Mr. Abood is a world renowned plastic surgeon offering his specialist abdominoplasty surgery in London. Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure that improves the contour of your abdomen. This area of the body is frequently affected by significant excess skin and fat which can appear to hang down, looking and feeling unattractive and uncomfortable.
Mr. Abood is one of the UK’s leading plastic surgeons and a specialist in abdominoplasty. Get in touch today to book an abdominoplasty consultation at Mr. Abood’s London clinic on Harley Street.
Ahid Abood Plastic Surgery Clinic, 7 Harley Street, London – CONTACT US
WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
Fluctuations in weight or significant changes in body shape due to pregnancy can alter the appearance of your body. When the skin is stretched for long periods of time, it will not shrink back which results in loose skin that hangs. Tummy tuck surgery not only helps to create a more aesthetically pleasing shape through removing excess skin and fat, but can also help to firm the abdomen. Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss solution but is something that can be considered at the end of the weight loss journey. It is a very common procedure usually undertaken because of:
- Loose skin following pregnancy
- Loose skin following dramatic weight loss
- Loss of elasticity in the skin over time resulting in wrinkled or hanging skin
- A need to strengthen your abdominal wall
THE CONSULTATION
During your initial consultation you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns as well as explain the look you are hoping to achieve. We will discuss your reasons for wanting to have a tummy tuck and will talk about what the surgical procedure involves, along with the anticipated recovery time.
During your consultation Mr. Abood will need to examine your abdomen to assess your skin and your muscle tone and also to identify any pre-existing scars or abdominal conditions (such as hernias) which can affect how your tummy tuck is carried out. Mr. Abood will take a full medical history from you which includes asking about your general health.
After advising you on which procedure will best suit your desired outcome, Mr. Abood will show you ‘before and after’ photographs. The decision to have a surgery is an important one and there’s a lot of information to absorb. For that reason there will always be a second consultation before the surgery goes ahead, where you have had adequate time to reflect upon the initial consultation, so you can address any concerns and unanswered questions.
ABDOMINOPLASTY PROCEDURE
A tummy tuck can be performed using a variety of techniques, all of which involve the removal of excess skin to a lesser or greater degree. The most appropriate approach will be discussed with you and could be one of the following:
- Full Abdominoplasty: the most common type of tummy tuck. This approach removes excess skin from between the belly button and pubic area, and tightens the muscles. During this procedure the belly button is also repositioned.
- Extended tummy tuck or fleur de lis abdominoplasty: in this type of tummy tuck, the amount of skin and fat removal is more than for a full abdominoplasty and is usually only suitable for patients who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with significant excess skin and fat in the upper and lower abdomen. In this procedure a vertical scar is also introduced.
- Mini tummy tuck surgery: this is only suitable for those who have a minimal amount of excess skin. During this procedure skin is removed but there is no need to reposition the belly button. The surgery takes approximately one hour and can be carried out under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic.
With all types of tummy tuck, liposuction can also be used as an additional procedure to help contour the abdomen and create definition.
Ahid Abood Plastic Surgery Clinic, 7 Harley Street, London – CONTACT US
AFTERCARE AND RESULTS
Before you go home, you will be given information about the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ for the first few weeks of your recovery following your surgical procedure. Mr. Abood and his nursing staff are always available to address any concerns and your recovery will be closely monitored through a series of follow-up appointments, typically made at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months and 1 year.
Following surgery you can expect the stomach muscles and area to feel a bit tender with swelling and bruising lasting at least a few weeks. Aftercare advice and wearing a post-surgical compression garment will help you to manage any discomfort help speed up recovery.
It is expected that you will be up and about from the first day of your surgery, but it can take a few weeks until you are back to your usual routine and activities. It is likely that you’ll have to take some time off work and gradually increase your activity levels until your body feels more comfortable. Although you will see a result immediately after your procedure, the final outcome may not be visible for several weeks as the swelling takes time to resolve.
THE RISKS
No surgical procedures is without potential side-effects and risk, however the risk associated with abdominoplasty procedures is very low in the majority of patients and Mr. Abood’s aim is always to keep every procedure as safe as possible.
CONTACT US 0800 2335088
TUMMY TUCK FAQS
AM I SUITABLE FOR TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that remove excess skin and tissue from the abdomen. The procedure can give the stomach muscles a flatter, more toned appearance as the skin and/or muscles are tightened. The operation is requested by many women and men who find they have loose skin around the abdomen, due to significant weight loss that has left the skin unable to shrink back and accommodate the new body shape. (This also frequently occurs after pregnancy.) Tummy tuck surgery is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle is not an effective long-term solution for weight gain, for losing weight or for patients to reach their ideal weight.
IS TUMMY TUCK SURGERY SAFE?
No surgery is without some element of risk but above all else is your safety and wellbeing. Mr. Abood is a highly experienced plastic surgeon who is performed many successful abdominoplasty operations. He works only in the most reputable hospitals, alongside highly trained staff. Your safety and comfort is the central focus of attention during your journey with us, and every effort is made to make it as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
WILL IT HURT?
The operation will be carried out while you are fully asleep, under a general anaesthetic. During the tummy tuck procedure you will be given pain relief which means when you wake you should be comfortable and not in pain. Although some discomfort is common, most people are surprised at how little discomfort they actually feel. When you wake up from surgery you will be wearing a compression garment which helps support your tummy as you’re healing and make it more comfortable. You will be given appropriate aftercare advice as well as pain relief.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OR RISKS?
Everyone reacts to differently to surgery, recovering at varying rates. It is normal for patients to experience swelling and bruising on the abdomen, which may take several weeks to completely disappear. Incisions made will be inevitably form a scar however, scarring, although never completely disappearing will fade away over time. Mr. Abood will be able to advise you on the best way to manage a scar in order to achieve your best outcome. Other side effects may include delayed healing, fluid collection and infection. These effects are uncommon and will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
HOW MUCH DOWNTIME CAN I EXPECT?
It is expected that you will be up and walking around from day 1 after surgery and that activity levels will gradually increase. Most people who have tummy tuck surgery can be back at work by 2 weeks, but it can take longer if your work is physical or involves heavy lifting. It is expected that by 12 weeks you will be back to all of your normal activities.
HOW CAN I ACCESS THE HARLEY STREET CLINIC?
Mr. Abood’s Harley Street clinic can be accessed easily by public transport, a 5 minute walk from Bond Street and Oxford Circus stations.
It is also possible to drive to the clinic, as there is parking available just across the street.
ABOUT HARLEY STREET, LONDON
London is a vibrant capital city renowned the world over. It is home to many famous cultural sites, museums, shops and restaurants.
Our London dermatology clinic is situated on Harley Street, in the heart of West London. The area is known worldwide as the home of the very best surgeons and medical experts, experienced in all treatments.
AHID ABOOD PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC
9 Harley Street, Marylebone, London
W1G 9QY
CONTACT US 0800 2335088
