Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty aka Tummy Tuck is performed to restore the body contour, remove excess abdominal loose skin and fat that has occurred after massive weight loss to restore and enhance the form of your abdominal wall.
Who is this for?
At Sunnybank Surgical, we offer abdominoplasty to individuals who have experienced massive weight loss often in the post weight-loss bariatric surgery setting. In general, the BMI has to be <30 kg/m2.
Large cohort studies data suggest that the best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are those who have achieved sufficient weight-loss and are now within a normal weight range, demonstrate weight stability, eat a healthy diet and are active and engage in regular exercise. Absence from other significant medical conditions such as diabetes and immunosuppressive disorders are important in ensuring an optimal outcome.
Abdominoplasty is not suitable for obese individuals who wish to have their abdominal fat removed surgically.
Why undergo Abdominoplasty?
Excess skin and subcutaneous fat due to rapid weight loss may alter body contour and result in body image issues that affect self-esteem and decrease quality of life by creating a hinderance to physical activity and possess a challenge to hygiene.
There is now also data to suggest that removing excess skin might reduce secondary weight regain after bariatric weight-loss surgery. This may be attributed to increased body satisfaction and hence leads to improved physical function but may also be caused by a biological response to reduction of adipose tissue.
Risk of Abdominoplasty
Due to the large amount of tissue removed and extended surgical dissection of tissue planes, bruising, swelling, oozing or small amount of bleeding from wounds can occur. Scarring develops from long incisions. Deep venous thrombosis and other risks of general anaesthesia needs to be considered.
Specific risks include bleeding, seroma – the accumulation of fluid under the abdominal skin, asymmetry and irregularities, fat necrosis along the wounds, delayed wound healing problems, scarring and the need for further revisional surgery.
