This is a procedure used to remove excess lower abdominal skin and fat and to contour the abdomen. The procedure is often combined with tightening of the abdominal muscle sheath and liposuction. The procedure involves a general anaesthetic and a two night stay in hospital.
WHY IS AN ABDOMINOPLASTY PERFORMED?
Excess skin on the tummy, droopy skin and lax abdominal muscles can occur after dramatic weight loss, multiple
pregnancies or twin or triplet pregnancies. In some cases the problem does not respond to further dieting or
exercise and the only way to resolve the problem is surgical excision of the excess skin.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION?
The operation involves cutting out an ellipse of skin between the pubic bone and the navel (belly button). This
takes with it the underlying fat and if necessary tightening of the muscles and liposuction maybe considered at the
same time. Once the ellipse of skin has been removed, the skin above the navel is pulled down and stretched
towards the skin below the pubic bone and they are stitched together. This skin is pulled down over the belly
button and a new hole needs to be made for the belly button to come through. The result is two scars, one along
the lower tummy at the level of the pubic hair and another around the navel. The lower scar should be concealed
by most styles of underwear and swimwear.
The operation involves a general anaesthetic and a hospital stay of 2 to 4 days. The best results are obtained in
patients who are the correct weight for their height and you may be asked to lose weight before surgery is
considered. You will be required to sign a consent form giving permission for the operation. This requires that you
are aware of the risks and complications involved in the procedure.
