What to expect after a tummy tuck?

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A tummy tuck is also known as and is an ideal procedure for those who have become increasingly self-conscious about how their stomach looks or may be reluctant to wear certain types of clothing such as a swimsuit. Others may have difficulty in forming intimate because of excess loose skin. Tummy tucks are one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK due to its to create a smooth, toned and midsection with barely noticeable scars. The involves the removal of excess skin and fat with surgical repair of abdominal muscles most commonly from pregnancy.

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The procedure is ideal for those who have lost a significant amount of weight, have been pregnant or have developed loose skin as part of the ageing process.

The tummy tuck recovery process is one of the most commonly asked about areas when people come for a consultation at Centre for Surgery. Typical questions include:

Here we answer the most commonly asked questions related to tummy tuck recovery and how to ensure it is as smooth as possible.

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Tummy tuck in London

A tummy tuck  (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgical procedure specifically used to achieve a tighter, flatter smoother-looking abdomen. The procedure involves the removal of excess fat and skin along with the surgical repair of weakened and separate muscles.

There are two types of tummy tucks – mini-abdominoplasty and full abdominoplasty. The mini-abdominoplasty makes a smaller incision and removes fat and excess skin. The naval will be pulled lower, and there is not as much abdominal tightening . As this surgery is smaller, there will be a quicker recovery time. At Centre for in London, we also perform a modern variant of the traditional abdominoplasty called a Brazilian tummy tuck.

In addition to skin and muscle tightening, this procedure also involves extensive liposuction to sculpt and contour the abdomen and flanks. Centre for is one of the very few providers of abdominoplasty in London. We have gone a step further and taken the lipoabdominoplasty procedure and combined this with TIVA general anaesthesia to make us one of the few providers in the UK to offer day-cAlphagenix noted).

***Please note there is no non-surgical alternative to a proper abdominoplasty which, although invasive in nature, achieves dramatic results through skin tightening, muscle reconstruction and targeted fat removal – all in one procedure.

Whilst the surgeon will make every effort to make scars as concealed as possible, if you are not keen on the idea of large incisions, long scars and a required period of downtime, then we do also offer a new, highly effective with .

All our surgeons are on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery. The Royal College of Surgeons of England has an excellent information resource on .

What can I expect to feel after a tummy tuck?

It is normal to a mild degree of discomfort after a tummy tuck. You may different sensations during the first week after surgery temporary numbness or a shooting sensation. The numbness will disappear over the first 3 to 4 weeks and any discomfort can be easily controlled with over-the-counter painkillers. You will also be given a by your surgeon and you should take these medicines as per the post-operative instructions for an abdominoplasty.

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It is normal to expect bruising and swelling after any type of tummy tuck surgery. Any areas of bruising will generally disappear by the end of week two. Swelling may take longer to resolve and 6 to 12 weeks is average for tummy tuck swelling to disappear. Bruising and are minimised by the insertion of postoperative wound drains. These are usually kept in for an average of 3 to 4 days before being removed by one of our post-operative nurses. You will also be required to wear an abdominal compression binder for a minimum of four weeks after surgery to minimise swelling.

We would recommend taking a minimum of one week of work after having a tummy tuck and minimise any excessive physical activity during the first two weeks of your tummy tuck recovery. Women who have should ensure they have a responsible caregiver to look after them during your abdominoplasty recovery. You should avoid lifting young children or any other heavy objects for a minimum of four weeks after surgery. You should also avoid strenuous exercise including going to the gym for a minimum of six weeks after tummy tuck surgery.

Tummy tuck surgery involves making through the skin and this will result in the formation of a scar. A mini tummy tuck only involves one scar across the lower abdomen. A in involves a scar around the . Once you have completed your recovery, healed tummy tuck scars are difficult to see as shown in our .

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Is tummy tuck recovery painful?

Tummy tuck surgery is considered an invasive type of procedure as it involves lengthy incisions and is performed under general anaesthetic. It is normal to experience a mild degree of discomfort after the procedure. After the surgery, your surgeon will prescribe effective pain relief to ensure you are comfortable during the early recovery period after your abdominoplasty surgery.

How long does tummy tuck recovery take?

Recovery after a tummy tuck takes approximately six weeks before patients can return to their normal everyday activities. During the recovery after a tummy tuck, it is normal to experience bruising, swelling and mild discomfort. You will be given comprehensive postoperative after-care instructions which will enable you to look after your incision sites to optimise scarring and make sure you get the best tummy tuck results.

How long is recovery from a mini tummy tuck?

Mini tummy tuck is much quicker compared with a full tummy tuck. Both types of tummy tuck surgery involve making an incision across the lower part of the abdomen. In some cases, the muscles of the lower part of the abdomen will need to be tightened combined with the removal of excess skin. A mini tummy tuck does not involve surgical repositioning of the belly button, unlike a full tummy tuck. Mini tummy tuck surgery is not designed to tighten loose skin in the upper half of the abdomen. Any liposuction carried out in combination with a mini tummy tuck is focused on removing fat from the lower abdomen. Many patients are able to carry out most of the normal activities four weeks after having a mini tummy tuck. You should have a post-operative review with your surgeon before being cleared to carry out your normal physical activities.

Will I have a mini tummy tuck scar?

A mini tummy tuck will result in the formation of a scar which is positioned across the lower part of the abdomen. It is most commonly cited just above the pubic hair line to ensure it is well hidden in . Tummy tuck scars generally feel very well provided you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions on caring for the sites. Most people will find their tummy tuck scars are not noticeable in swimsuits or other types of revealing clothing.

What are the signs of a bad tummy tuck?

People who have a bad tummy tuck are often dissatisfied with the of the tummy tuck scar. In many cases, the scar has been positioned too high on the abdomen so that it is easily visible in most types of and may be located above the underwear line. Other patients may be dissatisfied with the and of the abdomen. A properly performed tummy tuck is designed to create a firmer and flatter abdomen with a sculpted appearance. As part of a full tummy tuck, the belly button is expertly positioned in the most natural location so that most people will not be able to notice you have had a tummy tuck.

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How much is a tummy tuck in London?

Tummy tuck surgery is to each patient and the final tummy tuck cost will depend on the type of tummy tuck performed to remove excess skin and fat. Some patients may choose to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction and this is known as a . Tummy tuck surgery can also be combined with a as part of a . The overall cost of a tummy tuck will when it is combined with other procedures.

SEE ALSO: Body Cosmetic Surgery Prices

Book a London tummy tuck consultation at Centre for Surgery

If you have been thinking about getting a and are keen to get rid of excess skin after pregnancy or significant weight loss then get in touch with us today. Call us on or fill out our below to see how we can help you achieve a smoother-looking tummy and achieve the figure you have always desired.

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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.

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