Tummy Tuck Dubai – A mini tummy tuck, as the name suggests, is a less invasive and extensive operation than a full tummy tuck to tighten the skin in the lower abdomen. While a full abdominoplasty procedure involves making incisions across the lower abdomen and around the navel, partial abdominoplasty incisions tend to be much smaller and the navel is left intact.
Full tummy tucks are a much riskier procedure than a mini tummy tuck with a longer recovery time. However, the results of a partial procedure will be less dramatic than a full procedure.
Tummy Tuck Dubai – Mini
Mini abdominoplasty is mainly a skin tightening procedure but it can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic. The surgeon makes a small incision above the pubic bone to remove excess fat and skin. He may use liposuction to help shape the area.
As a result, the abdominal muscles can be tightened and then loose skin is stretched down over the incision, with the excess cut away. The procedure takes between one and two hours. Mini tummy tucks are generally recommended for patients that are within 10 percent above their ideal body weight.
A surgeon may also recommend a partial procedure if your main concern is with excess skin below the navel. If you have bulging above the navel, extreme loose skin, and stretch marks, a full tummy tuck will most likely be the better procedure.
Tummy Tuck Dubai
Rapid Recovery
Recovery from a partial abdominoplasty is relatively short. Typically, it takes a patient 7-14 days to fully recover. Patients usually become normally active and return to work within two weeks after the operation. Surgeons tend to recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 30 days after surgery. A garment will be worn for two-three weeks approximately.
Advanced Medical Technology
Because of advance medical technology, having a mini tummy tuck procedure is relatively safe with very little side effects or complications. Immediately after surgery, you may experience mild discomfort or pain which is easily controlled with prescription oral medication.
Tummy Tuck Dubai – Possible Complications
Some possible complications include:
• Infection of the scar
• Skin necrosis (death), due to poor circulation in the abdominal skin
• Hematoma, excessive bleeding under the skin after surgery
• Seroma, fluid collection under the skin. This is prevented by placing a drain under the skin during surgery
• Scar tissue
These complications are very rare for a healthy patient. You may have an increased risk for complications if you smoke, are diabetic, have poor circulation, have a family history of blood clots, take certain medications, or have heart, lung or liver disease. Complications may be further prevented by being honest with your doctor about your medical history before undergoing surgery.
Dr. Matteo Vigo is a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) is the world’s leading professional body for board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons.
TUMMY TUCK DUBAI (MINI) FAQs
Mini tummy tuck Dubai is intended for individuals concerned about excess fat and skin and minimal stretch marks below the belly button. The incision for full tummy tuck goes all the way across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic hairline. The mini tummy tuck incision is also made just above the pubic hairline, but it is much shorter. Only minimal stretchmarks can be addressed during a mini tummy tuck, but these can be fixed or nearly fixed with a full tummy tuck.
It is not recommended, as the benefits of the tummy tuck Dubai procedure will likely be undone.
Not a significant amount of weight. It’s important to remember that tummy tuck Dubai is not a weight loss procedure but a body contouring treatment.
The excess skin between your mons pubis and belly button is excised. Liposuction is sometimes performed at the same time. Unlike with a full tummy tuck Dubai, the belly button remains in place.
What cosmetic concerns can be treated?
Due to its ability to create significant results that are often immediately noticeable, tummy tuck surgery – also known as abdominoplasty – is truly one of the most rewarding cosmetic surgical procedures offered at our practice. Tummy tuck surgery is designed to improve the appearance of a prominent lower stomach region, which is often caused by loose, excess skin and lax abdominal muscles. In many instances, stubborn deposits of fat in and around the abdomen can also be removed.
What does the tummy tuck Dubai procedure entail?
Though the procedure will be tailored to address each patient’s unique needs and goals, abdominoplasty generally involves the tightening of abdominal muscles, the excision of excess skin, and the removal of fat via liposuction. During a full tummy tuck, an incision will typically be made low on the abdomen, extending from one hip to the other. Similarly, the incision for a mini tummy tuck will be concealed low on the abdomen, though it is often a bit shorter in length. Depending on the technique and extent of work involved, the operation generally takes approximately two to four hours to complete.
What’s the difference between a full and mini tummy tuck Dubai?
Both full and mini abdominoplasties involve the tightening of abdominal muscles and the removal of excess skin. The main difference is that the full tummy tuck is typically employed to rejuvenate the areas both above and below the belly button whereas the mini tummy tuck is generally confined to the lower abdomen below the belly button. To learn more, read my blog post here.
What is recovery like?
