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Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

This procedure is designed for patients who have excess, loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles, typically following significant weight loss or pregnancies.

·       What it Addresses: The surgery removes the excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. A core component is the surgical repair (plication) of the vertically separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis), which restores a firmer, flatter abdominal wall.

·       The Ideal Candidate: You should be at a stable, healthy weight with localized fullness in the abdomen that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. It is not a treatment for being overweight. Non-smokers with good general health and realistic expectations are the best candidates. It is generally advised to postpone surgery if you are planning future pregnancies.

·       Hospital Stay & Recovery: Patients typically stay in hospital for 1-2 nights. Surgical drains are often used for 2-3 days to prevent fluid buildup. You must avoid driving for at least 2 weeks and strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 6 weeks. A return to a desk job is usually possible after 2-3 weeks.

·       Realistic Expectations & Key Information: This is a major operation with a permanent scar, usually placed low where it can be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. While the results are very long-lasting, they can be affected by significant future weight fluctuations or pregnancies.

FAQ

No. It is a body contouring procedure for removing excess skin and fat after significant weight loss or pregnancy. You should be at a stable weight.

The vertical abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) are surgically tightened and stitched together (plication) to restore core strength and a flatter profile.

A low, horizontal scar from hip to hip (hidden by underwear) and one around the navel. Scars fade but are permanent.

Yes, surgical drains are usually placed for 2-3 days to prevent fluid buildup. You’ll be taught how to manage them.

You’ll walk slightly bent for the first week to protect the muscle repair. You can gradually stand fully upright over 1-2 weeks.

No driving for at least 2 weeks. Desk work may be possible after 2-3 weeks; physical jobs require 4-6 weeks.

It’s strongly advised to wait until after having children, as pregnancy can stretch muscles and skin, compromising results.

Results are very long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight. Natural aging and significant weight gain can affect them.

Carrying out surgery before you are weight-stable can lead to several issues:

  • Compromised Results: Significant weight loss after surgery can lead to new areas of loose skin, potentially undoing the improvements from your operation.

  • Increased Surgical Risk: Fluctuating weight can affect healing and may increase the risk of complications.

  • Suboptimal Contouring: The final contour is best planned when your body composition is stable.

During your consultation, Mr Ibrahim will discuss your weight history and goals in detail. If further weight loss is advisable, he will provide guidance and support you in reaching a stable point where surgery will be most beneficial for you. The procedure is designed to reveal the shape you have worked hard to achieve, not to serve as a method for weight loss itself.