Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck is a popular procedure used to treat those with loose skin and flaccid abdominal muscles, commonly after weight loss or pregnancy.

It is important to note that this procedure is not for weight loss.

Tummy tuck can be performed as a minor procedure (mini abdominoplasty) if there is only skin to be removed below the tummy button and no abdominal muscles to tighten. When there is a need to reposition the tummy button, the procedure is conducted under general anesthesia. Your procedure will be tailored according to your specific needs and concerns.

1^st Consultation: Options Consultation

This is an informal consultation between you and Dr Silva to understand your objectives and discuss the options available to you along with the potential outcomes. It may be possible to provide a quote at this time.

2^nd Consultation: Surgical Consultation (£100)

You will meet the surgeon. The procedure will be discussed further and a treatment option chosen. The surgeon will discuss what you can expect before, during and after the operation and will also discuss what you must do pre- and post-operatively. You will be quoted a price for the procedure and the procedure date will be booked.

3^rd Consultation: Medical Examination (50% Deposit Payable)

Once you are happy to go ahead with the procedure you will attend for a full medical history and examination. All pre-operative forms will be completed and you will receive a pre and post procedure information leaflet. You will also be reviewed by an anaesthetist at this appointment.

4^th Consultation: Final Pre-operative Consultation (Remaining Balance is Payable)

This is the final pre-operative consultation on the day of the procedure. Written consent will be obtained and countersigned by the operating surgeon and your pre-operative photographs will be taken on this day.

Preparing for your Operation

After you have booked your operation, it is important that you consider the following:

2 Weeks Before Operation

You must eat healthily and do a reasonable amount of routine exercises. During this period we recommend that you:

• avoid excessive alcohol intake
• refrain from smoking
• avoid herbal medicines/remedies
• avoid non-prescription medications such as Aspirin which may thin your blood

Other specific instructions relating to your medication will be discussed at your medical consultation.

The Day Before the Operation

Please ensure you follow the specific instructions given to you by the anaesthetist at the medical consultation.

You must not eat or drink for at least 6-8 hours prior to the start of the operation.

Should you feel unwell, develop flu-like symptoms, a cough or fever the day before the operation, please inform us at your earliest convenience as your procedure may need to be postponed.

Special Considerations

Please take note of the following considerations before you arrange your operation:

• The recovery post laser lipolysis with liposuction surgery is 3 to 5 days and so you will need at least one week of leave if you are working.
• You will be unable to drive post surgery so please make appropriate transport arrangements for the day of your operation.
• If you are a smoker, it is very important to refrain from smoking 4 weeks prior to surgery and for the 2-week post-operative period to improve wound healing and the look of the final scar.

Post-Op Care

Immediately after surgery, you should avoid any heavy lifting.

Drink plenty of water in the first 24-48 hours following your operation to replace fluid lost during the procedure.

You will need to wear a compression garment for at least 4-6 weeks and you are likely to experience some pain and discomfort, but this should subside as the period of recovery progresses.

Recovery

Occasionally bruising can occur and may last for approximately 2 weeks. The length of your recovery will depend greatly on the procedure and your individual baseline health.

Take care when washing around the surgical area.

Post-Op Appointments

The follow-up appointments are highly important and must be attended for wound management. Failing to follow the post-surgical guidelines and attend your appointments is likely to adversely affect the outcome of your surgery and may put your health at risk.