Understanding tummy tucks

In his latest online article, Mr Omar Tillo gives us his insights into tummy tuck. He talks about what the procedure entails, if fat is removed, how painful the procedure is, if the results are permanent, if it’s a high-risk procedure and who is a good candidate.

What does a tummy tuck procedure entail?

The aim of a tummy tuck procedure is to eliminate excess or sagging skin in the abdominal region. This excess skin can develop due to substantial weight loss or as a consequence of pregnancy, which tends to stretch the skin and may lead to the presence of hanging or loose stretch marks.

Essentially, a tummy tuck involves the removal of a specific amount of skin, which can range from just the lower abdomen to the entire lower abdominal area and even extend around the lower body. This process entails cutting and tightening the skin. Additionally, it frequently includes repairing muscle diastasis, a condition characterised by weakened abdominal muscles that often occurs as a result of pregnancy.

Is fat removed during a tummy tuck?

The majority of the tummy tuck procedures I perform are done in conjunction with liposuction. Liposuction is employed to address excess fat concerns and deposits in the abdominal region or on the sides, contributing to body contouring simultaneously. A traditional tummy tuck, when performed by itself, does not necessarily entail the removal of fat tissue. However, when we refer to it as a "lip abdominoplasty," it signifies that we are combining it with liposuction.

How painful is the procedure?

The level of discomfort experienced following a tummy tuck procedure can vary based on several factors. Firstly, it depends on whether the surgeon repaired the muscle diastasis. Secondly, it's influenced by the use of local anaesthetic by the surgeon. Thirdly, it hinges on whether the patient adheres to their pain medication regimen.

In my tummy tuck procedures, I not only repair the muscle but also administer local anaesthetic, which acts as a numbing solution to the muscles and skin. This helps minimise pain, especially during the initial 24 to 48 hours while patients are awake. Most of my patients report a pain level of around two or three out of ten, provided they consistently take their prescribed painkillers. However, if patients neglect to take their pain medication, the discomfort can become quite severe, reaching levels of eight or ten out of ten, particularly in cases where local anaesthetic wasn't used.

Are the results of a tummy tuck permanent?

The outcomes of a tummy tuck procedure are permanent, as long as the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle without significant weight gain or drastic fluctuations. Once the excess skin has been surgically removed and reshaped, the results are essentially a lifelong investment.

Is it a high-risk procedure?

From a statistical perspective, a tummy tuck is considered a significant procedure, but it also carries significant risks. There is a comprehensive list of potential risks associated with this surgery, including issues such as wound breakdown, infections, and delayed healing. Additionally, it is linked to the development of blood clots in the legs or lungs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The risk of complications can increase if a tummy tuck is combined with other surgeries, and generally, the more procedures that are combined, the higher the associated risks become.

However, there are precautionary measures in place to mitigate these risks. For instance, to reduce the risk of clots, patients are required to wear compression stockings, and during the surgery, compression boots are employed to prevent leg clot formation. Furthermore, I typically prescribe a course of blood-thinning injections after the surgery to further decrease the likelihood of DVT. When all these precautions are taken into consideration, a tummy tuck does not inherently present a higher risk compared to other surgical procedures.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is a patient who possesses excess loose skin in the abdominal area. This can encompass individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or those who have undergone pregnancy and childbirth. However, it's important to note that certain patients are at a higher risk for complications and may not be suitable candidates. For example, individuals who smoke or have a very high body mass index (BMI), indicating a substantial amount of excess weight, are at increased risk and are not considered ideal candidates.

In such cases, I advise my patients to cease smoking. High BMI not only elevates the risk of complications but can also lead to suboptimal surgical outcomes due to the presence of internal visceral fat. Ideally, the most suitable candidates for this procedure have a BMI between 18 and 25, possibly extending up to 30, are non-smokers, maintain good overall health and fitness, and exhibit excess skin along with a moderate amount of abdominal fat.

Mr Omar Tillo is a highly regarded plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. You can schedule an appointment with Mr Tillo on his Top Doctors profile.