



  • Surgery

    During an abdominoplasty surgery, excess skin is removed via a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen.  It is usually planned such that the scar is concealed under the panty. Fat may be removed using liposuction. Through the incision, the DR separation is repaired using sutures. Additional tightening sutures may be placed at the oblique muscles to improve the waistline further. An umbilicoplasty is also done to re-site and improve the appearance of the umbilicus. If an umbilical hernia is present, it is repaired at the stage. If you have minimal excess skin, a shorter scar (mini-abdominoplasty) or short vertical scar may be suitable.

  • Post-Surgery Care

    After the surgery, you may require drains and / or hospitalisation stay for a few days. The initial swelling will take a few weeks to settle and you may be ask to wear a compression garment. It will take a few months to the see the final result. The abdominal skin may feel numb in the early postoperative period.

COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Risks of an Abdominoplasty include:
  • Bleeding 
  • Infection
  • Wound breakdown
  • Skin necrosis
  • Skin numbness (temporary or permanent)
  • Asymmetrical results
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Need for revision surgery