Following tummy tuck surgery, drain tubes will need to be left in place for about one week. Most patients experience some bruising and/or swelling, though these symptoms should subside over the course of a few weeks. The majority of individuals are able to return to non-strenuous jobs or activities after about one to two weeks; however, heavy lifting and/or strenuous physical labor should be avoided for at least six to eight weeks. To help facilitate healing, patients are often encouraged to walk around as soon as they feel comfortable enough to do so.
Will there be much pain after surgery?
Mild to moderate discomfort may be possible in the days following abdominoplasty, but any pain can often be managed and even alleviated with medication.
Will my scars be noticeable?
Incisions for tummy tuck surgery are made low on the abdomen – often near the pubic region – so any potential scarring can often be concealed by most articles of clothing, including bathing suits and the majority of underwear varieties. To learn more about abdominoplasty scars, click here.
Is it okay to have tummy tuck dubai surgery before having kids?
While there are typically no major risks associated with becoming pregnant after tummy tuck surgery, it is typically recommended that patients wait until they are done having children before undergoing the procedure. Doing so can help ensure the results achieved are not compromised by the bodily changes that often occur during pregnancy. To learn more about tummy tuck and pregnancy, click here.
Tummy Tuck Dubai is performed when you have slack abdominal muscles and excess fat and skin that give you a protruding abdomen. The procedure removes excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal muscles. The result is a smoother, tighter belly.
CAN’T I JUST USE LIPOSUCTION TO REMOVE MY BELLY FAT?
For some patients, liposuction is an ideal procedure for getting a toned abdomen. If your protruding belly is composed primarily of fat, and your skin tone is good enough to ensure it will contract after the fat is removed, then liposuction is recommended. However, many people have excess skin and some degree of looseness in the abdominal muscles that prevents liposuction from giving ideal results. During your abdominoplasty consultation, Dr. Vigo will perform an exam to determine which procedure is right for you.
DOES ABDOMINOPLASTY REMOVE STRETCH MARKS?
Stretch marks are in the skin, and because some skin is removed during an abdominoplasty, some stretch marks may be removed. Others may be repositioned lower on the abdomen, while still others may be unaffected.
DOES ABDOMINOPLASTY LEAVE A SCAR?
All surgery leaves scars, and abdominoplasty is no different. The length of the scar depends on the amount of skin being removed. However, the length of the scar is less of a concern because the abdominoplasty scar is in a very favorable location. It is located very low on the abdomen so that it will be concealed under most types of underwear and bikini bottoms.
IS ABDOMINOPLASTY SAFE?
Yes, but the procedure is not without risk. The great majority of abdominoplasty patients experience no complications whatsoever. Abdominoplasty is able to achieve some of the most dramatic results in plastic surgery, but its transformative power is balanced by a significant level of risk. However, careful planning and proper technique can significantly minimize these risks. During your consultation, Tampa cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Vigo will talk to you about how he works to reduce risk, including his use of the advanced technique lipoabdominoplasty.
WHAT IS LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY?
Lipoadbominoplasty is a newer abdominoplasty technique that utilizes liposuction to reduce the invasiveness of the procedure. Using liposuction instead of more traditional surgical removal and contouring reduces the impact of the procedure on your body, decreasing your healing time and reducing your risk of complications. It does not however decrease its effectiveness for contour improvement.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM ABDOMINOPLASTY?
Most people take one to two weeks off work to recover from abdominoplasty, at which point they are ready to return to most normal non-strenuous activities. Although it’s important to be moving around as soon as you are able, strenuous activities are limited for 12 weeks to allow for full healing. At each of your follow-up appointments, Dr. Vigo will inform you of what activities are appropriate for your personal pace of healing.
Does abdominoplasty increase risks in future pregnancies?
No. Some people think that because abdominoplasty tightens the abdominal muscles it might interfere with future pregnancies, but abdominoplasty has not been shown to have any negative impacts on pregnancy. The same, however, cannot be said of the impact of future pregnancies on abdominoplasty results. If you become pregnant after an abdominoplasty, you may have stretching of the muscle and skin layers and may feel the need to have a second procedure to restore your results.
WHY SHOULD I PICK DR. VIGO FOR MY ABDOMINOPLASTY?
You should always work with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a procedure like abdominoplasty. The risks increase dramatically if you are working with a less-trained or less experienced surgeon. Communication is vital to you getting the results you desire, so you should also work with a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable.
Are you tired of doing all those ab exercises and crunches almost every day, without result? Fed up with stubborn fat deposits?
If you want a firmer and flatter abdomen and a more contoured waist, and exercise isn’t getting you the results you want to achieve, don’t fret.
It’s still possible to get a toned and flat stomach. How?
The solution is a tummy tuck Dubai.
A tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from your stomach area which results in a flatter lower and middle abdomen.
The procedure tightens the muscles in your abdominal wall, leaving you with a:
Flat stomach
More shapely abdomen
Narrower waistline
As with any plastic surgery procedure however, it’s important that you know what you’re getting into in advance.
No doubt, you’ve got plenty of questions of your own.
Over the years, we’ve noticed a handful of questions pop up repeatedly when it comes to tummy tucks.
To save you some time, we’ve collated some of the most common in this FAQ.
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Book a complimentary information session with one of our nurses; during this chat we’ll find out a little more about what you want to achieve and advise you what tummy tuck surgery is right for you.
Am I a qualified candidate for a tummy tuck?
Before going through the procedure, it is important to know if you are indeed a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck.
That’s because tummy tucks aren’t a cure-all – they can be effective for particular problems, and may not be able to help with others.
The first step is determining whether the shape you want to achieve can be reached using a tummy tuck procedure.
In addition to that, your plastic surgeon will also evaluate your health and make sure that you:
Don’t have severe underlying health issues
Have no plans of pregnancy in the near future
Understand that tummy tuck is not a weight loss program
Are a stable weight, and aren’t planning on losing weight in the near future
Don’t smoke
How many sizes can you lose with a tummy tuck?
It depends!
Some women report quickly going down a size – others say that they still wear their pre-op size, but that it’s slightly looser. There’s also the question of post-operative swelling.
In short, it all depends on the extensiveness of your tummy tuck, as well as how well the recovery goes.
As a general rule however, many women go down a size or too – just check out our tummy tuck before and after photos to see for yourself!
If you’re planning to go through this procedure, it is highly recommended that you lose as much weight as you safely can the conventional way first.
What do I have to do after my procedure?
Look after yourself, simple as that.
After-care treatment following a tummy tuck involves:
Following post tummy tuck recovery instructions
Maintaining your ideal weight
Healthy diet and exercise
Not getting pregnant in the near future
Thankfully, most of these are pretty easy to follow!
What are the common side effects of a tummy tuck?
Setting reasonable expectations right from the start will help you prepare yourself from any risks and potential side effects of tummy tuck surgery.
So before you go through the procedure, make sure that you fully understand all the risks involved in tummy tuck. This might include:
Scarring
Numbness of skin
Skin discolouration
Throbbing pain
Swelling
There are several ways of reducing these side-effects. One is to improve your health as much as possible in the lead-up, exercising more and eating healthier.
Another is to choose the right surgeon.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose someone with trustworthy qualifications and certifications who can apply various techniques, as well as minimise the size and visibility of scars.
What is the best garment to wear after a tummy tuck?
It’s tempting to slip into your favourite pair of loose trackies.
In our experience however, this can be harmful as they don’t give your stomach the support it needs during recovery.
We recommend holding off on that for a while in order to facilitate a better recovery.
So, what should you be wearing instead in the interim?
Allow us to introduce compression garments, also known as tummy tuck girdles.
Girdles and compression garments are made up of soft, cottony material that is comfortable on the skin and which don’t cause any irritation.
These garments:
Improve blood circulation
Minimise swelling
Flush out potentially harmful acids
What should you eat after a tummy tuck?
Post-tummy tuck surgery requires changing your diet to include foods that promote healing.
In particular, you’ll want to switch over to foods that are rich in antioxidants, protein and amino acids that lessen inflammation and strengthens one’s immune system – all of which can help repair cells and assist in the entire healing process.
Your plastic surgeon will also suggest supplements that you can take throughout the recovery period to further improve your chances of a successful recovery.
Tummy tuck before and after: what does it look like?
Can you exercise after a tummy tuck?
In a word, yes. But there are some rules to follow!
Speak to your surgeon to discuss your specific circumstances.
When it comes to post-tummy tuck exercises, you should stick to light routines such as gentle walking. Going too hard can result in all sorts of physical strain and damage.
One should avoid heavy and vigorous exercises such as weight lifting, curls and hard cardio.
We also suggest cutting out routines that heavily engage your abdomen, such as sit-ups, which might affect your healing and can even make the swelling worse.
tummy tuck before and after
How safe are tummy tucks?
Very!
As with all plastic surgery performed in Australia, there are strict guidelines and procedures that need to be followed during a tummy tuck. All of this ensures that the process is safe, and that no lasting damage is left.
Does your stomach look loose, flabby, or distended? Unfortunately, diet and exercise alone may not be able to solve this problem. Pregnancy and weight loss commonly leave the abdomen stretched, wrinkled, or bulging. If you struggle to achieve a firm, flat stomach, this may be due to skin laxity on the abdomen, damaged abdominal muscles, stubborn fat, or a combination of these conditions.
