Body Contouring Surgery

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

 

Tummy tucks remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen in order to improve the appearance and contour of the tummy. It is indicated when diet and exercise are not enough to eliminate unwanted fat and loose skin in the abdominal area or to flatten a lax / protruding abdomen such as happens frequently following childbirth. Professor Malata routinely tightens weak muscles of the abdominal wall and this dramatically improves the contour of a protruding, lax or floppy abdomen, as frequently happens in women after child birth. He often combines it with liposuction of the flanks (or “dog ear” areas) for a smoother harmonious look. Abdominoplasty eradicates any overhang or apron thus giving a “flat” tummy. It also improves unsightly lower abdominal scars such as caesarian section, gynaecological and other scars in addition to better definition of the waist-line. If you are concerned by any of the above problems, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may be a good choice for you.

After massive weight loss an apronectomy with or without tightening of the abdominal wall is often needed. The resection of loose skin and soft tissue can be performed in a Fleur-de-lys fashion in order to address both horizontal and vertical lasxity of the abdomen. This results in a T-scar abdominoplasty.

Sometimes Professor Malata combines abdominoplasty with a hernia repair be it due to divarication of the rectus muscles (a large gap between the muscles due to pregnancy or increased weight) or a frank herniation due to previous incisions.

For ease of understanding Professor Malata classifies the abdominoplasties into the following categories based on the extent of the surgery.

 

Types of Abdominoplasty

  1. Full Abdominoplasty

  2. Mini-Abdominoplasty (umbilicus not repositioned).

  3. Apronectomy without repositioning the umbilicus

  4. Fleur-de-lys abdominoplasty

  5. Extended abdominoplasty

  6. Circumferential abdominoplasty (or lower body lift)

  7. Other specialized types: Saldana, endoscopic, etc.

 

 

To view the before and after photos in Professor Malata’s publications on abdominoplasty click below:

 

 

As in any cosmetic surgery, there are risks as well as benefits and the final results are not guaranteed. The chance of complications following a tummy tuck depends on the exact type of operation needed and other factors such as your general health. Professor Malata will explain how the risks apply to you. Detailed postoperative instructions will be discussed during consultation and a procedure-specific handout given to you by Professor Malata.

 

Some risks of abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery

Frequent:

  • Bruising & swelling of tissues: common

  • Tightness and discomfort on movement / coughing: common

  • Sensory alterations of the lower abdominal skin: numbness, tingling, sensitivity, tenderness, etc

  • Seroma formation (clear fluid collections): common >30%

  • Slow healing – mainly in heavy smokers & the overweight: breakdown, skin loss, umbilical loss

  • Bleeding and haematoma: infrequent 5-10%

  • Infection: rare but can be life threatening

  • Long scars: unavoidable and permanent

 

Infrequent:

  • Unsightly scars: uncommon

  • Fat necrosis: lumps or discharge

  • Lumpiness or irregularities of the tissues usually in areas of liposuction – often temporary

  • Umbilicus: malposition, scarring, unacceptable look, total loss

  • Occasional need for revisional surgery: dog ears, residual asymmetry, residual tissue, skin excess, scar revisions, dissatisfaction

 

Very Rare:

  • Contour irregularities: asymmetry, depressions, ridges, wrinkling

  • General complications: chest infection, blood clots (DVT’s, PE’s)

  • Long term effects from: ageing, weight loss/ gain, pregnancy, etc

 

Alternatives to a tummy tuck:

  • Liposuction alone

  • Minitummy tuck

  • Weight loss: diet + execise

  • No surgery at all

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
(Tummy Tuck)

LENGTH OF SURGERY

2 - 4 hours

ANAESTHESIA

General

NO. OF NIGHTS IN HOSPITAL

1 - 2 nights

RECOVERY

5 - 10 days until socialising with close friends and family

2 - 3 weeks before driving

3 weeks until return to work and normal social engagements

4 - 6 wks wearing specialised pressure garments & lifting small children

3 - 8 weeks until bruising and swelling disappear

8 - 12 weeks until return to gym and other strenuous activities

12 - 24 wks until final result: scars continue to improve over 1 year

DURATION OF RESULTS

Permanent unless followed by further pregnancy or weight gain

To find out more or make an appointment please contact Prof Malata's Secretary on 07455839093 or malatapractice@gmail.com