About the Procedure
Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the lower and central abdomen and, where necessary, tightens the underlying abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis repair). The navel is repositioned as part of the procedure. The resulting scar runs horizontally low on the abdomen, within the bikini line in most cases.
A mini-abdominoplasty is available for patients with excess skin limited to the area below the navel, where a shorter scar and less extensive surgery is appropriate. The most suitable procedure will be discussed at consultation.
Abdominoplasty is frequently combined with liposuction to address fat deposits in adjacent areas and optimise the overall contour.
The Procedure
Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes two to three hours. An overnight stay is usually required.
Recovery
Patients should expect to take two to four weeks off work, depending on the nature of their role. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks. A compression garment is worn for six weeks to support healing and reduce swelling. Walking is encouraged from an early stage to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Risks
Risks include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, seroma (fluid accumulation), and, rarely, wound healing complications. Deep vein thrombosis is a risk associated with any abdominal surgery, and appropriate precautions are taken.
All risks will be discussed in detail at consultation.
Your Consultation
All consultations are with Mr Lewis personally. There is no obligation to proceed, and all options will be discussed before any decision is made.