A tummy tuck is a common body contouring surgery that targets the issues behind a flabby or “poochy” abdomen and delivers a tight, smooth stomach contour.
If you are struggling with any of the above conditions, you are an excellent candidate to achieve beautiful, life-changing tummy tuck results with Dr.Vigo. He will take the time to get to know you and your abdominal concerns so that he will better able to custom-tailor your tummy tuck surgery to your unique case.
Have questions about Tummy Tuck? Below are some of the top questions our patients have about the procedure:
What is involved in a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that targets skin laxity and compromised abdominal muscles to restore a tight, smooth abdominal contour. A tummy tuck requires an incision placed low on the pelvis, where it will be easily concealed within underwear and swimwear. Excess skin will be removed and abdominal muscles will be repaired or tightened as needed. If necessary, the belly button may be repositioned. Remaining skin will be secured in a flat, tight position.
The extent of the procedure will depend on the needs of your presenting abdominal issues as no two tummy tucks are quite the same!
What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?
Mini vs Full Tummy TuckA full tummy tuck addresses lax skin, abdominal muscles, and unwanted fat from the pubis to the rib cage. The belly button may need to be repositioned during a full tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck addresses the abdominal contour below the belly button. If your tummy problems are isolated to the lower portion of your abdomen, mini tummy tuck is an excellent way to address your issues. The mini tummy tuck will not impact the belly button. The incision for a mini tummy tuck be made low in the pelvis, but it will be smaller than the incision for the full tummy tuck.
What is extended tummy tuck?
Extended tummy tuck addresses loose skin which extends to the flanks resulting in a longer scar. Extended tummy tuck is often performed on patients who have undergone major weight loss. If needed, Dr. Vigo can combine extended tummy tuck with a back lift to achieve a circumferential body lift. This will enable Dr. VIgo to address muscle and skin laxity 360 degrees around the torso. Patients will enjoy a dramatically improved figure, easier mobility, and greater confidence for years!
Can I combine tummy tuck with other procedures?
Yes, tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures. Patients commonly combine thigh, arm, or buttocks lift with tummy tuck although for safety these procedures are performed at different stages. These lifting procedures will remove excess skin and achieve a slim, smooth contour in the desired area of the body. Combination body contouring procedures are highly customizable.
Tummy tuck is most often incorporated into Mommy Makeover, a broader combination of procedures designed to help women undo the negative effects of motherhood on their body. Therefore, women combine tummy tuck with breast surgeries like breast lift or breast augmentation to restore their tight, feminine figure.
How is a tummy tuck performed?
Tummy Tuck & Mommy MakeoverTummy tuck is performed with the assistance of general anesthesia. Patients have the option of undergoing their tummy tuck in our state-of-the-art surgical center or in the hospital. The abdomen will be marked for surgery, and once patients are comfortably under anesthesia, Dr. Vigo will begin the tummy tuck procedure.
Tummy tuck is performed by making a single incision low in the abdomen. Depending on the patient’s degree of skin laxity and muscle strain, Dr. Vigo may tighten the skin and abdominals from the ribs to the pelvis, or he may only need to address the skin and muscles below the belly button. The abdominal muscles will be tightened to create an internal corset and the excess skin will be removed thereby leaving you with a flatter contour.
Patients will be monitored by the surgical staff before they are approved to begin their recovery at home. All patients will receive personalized recovery instructions prior to surgery.
Do they cut through muscle for tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck will not cut the abdominal muscles. Abdominal muscles will be tightened or repaired to restore tight, healthy support of the abdomen. Tummy tuck is an excellent way to correct herniation, muscular strain or damage that commonly occurs during pregnancy.
How can I reduce my stomach fat?
How to Address Stubborn Stomach Fat If you have soft, pudgy fat stores on your stomach that refuse to respond to diet and exercise, you are an excellent candidate to get rid of this fat for good with only liposuction. Liposuction is a minimally-invasive fat elimination surgery that targets and removes fat from the body gently and effectively. Dr. Vigo performs liposuction with a range of techniques, including tumescent, wet and superwet liposuction, superficial liposculpting, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, lipoplasty and laser liposuction. Each method offers its own benefits to the procedure and recovery time.
Liposuction is intended to address subcutaneous fat, which can form almost anywhere on the body, underneath the skin.
If your stomach fat is hard and round, you may be experiencing visceral fat. Visceral fat forms around the internal organs and cannot be addressed with liposuction. Visceral fat must be addressed with diet and exercise. Dr. Vigo will be able to assess the needs of your case during a private consultation.
