ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)

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WHAT IS AN ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK) ?IDEAL TUMMY TUCK CANDIDATES GENERAL INFORMATION RISKS AND SAFETY

WHAT IS AN ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK) ?

An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure wherein loose skin and fat is surgically removed from the abdominal area. The procedure can also restore weakened or separated muscles in the abdomen.

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.

Although a tummy tuck is technically permanent, fluctuations in weight can greatly affect the long term results. Due to this reason, any patient who is planning major weight loss or a future pregnancy is advised to postpone the procedure.

A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.

IDEAL TUMMY TUCK CANDIDATES

In general, you may be a good tummy tuck candidate if:

You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
You have realistic expectations
You are a non-smoker
You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen

Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Normal/Major Abdominoplasty surgeries are performed in the Kloof Mediclinic Hospital theatre and usually requires 1-2 nights in the general surgical wards (surgical C). You will be quoted on this accommodation.
Mini Abdominoplasty surgeries are performed in the Erasmuskloof Cure Day Clinic.
Dr van Rooyen may prescribe some pain medication and in certain instances antibiotics.
You will have bandages and drainage tubes when you wake up. Once you leave the hospital you will be required to empty these drains and measure the contents thereof. Please empty the drain on the day that you go home at 8PM. Thereafter you should empty the drains and measure the contents every 12 Hours (8AM-8PM). Once you are home, you are required to phone us daily after you have taken your 8AM reading and give us the evening and morning reading.
Generally this surgery only has dissolvable stitches.
Most of your bandages should be removed once Dr van Rooyen removes the drains. After these have been removed you will be allowed to bathe and shower normally. Before the drains have been removed you will not be allowed to get them wet and should take caution when washing yourself.
You will receive a compression garment which you should sleep in for 1 week. It should be worn during the day for 1 month. The garment can be removed for short periods throughout the day if you get too uncomfortable. This garment helps to alleviate swelling and pain and offers support.
You are not allowed to exercise for 6 weeks.
You may scar. please note that scarring may take up to a year to heal and in some patients it will always leave some mark.

RISKS AND SAFETY

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of tummy tuck surgery are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.

Tummy tuck risks include:

Anesthesia risks
Bleeding
Infection
Fluid accumulation (seroma)
Poor wound healing
Skin loss
Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
Unfavorable scarring
Recurrent looseness of skin
Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
Asymmetry
Suboptimal aesthetic result
Possibility of revisional surgery
Persistent pain

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with Dr van Rooyen.