HEALTH
tummy tucks
a r o f e m ti y m m ck? u T Tu Helen Culling of Spire Norwich Hospital talks to consultant plastic surgeon Mr Jon Clibbon about tummy tucks
I
t still amazes me what we can do if we are
unhappy with our body; we can make parts smaller, bigger, tighter, straighter, flatter… all in the name of making us feel more confident about our appearance. However one should never underestimate how serious any form of surgery is, whether it’s elective surgery or clinically necessary, the decision to go under the knife should always be a carefully considered one. Mr Clibbon explains: “Tummy tucks, or ‘abdominoplastys’ as they are known clinically, are an effective way of giving the patient a flatter, slimmer, shapelier figure as the aim is to flatten the stomach by tightening the abdominal muscles.” “This procedure is particularly effective for people who have lost weight, but have been left with excess, loose skin and folds of fat which they have been unable to shift through diet and exercise.” Mr Clibbon continues: “Abdominoplastys are also effective and popular for women post-pregnancy who are often able to slim down to their pre-pregnancy weight with ease, but struggle to regain a flat tummy, as their skin and muscles have been stretched during pregnancy. They often complain of sagging skin or an ‘apron’ effect where they have an overhang of fat and skin. A tummy tuck may be suitable for these patients, but only once their family is complete.” “The operation is performed under general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. The patient will usually stay in hospital for one or two nights after their operation and will need to plan time off work so they can recover at home. Depending on the extent of the surgery, a complete abdominoplasty can take up to four hours, a partial abdominoplasty (mini-tuck) can be completed between one to two hours. The surgeon will be able to discuss the most suitable procedure at consultation.” “During a tummy tuck, incisions are made across the lower abdomen and around the tummy button. Excess skin and fat may be removed and stretched or torn muscles pulled together and stitched in place. The remaining skin is then pulled down and a new hole is made for the tummy button. “There will be a scar around the tummy button and along the top of the bikini line, although this can usually
be hidden by underwear. If the patient maintains a healthy weight, their skin shouldn’t stretch again and the new shape should last.” “It is important to re-iterate the last point, as the procedure will only be effective if patients maintain a healthy weight. If a lot of weight is gained, the results over time will not be as effective and bulges of fat may appear around the abdomen. For women, it is important that they’ve completed their family before undergoing a tummy tuck, for obvious reason that the growing bump will simply defeat the object of the operation! Finally, a tummy tuck is not an aid to weight loss; patients should reach their target weight so they get the best results from an abdominoplasty.” Abdominoplasty is a commonly performed and generally safe operation. However, all operations carry risks as well as benefits. Specific complications of abdominoplasty are uncommon but can include numbness over the lower part of the tummy which is usually temporary but may be permanent (similar to the risk to women having caesarean sections) as well as a risk of bleeding and scarring. Mr Clibbon concludes: “Choosing the right surgeon and the right environment to have cosmetic surgery is vital. Spire Norwich Hospital has extensive experience in this type of surgery and has very experienced plastic surgeons. You’d be surprised how many people undergo surgery after having a quick chat with a salesperson in a clinic, but I couldn’t advise strongly enough against doing this! Being in a local hospital environment with a reputable surgeon means you’ll have access to excellent aftercare, and added peace of mind that you’ll be in expert hands”. For further information, arrange an appointment with your family doctor or call 01603 255 614 to make a private appointment with Mr Jon Clibbon. For further details regarding consultant plastic surgeon, Mr Jon Clibbon, please visit: www.spirenorwich.com and ‘click’ on his consultant profile. All surgery carries an element of risk and the content of this page is provided for general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the professional medical advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional.
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