Does a tummy tuck remove fat?
Only the fat with the portion of skin to be excised is removed. The remaining stubborn fat will be addressed with liposuction. If patients will be combining tummy tuck with liposuction, the two procedures may be performed at once or over multiple surgical stages, depending on the amount to be addressed.
Is it easier to lose weight after a tummy tuck?
Many patients find that they are more motivated to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle after they see the tight, smooth contours of their body after tummy tuck.
Tummy tuck often repairs abdominal muscles, which in turn improves patient’s ability to exercise and maintain a healthy posture.
Which is better liposuction or tummy tuck?
Both are excellent ways to slim down the body! The procedure that you receive will depend on the unique needs of your case. A tummy tuck will address lax skin and muscle damage, while liposuction addresses only the fat between the skin and muscle.
How do I prepare for a tummy tuck?
Patients will receive personalized instructions to help them prepare for their tummy tuck. In general tummy tuck patients will be asked to discontinue smoking for 6 weeks prior to and 6 weeks following their surgery date as well as stopping all herbs and other over the counter meds.
How dangerous is a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck, when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility, is not a dangerous procedure.
It is important to share your medical history and notify Dr. Vigo if you have any pre-existing conditions so that he can make sure your procedure is safe and appropriate for you.
Will a tummy tuck address a C-section scar?
Tummy tuck is not intended to address C-section scars. However, due to the fact that the skin of the lower abdomen will be excised, C-section scars are sometimes removed during tummy tuck.
After losing a lot of weight, after a pregnancy or due to genetics, the skin around the abdominal area can become loose and drop due to the loss of elasticity. As a result, this can cause confidence issues but can be resolved by undergoing a tummy tuck Dubai or abdominoplasty.
A tummy tuck also is known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure that consists of removing the excess skin from the abdominal area of the body to then flatten and tighten it.
There are different types of tummy tucks.
There are different types of tummy tucks that can be performed depending on the amount of excess skin and fat that needs to be removed from the treatment area:
Full Abdominoplasty– This is the traditional tummy tuck ideal for patients who need a lot of skin and fat to be removed. This procedure not only removes the excess skin and fat but also can repair the torn muscles on the affected area.
Extended Abdominoplasty– This technique is recommended for patients who want to remove excess fat and skin from their lower back, flanks or upper hip areas. This technique can also repair the torn muscles if required.
Mini Abdominoplasty– This type of tummy tuck is indicated for patients who have a small amount of excess skin on the area between the belly button and the pubic region and the skin has a crinkly appearance. This procedure tightens the area and repairs the torn muscles when necessary.
Brazilian Tummy Tuck Dubai – This type of tummy tuck is for those patients whose primary concern is their excess skin rather than the fat. This procedure combines, tummy tuck and liposuction to remove the excess fat around the waist, flanks and abdomen to achieve a more contoured look. The benefit of including the liposuction is that the healing process and the complications are reduced compared to a full abdominoplasty.
The scar will fade away.
Many patients are concerned about the scar after their tummy tuck Dubai.
The scar resulting from a tummy tuck Dubai or abdominoplasty fades away over time, usually takes around a year to fade. The first few months the redness will be apparent however this will reduced as the days go by. Your surgeon will also recommend you some creams to further reduce the visibility and redness of the scar.
The downtime required after a tummy tuck procedure is around three weeks.
After the surgery, you will be required to stay overnight at the hospital to ensure there are no complications.
Once you have been discharged from the hospital, to maintain the abdominal area straight, you will be required to wear for two weeks an abdominal support garment and will be advised to take painkillers to mitigate any pain.
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure.
Tummy tucks are a procedure to remove the excess skin after losing a lot of weight, after pregnancy or due to ageing to achieve a flatter and firmer abdomen.
Before you undergo an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck Dubai, we recommend you achieving your ideal weight as any changes in weight can affect the results and will require additional surgery to rectify the results. If you are thinking about getting pregnant after a tummy tuck Dubai you need to be aware that the skin might stretch again and you will require a revision surgery to recover the lost results.
Men undergo tummy tucks too.
Tummy tucks are a popular procedure among women due to pregnancies, however many men undergo this procedure too to remove the excess skin after losing a large amount of weight and repair the torn muscles.
Tummy Tucks can be performed under local or general anaesthetic.
The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure is typically done under general anaesthetic. However, the procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation depending on the procedure and the patient. You can consult this with your surgeon.
The C-Tuck.
The “C tuck” is a procedure where a tummy tuck is undergone after a C-section.
The “C-tuck” is a procedure that is not recommended to any patients as it’s preferred that the patient rests and heals before undergoing any other surgical procedure.
