The abdomen and stomach is one of the most difficult areas of the body to sculpt and tone, even for those who maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Sagging abdominal skin often persists as a stubborn issue, making it difficult for many to achieve their ideal body shape. A saggy belly is more likely to occur after childbirth or significant weight loss, which can stretch and weaken the skin. Additionally, factors such as ageing and genetics also play a significant role in the development of a saggy belly.
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, as it is more commonly known in Singapore, is an aesthetic procedure that is most often used when eliminating and removing fat deposits and excess skin from the abdominal area, which makes your stomach look much better shape.
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty aims to get rid of the fat and extra skin of the abdomen, and in addition, it also tightens up the muscles, which help with the existing muscle separation. The ideal candidates for this procedure are individuals who are facing any of the following issues:
While many opt for a tummy tuck for cosmetic reasons, the benefits can extend beyond improved appearance. For instance, removing excess abdominal skin can alleviate medical issues such as poor posture and back pain, enhancing overall quality of life.
Before deciding on a tummy tuck, it’s important to understand both what the surgery can achieve and its limitations. Shen’s Clinic in Singapore, with its extensive experience in body contouring procedures, can provide a thorough consultation to help determine if you are an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck. Contact Shen’s Clinic today to discuss your options and possibly schedule an appointment.
Here are some facts that you should understand if you’re considering getting tummy tuck surgery in Singapore:
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is typically performed under general anaesthesia. The surgical process begins with an incision just above the pubic hairline, with the length and shape of the incision depending on the amount of excess skin to be removed. After the initial incision, the abdominal skin is lifted, allowing for the underlying muscles to be repaired. In cases where there is excess skin above the belly button, a second incision around the navel may be necessary. The surgeon then tightens the skin, removes the excess, and closes the incisions using sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesives.
The tummy tuck targets the central abdomen, lower abdomen, or the entire area extending from just below the chest to the hip bones. The procedure can be accomplished through a variety of techniques. A liposuction procedure can also be performed when there is a lot of loose skin and excess fat in the abdomen. The duration of the surgery can vary from one to three hours, and depending on the procedure's complexity, a short inpatient stay may be required.
A standard or complete tummy tuck involves an incision that runs from one hipbone to the other across the pubic area, designed to remove a large amount of excess skin while also repairing abdominal muscles. The skin is stretched downward, the excess is removed, and the navel is repositioned to suit the new contour of the abdomen. This technique aims to create a flat abdominal wall, significantly reducing the appearance of stretch marks and loose skin.
However, it is important to note that a full tummy tuck tends to leave longer scars in the abdominal region than mini tummy tucks.
If you have a lot of saggy skin above the navel and muscle laxity, then you might be an ideal candidate for a full tummy tuck.
It is a more complex surgery that requires a longer recovery. You will need around 4-6 weeks before returning to your normal activities. However, it may take around 3 months to completely recover from the surgery.
The results of a full tummy tuck are much more dramatic than those of a mini tummy tuck. You can accomplish a flatter abdomen and better abdominal profile.
The cost of a tummy tuck surgery starts from $12,888 and may vary based on the complexity of the procedure and the specific aesthetic goals of the patient. To get an accurate estimate and understand the associated risks and considerations. It’s best to book a consultation with a plastic surgeon to get an estimate tailored to your needs and surgical objectives
Shens Clinic is a MOH-accredited plastic surgery clinic operating in Singapore and has successfully completed more than 6,000 cases to date. Led by Dr Shens, the team of professionally trained staff is fully dedicated to building up the confidence and images of clients. Dr Shens is a Korean-trained plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Some of Dr Shens’ signature treatments include double eyelid surgery, buccal fat removal and eye bag removal. Shens Clinic strives to provide high-quality standards for our clients by continuously improving with the latest technology and innovations.
An alternative to a full abdominoplasty surgery that is considered to be more cost-effective is a mini tummy tuck (partial abdominoplasty). It is a smaller procedure where the doctor makes a short surgical cut above the pubic hairline. The operation mainly addresses the amount of excess tissue between the belly button and the pubis. The mini tummy tuck usually does not involve tightening of the muscles in the upper abdomen. The scar from this method is significantly smaller.
