Everything You Need to Know About Abdominoplasty at Berkshire Grove Hospital
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What is an Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a Tummy Tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It also tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall, creating a smoother and firmer profile. It is most popular among people who have been left with loose or sagging skin after significant weight loss or pregnancy.
Types of Abdominoplasty
Full Abdominoplasty
A Full Abdominoplasty involves a slightly curved horizontal incision in the bikini area, and a second one around or within the belly button. The surgeon lifts the skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, removes excess skin and fat and recontours the tummy, inserting the belly button back in place.
Mini Abdominoplasty
A Mini Abdominoplasty, or Mini Tummy Tuck, is suitable for patients with less excess skin and fat below the navel. The procedure involves a shorter incision, and there is no additional belly button scar. It is a less invasive option compared to a Full Tummy Tuck, with a shorter recovery time, but it is not able to address skin laxity of the upper abdomen. We can offer adjunctive tissue tightening treatments such as Renuvion to address this if necessary.
Fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty
The Fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty is recommended for individuals with significant excess skin in both the horizontal and vertical planes. In addition to a Full Abdominoplasty scar, this procedure also involves a midline incision. This permits greater skin removal and contouring at the expense of more visible scarring, and is most commonly reserved for patients with substantial skin excess, typically following massive weight loss.
Cost of Abdominoplasty in the UK
The cost of Abdominoplasty varies significantly, depending on the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience, and the location of the clinic. Generally, prices for Abdominoplasty without liposuction in the UK start at £5,000. At Berkshire Grove Hospital, we provide detailed consultations to give you an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs.
What Happens During a First Consultation?
At the first consultation, we discuss your reasons for seeking the procedure, your aims, background health, surgical history and smoking status, your pregnancy history and whether you have completed your family, your work and home situation, and how the recovery period might affect you.
There is also an examination during which your aims for surgery are assessed in more detail, including whether these can realistically be attained and the best method for doing so. We may recommend a more or less invasive technique than you had in mind. We then discuss the risks and potential complications of your specific surgical plan. This is followed up by a letter recapping everything, a quote for surgery, and some further written information about the procedure.
If after that you wish to proceed, we arrange a second consultation to finalise the plan and answer any questions you may have thought of. It is important to address all questions in advance, as no new information will be given on the day of surgery.
The Abdominoplasty Operation
During the Abdominoplasty operation, you will be under general anaesthesia. The surgery typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and the use of additional techniques such as liposuction. After making the skin incisions, the surgeon will remove excess fat and skin, tighten the abdominal muscles, and close the incisions with sutures.
What Happens After Surgery?
After surgery, you are placed into an abdominal binder. Some surgeons use drains, which are removed when drain output has slowed down. You are given strong painkillers in the first few hours after surgery, but this is rapidly reduced to simple regular painkillers that you will continue at home.
You will be mobile almost immediately, although you may need to walk around stooped as your tummy can feel tight at first (this typically lasts up to around two weeks). Once you leave the hospital, you will have a follow-up appointment a week into recovery, and again after a month. You will usually be able to drive a car within two to three weeks, and around this time you can often return to office work. We recommend you avoid going to the gym for the first 6 weeks and gently increase gym activity between 6-12 weeks. If you have had a muscle tightening procedure, you should notice an improvement in back pain and find it easier to strengthen your core.
Recovery Time and Aftercare
Initial Recovery Phase
Recovery from Abdominoplasty varies from person to person, but most patients can expect to return to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks. The initial recovery phase involves swelling and bruising, which will gradually subside. It is crucial to follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Long-Term Recovery
Complete recovery from Abdominoplasty can take several months. During this time, it is important to avoid strenuous activities and follow a balanced diet to maintain the results. Regular follow-up appointments at Berkshire Grove Hospital will help monitor your progress.
Abdominoplasty vs. Liposuction
While both Abdominoplasty and liposuction aim to improve the appearance of the abdomen, they are distinct procedures. Liposuction removes localised fat deposits but does not address excess skin or muscle laxity. Abdominoplasty, on the other hand, focuses on removing excess skin and tightening abdominal muscles, providing a more comprehensive solution for a firmer abdomen. Liposuction is often combined with other treatment modalities, such as Liposaver (ultrasonic-assisted liposuction) and Renuvion to achieve better definition whilst avoiding excessive skin looseness.
Male Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is not just for women. Many men also opt for this procedure to achieve a more toned and defined abdominal area, especially after significant weight loss. At Berkshire Grove Hospital we offer tailored Abdominoplasty solutions for men to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.
Why Choose Berkshire Grove Hospital for an Abdominoplasty?
At Berkshire Grove Hospital, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional care and expertise in Abdominoplasty procedures. Our experienced surgeons use the latest techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. From the moment you begin your journey with us, you will feel tended to and supported. We aim to make every step of your experience positive and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The surgery typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
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A Full Abdominoplasty involves a more extensive removal of skin and fat and repositioning of the navel, whereas a Mini Abdominoplasty is less invasive, focusing on the area below the belly button.
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Most patients can return to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks, with complete recovery taking several months.
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The cost varies, with prices generally starting at £5,000, depending on the specifics of the procedure.
If you are considering a Tummy Tuck and would like to discuss options available to you, do not hesitate to get in contact. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Berkshire Grove Hospital today and take the first step towards achieving a smoother, firmer abdomen.
Whether you are from Berkshire, Surrey, London or abroad, Berkshire Grove Hospital services the whole of the UK and is easily accessible via London Heathrow Airport.
Surgeons Who Offer Abdominoplasty at Berkshire Grove Hospital
Ms Isabel Teo
Mr Sinclair Gore
Mr Kuen Yeow Chin
Mr Chris Wallace
Mr Fulvio Urso-Baiarda