The muscles after a pregnancy are stretched and in order to achieve the best results from a tummy tuck, the muscles must be contracted back down. This is the reason why it is recommended waiting around a year before undergoing a tummy tuck and be at the best possible health condition before the procedure.
Recovery from a tummy tuck procedure.
The recovery from a tummy tuck Dubai or abdominoplasty requires around 3 weeks.
You can expect the following aftercare after undergoing a tummy tuck procedure:
Wear an abdominal support garment for 2 weeks.
Take antibiotics and pain medication for 2 weeks after the procedure.
Swelling around the treated area. We recommend using a cold compress to reduce the swelling. Always consult your doctor before this to ensure there is no problem to do so.
Always follow your doctor’s recommendations for aftercare and ensure you attend the follow-up consultations.
A tummy tuck can remove love handles.
Standard tummy tucks do not target the love handles; however, an extended tummy tuck can remove the fat around that area. If you are looking into just removing the fat and you do not have excess skin, VaserLipo or liposuction would be a better option.
A tummy tuck Dubai (abdominoplasty) is surgery to remove excess loose skin and some of the fat from your abdomen (tummy), and to tighten your abdominal muscles. It is sometimes combined with liposuction to help shape the abdomen. The results can be long lasting, particularly if you keep to a healthy weight after your surgery.
When is a tummy tuck necessary?
People have a tummy tuck for many reasons. Sometimes it’s part of another operation such as a hernia repair. Or you may want one because you have:
loose skin after major weight loss
slack abdominal skin and muscles after pregnancy
abdominal scarring from earlier surgery or injury
Tummy tuck Dubai surgery improves the shape of your abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening abdominal muscles. It may be possible to remove some pregnancy stretch marks and make others less noticeable.
This treatment can’t help you lose or control weight, and won’t stop you from gaining weight in the future.
Getting tummy tuck information and advice
Getting the right advice before having a tummy tuck is important. If you’re thinking about it, talk to your GP. They may be able to refer you to a reputable surgeon or advise you on choosing a hospital.
Before you decide to have a tummy tuck, bear the following in mind.
Think about what you want to change and research different types of tummy tuck procedure. Knowing more about them may help you to manage your expectations and understand what can realistically be done.
Research potential surgeons – check their qualifications and make sure they regularly do the procedure you want.
Have at least two thorough consultations with your potential surgeon. It’s your opportunity to ask questions and get more advice.
Write down what you want to ask before your consultations so you don’t forget.
Take as long as you need to make up your mind. The decision to go ahead must be yours. Don’t feel pressured or influenced by anyone else.
Think about managing after surgery. Who will help you day-to-day, walking the dog or lifting things around the house? This is particularly important if you have problems after surgery.
If you go to a clinic, talk to the counsellor or advisor. Also make sure you see the surgeon who will do your operation before signing up. When you see the surgeon, there are quite a lot of areas to cover. They should:
fully explain the procedure, including telling you what to expect during your recovery
make sure you understand what’s achievable, so you don’t have unrealistic expectations
explain all possible risks and complications
discuss any other options for you, whether surgical or non-surgical
You should research your surgeon on the General Medical Council (GMC) website to check that they are listed on the specialist register for plastic surgery. You can also ask if they are a member of a professional association such as the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). This will help you find out if they are a fully trained plastic surgeon.
The RCS run a certification scheme for plastic surgery. Certificated surgeons must provide proof of their skills and training. This Register of Certified Cosmetic Surgeons is available for the public on the RCS website.
Preparing for a tummy tuck
Your surgeon will explain how best to prepare for your operation. If you smoke, you need to stop at least six weeks before surgery. Smoking increases your risk of a chest and wound infection, which can significantly slow your recovery. Coughing from a chest infection will make recovery more painful. Smoking can also slow down wound healing.
Your surgeon may also advise you to:
lose excess weight – you should be as close to the ideal weight for your height as possible before your operation
stop taking the contraceptive pill four to six weeks before your operation, to reduce the chances of a blood clot (thrombosis) – make sure you use an alternative method of contraception
give up smoking at least two weeks before your operation, to reduce the risk of getting an infection – this includes not having nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) because nicotine can cause wound healing complications
You have tummy tuck surgery under general anaesthetic. So you’ll be asleep during the operation. You are normally asked not to eat or drink for six hours beforehand. Your surgeon or anaesthetist will give you specific advice on eating and drinking before your operation.
