Choosing to go through with cosmetic surgery is a huge decision that will affect the rest of your life, so it’s essential that you are happy with your choice and have made it for the right reasons. One of the most life-changing cosmetic surgeries is a tummy tuck, which has altered the lives of many of our clients over the years for the better. However, as this is such a life-changing surgery, you must take the time to carefully decide whether a tummy tuck is the best decision for you.

So, to help you with this choice, we’re providing you with everything you need to know about tummy tuck surgery here at Aesthetic Skin Clinic. In addition, we’ll explore the benefits of this surgery as well as the critical aftercare process to ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision.

What is Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Also known as Abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery is an umbrella term for cosmetic surgery used to improve the shape of the abdomen. This procedure often involves removing excess and stubborn fat before tightening the skin to give the appearance of a slimmer and more toned tummy.

There are three main types of tummy tuck surgery:

• Standard procedure. As suggested by the name, this is the standard form of tummy tuck, which focuses on removing excess fat and tightening the skin and muscles across the entire abdomen.
• Mini tuck. This procedure is for women wanting to remove stubborn fat and tighten the skin on the area below the belly button.
• Tummy tuck with floating umbilicus. Unlike the standard tummy tuck, during the floating umbilicus procedure, the surgeon will remove the belly button from the abdominal wall to reposition it further down.

When visiting our cosmetic surgery in Jersey, our clients often choose to pair their tummy tuck surgery with other stubborn fat removal procedures, such as liposuction. This combination of treatments gives the abdomen a tighter, more toned appearance, which is often the desired outcome.

Who Would Benefit from Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery is not recommended as a quick fix for losing weight. We would only perform the procedure on those with a healthy BMI after the patient has tried other, more natural, fat removal techniques such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.

This surgery is recommended for individuals who have lost considerable weight but are struggling with excess, sagging skin around the abdomen. For this reason, tummy tucks are popular with post-partum women. After childbirth, the abdominal muscles weaken and separate, causing the tummy area to bulge. This, in turn, creates an uneven and swollen appearance, which sometimes can be difficult to eliminate through exercise or dieting and becomes more difficult after each pregnancy.

Advantages of Tummy Tuck Surgery

There is a long list of benefits to tummy tuck surgery, both aesthetically and medially; let’s take a look.

• Improved confidence. One of the main reasons patients visit our cosmetic surgery in Guernsey is to build on their confidence. Understandably, people can feel down and insecure after losing weight and still not getting the desired results. Tummy tuck surgery can assist with this and help those people get their glow back.
• Decrease back pain. Due to weakened muscles in the abdomen after childbirth, many women suffer from back pain. Tummy tuck surgery tightens the muscles, taking some of the pressure off your back and, in turn, alleviating pain.
• Strengthen your core. Aforementioned, during tummy tuck surgery, your muscles are tightened, which will restore a weakened core. This leads to improved flexibility and better posture.

What to Expect Before Undergoing Tummy Tuck Surgery

Like any cosmetic surgery, you must take time to consider whether this is the best choice and make the decision for yourself. You can do this by carefully thinking about the advantages and what it could do for your body and mind, as well as mentally preparing yourself with what to expect before undergoing surgery.

If you’re considering a tummy tuck for aesthetic reasons, the best thing to do before going through with the surgery is to try losing the stubborn weight on your abdomen first. There are several ways to do this, including finding the right diet for you and attempting regular exercise. If you find that this does not work, or you are left with excess skin, the next step in tackling the stubborn fat could be a tummy tuck.

In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you must do everything you can to feel in your overall best health. This includes eating low-fat and high-protein foods, stopping smoking, and keeping up with regular exercise, as after your surgery, you will be advised not to exercise for several weeks. During your preparation, it is advisable to have someone ready to help you immediately after your surgery and several days after you get home; we will explore this further below.

Finally, you will be expected not to eat or drink before your surgery which, understandably, will be uncomfortable for most people. Make sure to prepare your favourite foods for your return home so you can recover comfortably.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Aftercare

Like with all surgeries, there are specific aftercare steps to follow when you have undergone this procedure. We will require you to stay in our care for one to two nights for monitoring. During this time, our incredible team of medical professionals will be available around the clock to answer any questions you may have and make sure you’re comfortable.

You will be advised not to drive home after surgery, so, as mentioned, having a family member or friend on call is the best idea. They should be available to ensure you’re comfortable at home and possibly help with food preparation and general house duties until you get back on your feet.

Our highly experienced, award-winning surgeons provide this procedure at our locations across the Channel Islands; find out more below.

• Tummy tuck surgery Guernsey
• Tummy tuck surgery Jersey

Finally, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We are more than happy to discuss your options and book you in for a discreet consultation so you can talk through your body goals and how we can help.