ABDOMINAL REDUCTION

What does the operation involve?
The operation is done under general anaesthetic and requires at least one and possibly two nights in hospital. It entails an incision from hip to hip just above the pubic hair and cutting around the tummy button. The surgeon sucks out any excess fat with liposuction - especially over the hip area - and then frees the skin and fat from the surface of the abdominal muscle. The muscles are then tightened before the skin and fat are drawn downwards, the surplus cut off and the wound stitched up. A new hole is cut out for the tummy button, which is stitched into place. Stitches are all under the skin surface, except around the tummy button, to ensure the least possible visible scarring. In a modified version of the tummy tuck, the tummy button is untouched and simply ends up a little lower than before when the skin is pulled down.

What are the after effects like?
You will come out of the operating theatre with your knees bent up and supported on pillows to take the strain on the scar. Drains will be inserted and removed 4-5 hours later, depending on the amount of fluid. You may be advised to wear a pressure garment for three weeks and stitches are removed after 12 days. You will be left will a long scar, which should be low enough to be concealed by a bikini, and a small scar around the navel. It will take about a year for the scars to soften and fade.

What about the risks?
The operation causes considerable soreness. There is always swelling above the long scar which may take up to six months to heal up. There is also the risk of blood clotting (haematomas) and seromas. Almost always there will be numbness of the area between the tummy button and pubic hair, caused by damage to a nerve supplying the skin of the abdomen.