Your surgeon will explain what will happen before, during and after your operation. There are different procedures, but with a typical tummy tuck Dubai, a large incision will be made between your bellybutton and pubic hair. Your surgeon will also tell you what to expect when you wake up and what level of discomfort or pain you might have. This is your opportunity to ask any remaining questions you have about the risks, benefits and alternatives to the procedure. You’ll be asked to sign a consent form, so you need to be fully informed about your options and what will happen.
Your surgeon may ask you to wear compression stockings from the time of your operation until you are fully mobile again. This helps to prevent blood clots forming in the veins in your legs.
What are the alternatives to tummy tuck Dubai ?
Although not strictly an alternative, you might be able to have liposuction to reshape your abdomen. Your surgeon uses suction to remove excess fat from under your skin.
You can have liposuction on its own instead of a tummy tuck, but it only removes fat, whereas a tummy tuck removes fat and skin. Liposuction might be helpful if you’re not generally overweight, but have localised areas of fat that you want to get rid of. If you’re younger and your skin is still quite elastic, it will shrink back a little after liposuction. But if you have excess skin, or loose skin or muscles before the operation, then liposuction alone won’t help.
Liposuction may sometimes be an added part of a tummy tuck procedure.
As with any medical procedure, liposuction can have side-effects and complications. Your surgeon will tell you about the treatment options available to you and their possible risks and benefits.
What happens during a tummy tuck Dubai?
There are several types of tummy tuck. The one you have will depend on how much skin and fat you have removed. Your surgeon will discuss this with you and explain which type is most suitable for you. Occasionally, liposuction may be done at the same time as your tummy tuck. Your surgeon will explain if you need this.
Depending on what exactly you’re having done, the operation can take between two and four hours, but this may vary between surgeons.
Standard tummy tuck
Your surgeon will make a cut from hip to hip along your pubic area (in women this is called your bikini line). They’ll make another cut around your belly button to free it from the surrounding skin. After tightening your abdominal muscles and removing excess fat and skin, they pull the remaining skin down and make a new hole, so your belly button is in the correct position.
You’ll have a scar around your belly button and a long curved scar on your abdomen above your pubic area. Because of the normal pattern of pubic hair, the scar is generally higher in men than in women. These scars are usually (but not always) hidden by underwear or swimwear.
Mini tummy tuck
If you only need a small amount of skin or fat removed, you can have a mini tummy tuck. Your surgeon will remove any excess skin and fat from your lower abdomen, leaving your belly button in place. They will usually need to use some liposuction at the same time as part of the procedure to help shape your abdomen. Afterwards, you’ll have a curved scar above your pubic area. This may be slightly shorter than with a standard tummy tuck. Your belly button stays in the same place, but may be a slightly different shape.
What to expect afterwards
Depending on the operation you have, you may be in hospital for up to three days after surgery.
When you wake up, you’ll have dressings covering your lower abdomen. You may also have thin tubes coming out of your wound, to drain fluid. These are usually removed before you go home. Some surgeons may use newer techniques where they carry out the procedure without using drains. You may have a drip in your arm for fluids and medicines. It’s usually taken out as soon as you can drink enough.
Tummy tuck Dubai can be quite painful, so your surgeon or anaesthetist will prescribe painkillers. You have these as injections through your drip or as tablets. Do take them if you need to. Controlling pain with regular painkillers will help you to recover more quickly.
While you’re in bed, your surgeon may ask you to keep your knees bent, so you don’t strain your muscles and stitches.
You’ll go home with your stitches in. Most surgeons use stitches that dissolve by themselves. Your nurse or doctor will tell you how long this will take, how to care for your wound and if you need to come back to have any non-soluble stitches taken out.
You’ll need someone to drive you home. Try to have a friend or relative stay with you for at least 24 hours when you get home after your tummy tuck.
You must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. If you’re in any doubt about driving, contact your motor insurer so that you’re aware of their recommendations, and always follow your surgeon’s advice.
At first, everyone will have pain, bruising and swelling to some extent. This will start to improve within days of your operation. Some longer-term swelling is normal, but this should be completely gone within a few months.
Scars usually fade over time, but won’t completely disappear. They’ll be very noticeable for the first few weeks, but will then start to fade and blend in more with your normal skin tone. Some people tend to develop more noticeable scars than others.
Numbness can happen because nerves have been cut during the surgery. Nerves repair very slowly, so this often takes months to get better and can sometimes be permanent.
Recovering from a tummy tuck Dubai
After a tummy tuck, it’s important not to do too much too soon. Too much activity too soon can put strain on the wound and cause a stretched scar. It can also slow down healing and increase swelling around your wound. The key is to pace yourself.
It usually takes about six weeks to recover, but this varies between individuals and the technique used, so it’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice. You’re likely to need about four weeks off work.
