Frequently asked questions

What is an Abdominoplasty?

There are different types of Abdominoplasties, depending on how much skin and fat is removed and whether the abdominal muscles need tightening. The usual types are the ‘Mini Tuck’, often done with liposuction, the full abdominoplasty and the very major ‘belt lipectomies’ and ‘apronectomies’ done after massive weight loss. The consultation will define which is appropriate for you.

Am I a suitable candidate?

The best candidates are fully grown, fully fit and within 10-15% of their ideal weight. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for dieting because it’s main purpose is to remove loose skin. The most important considerations are the quality and laxity of the overlying skin and whether liposuction is needed, all of which is discussed at the consultation.

What is the difference between an Abdominoplasty and a ‘Mini Tuck’?

An Abdominoplasty removes an ellipse of skin and fat from the umbilicus to the pubic hairline and does not normally include liposuction (because this can damage the blood supply to the skin). The ‘Mini Tuck’ involves removal of half the skin from the umbilicus to the pubic hairline and liposuction can be safely carried out at the same time. Muscles can be tightened with both types. So there are pros and cons to both, but the recovery is faster and potential complications fewer for the ‘Mini Tuck’.

What does the operation involve?

In the full Abdominoplasty there is a hip to hip incision in the ‘bikini’ line and then across the umbilicus. This ellipse is removed and a pocket formed under the remainder of the abdomen up to the ribs after detaching the umbilicus which is left on it’s stalk. The muscles are repaired if necessary and the upper skin edge is pulled down to the bikini line and the wound closed after bringing out the umbilicus. The ‘Mini Tuck’ is basically half of the Abdominoplasty and Liposuction can be carried out at the same time. Drains are needed in both operations.

What type of anaesthesic is used?

Both operations are carried out under general anaesthetic.

How long does the surgery take?

The surgery takes between 1 and 2 hours.

What happens after the operation?

You will have a snug dressing on your abdomen and will not be able to stand straight for a few days. The drains stay for a day or two and then removed so you can shower and redress as required. The sutures are dissolving and do not require removal. The stay is 3 or 4 nights for abdominoplasty and 2 or 3 for the ‘Mini Tuck’.

Is it painful?

If you need muscle repairs you will have more pain, whereas most patients say they are merely uncomfortable with the more simple surgery. In any event you will receive appropriate analgesia.

What can I do when I get home?

The most important post-operative message is to be very careful for the first week (at least), problems can occur if you do not rest properly and allow things to heal up inside You can do a little more as each week goes by and on average two weeks is sufficient time to have off work for the ‘Mini Tuck’ but you may need more weeks off with the Abdominoplasty.

What about the scars?

The Abdominoplasties involve the removal of large amounts of skin so extensive scars are inevitable. These are the price that must be paid for a flatter tummy and if you are fortunate they will settle in six months to one year. Rarely some patients produce excess scar tissue which means they will have raised red lumpy scars for two or even more years and these scars will require extra treatment with tapes and occasionally, injections. Even the best scars are always visible to some extent and are never ‘hairline’.

What can go wrong?

There can be problems with any operation, namely - Bleeding, Infection, Nerve Damage and Scars. There are also special problems with Abdominoplasties, (this is major surgery so major problems are possible, although with the modern techniques they are rare). The commonest worries are scars, seromas (fluid collections) and opening of the stitchline. Your consultation includes a full analysis of all these possibilities, their likelihood and what you can do to minimise the risks.

What about dressings, stitches and pressure garments?

The dressings over the incisions should be left undisturbed and dry for two days and should then be removed so you can shower, the stitches are hidden and dissolve themselves. You should wear a soft but snug corset support garment to control swelling, for four weeks, day and night if possible.

When am I back to normal?

Most women say they are back to normal at six weeks after a ‘Mini Tuck’ perhaps 12 weeks after a full Abdominoplasty, but don’t forget, healing progresses slowly for many months and sometimes years. The benefits are obvious immediately, but you must be very patient for the final result.

What happens if I get pregnant?

Don’t worry, you won’t burst! The only trouble is you will stretch the skin and muscles again, so ideally wait until your family is complete before having tummy surgery.

Summary

I have two rules of Cosmetic Surgery

1. - If in doubt – don’t!

2.- Always talk to real experts.

In other words, be sure that you want to undergo surgery for your own reasons and talk to people who really know about the surgery, that is other patients or an experienced Plastic Surgeon. Many think they know all about Abdominoplasty but in reality don’t and are likely to give you inaccurate and misleading information. This surgery changes many lives for the better but on rare occasions can have the opposite effect, so make sure you are an expert yourself before you decide. Everyone you know loves you whatever you’re like, its how you feel about yourself that matters!

How Many Abdominoplasties does Mr Levick Perform?

In accordance with the National Healthcare Commission guidelines, the annual audit figures of the Priory Hospital show that in the last five years (2004-2008) Mr Levick has carried out 27 (full) Abdominoplasties and 45 Mini-abdominoplasties (mini-tucks, usually with liposuction)