When you get home, you may be advised to rest in bed for another day or two, but you should get up to use the toilet. It will help your recovery if you’re up and about as soon as it’s not too painful.
Avoid movements that strain your tummy muscles – roll onto your side to get out of bed.
Don’t do too much too soon. Start with gently walking around at home. You can go up and down stairs if it’s not painful. Then start doing housework that is comfortable, such as making drinks or light meals. Once you’re comfortable around the house, gradually build up to longer walks of five to 10 minutes.
You’ll need to avoid vigorous activity (including sports) or heavy lifting (including shopping) for up to 12 weeks. Your abdominal muscles protect your back when you lift, so you need to take care until they are healed. Don’t have sex for three weeks after surgery or drive for six weeks. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions, depending on the type of operation you have.
If you would like some exercises to help you recover, talk to your physiotherapist or surgeon before you leave hospital. Some are outlined in the next section, Exercises you can do after a tummy tuck. Do remember that every operation and patient is different, so please don’t exercise before checking with your doctor.
If you need to, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.
Your surgeon may ask you to wear a support garment (a type of corset) for up to six weeks after surgery. This helps to ease pain and discomfort and reduce swelling.
Exercises you can do after a tummy tuck
When you first get home, the most important thing is not to overdo it. Follow the advice of your surgeon. You should have information to take home about how much exercise to do and how long it will take to get back to normal. Do ask how best to help your recovery, including asking your surgeon or physiotherapist about suitable exercises and when to start doing them.
At first, gentle walking is the best exercise. Take things slowly and build up gradually. But, if you are doing any exercise that pulls on the scar and feels like its stretching, then you should take it a little slower.
Don’t take part in sports for six to 12 weeks after your operation – ask your surgeon for advice. It’s also really important not to do sit-up type exercises for at least six weeks and then take it slowly. Again, if you feel any type of strain, don’t do it. Take advice from your surgeon as different surgeons will have different procedures, which may vary depending on your type of procedure.
Once you have the go-ahead from your surgeon, there are exercises that can strengthen your abdominal muscles.
Knee rolls
Lie on your back, with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Keeping your knees bent, slowly lower your knees to one side, but only as far as is comfortable. Bring them back to the centre and repeat on the other side.
Pelvic tilts
Lie on your back, with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Put your hands in the small of your back. Push down so that your back is flat against your hands, tilting your hips up.
Tightening your abdomen
Lie on your back, with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Put your hands on your lower abdomen or hips. Breathe in, and as you breathe out, pull your tummy button down towards the floor. Hold for a count of three, then relax.
The general advice is to do each exercise five times, three times a day, but do ask your physiotherapist or surgeon first.
What are the Tummy Tuck Dubai complications?
Complications are problems that occur during or after the operation. Every procedure has risks, including tummy tuck surgery. We haven’t included the chance of these happening to you because this is different for every person. Your surgeon will give you specific advice and information.
Possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).
Complications of a tummy tuck may include:
infection – this may need antibiotics
bleeding under your skin (haematoma) – this may need surgery to stop bleeding and drain the area
seroma – a collection of fluid around your wound that may need draining with a needle and syringe
unusually red or raised scars – these may take several months to fade
a blood clot in your lungs (pulmonary embolus)
problems with wound healing – these can slow down your recovery and cause more noticeable scars
pins and needles, a burning sensation, numbness or pain on touching the skin – this is because nerves are injured during the operation; the injury may be permanent in a small number of people.
If you smoke, complications after surgery are more likely. Your plastic surgeon may be reluctant to operate if you’re still smoking, because this greatly increases the risk of a significant complication. You’re also more likely to have complications if you have diabetes. People with diabetes have poorer circulation and are less able to fight bacterial infections, which can slow wound healing. To reduce the risk of complications, your surgeon will want to make sure that your diabetes is under control before and after surgery. Talk to your surgeon if you are at all worried.
How long do tummy scars take to fade?
Scars usually fade over time but won’t completely disappear. For the first few weeks they will be very noticeable but should start to fade and blend in more with your normal skin tone. Some people tend to develop more noticeable scars than others.
When can’t I have a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery isn’t suitable if you are a heavy smoker, overweight or have had blood clots in the past.
Many people want this type of surgery because being overweight or multiple pregnancies have stretched their abdominal skin or muscles. Make sure you have lost as much weight as possible and are not planning any more pregnancies before you go ahead. Otherwise, the benefits of the surgery will be much reduced, and you will have all the risks of the procedure without the longer-term benefits.
If you’re not sure whether the operation is suitable for you, it’s worth speaking to a plastic surgeon. They won’t recommend surgery if it isn’t right for you.