In cases when the patient has a small amount of loose skin and relaxed abdominal muscles following childbirth, a mini-tummy tuck may be the best option.
The recovery period is shorter than that from complete abdominoplasty. This procedure might be performed as day surgery.
The mini tummy tuck can efficiently tighten and flatten the lower belly area.
The cost of a mini tummy tuck surgery varies based on the complexity of the procedure and the specific aesthetic goals of the patient. To get an accurate estimate and understand the associated risks and considerations, It’s best to book a consultation with a plastic surgeon to get an estimate tailored to your needs and surgical objectives.
After your tummy tuck surgery, you’ll be wrapped in an abdominal binder or dressed in tight elastic underwear (compression garment). It is recommended to wear this clothing for at least 6 weeks after abdominal plastic surgery. It will help reduce swelling and keep the abdomen healthy. A small drainage tube can be temporarily placed to drain the accumulated blood and lymph fluid. Before you leave the clinic, you will be given special instruction that may include:
It is important to know that this body-contouring surgery does not replace weight loss or a proper exercise plan. Although the tummy tuck outcomes are technically permanent, they can be significantly diminished in cases of sudden weight changes.
During the first days after the procedure, you are more likely to experience swelling, pain and soreness at the incision sites. Discomfort is normal and can be controlled with medication. The initial healing of the surgical cuts may take around 2 weeks. However, it is good to move around and go for light walks during this time to prevent blood clots formation. Stretching, heavy lifting and other dynamic exercises must be avoided for at least 4 weeks after the procedure. Full healing can be expected after 2 or 3 months.
To ensure a smooth recovery and positive result, it is essential to follow the instructions given by your surgeon meticulously.
There are risks involved with any surgical procedure. A tummy tuck is no exception. Here are some of the possible complications you may experience:
There are always some risks involved, particularly with anaesthesia, but that is the case with any other relatively invasive procedure. Before undergoing surgery, you will be provided with a comprehensive explanation of all possible risks.
The cost of a tummy tuck in Singapore starts from $12,888 onwards and varies based on the complexity of the procedure and the specific aesthetic goals of the patient. To get an accurate estimate and understand the associated risks and considerations. It’s best to book a consultation with a plastic surgeon to get an estimate tailored to your needs and surgical objectives.
Dr Shens has been in the plastic surgery business in Singapore for 20+ years and has extensive experience in various cosmetic surgery treatments, including tummy tuck surgery. If you have questions regarding tummy tuck surgery, reach out to our clinic to find out more about the procedure.
First and foremost, you need to have a detailed consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon. During your initial visit, our surgeon will explain carefully everything about the procedure, which includes its techniques, risks and side effects, preparation and post-surgery care, results as well as costs of the procedure.
After a tummy tuck procedure, you may experience a sensation of your stomach being tugged, especially when trying to stand straight. This discomfort is most intense during the first few days following the surgery. The pain levels vary widely among individuals but are generally manageable with prescribed pain medications. As the recovery progresses, the intensity of the pain decreases significantly, and most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relievers to maintain comfort. It's crucial to follow your surgeon's instructions for taking any pain medications to ensure effective pain management and avoid complications.
Besides the traditional full tummy tuck, there are several other types of abdominoplasty that might be suitable depending on the specific needs and goals of the patient. A mini-tummy tuck is ideal for those with fat deposits below the navel, while an extended tummy tuck is designed to address excess skin and fat around the love handles as well as the abdominal area. Endoscopic abdominoplasty is another option that involves smaller incisions and is suitable for patients who have a protruding belly but little excess skin.
A tummy tuck specifically targets the abdomen, focusing on removing excess skin and fat from the midsection and tightening the abdominal muscles. A lower body lift, on the other hand, addresses a larger portion of the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. This procedure is often chosen by those who have experienced significant weight loss and have excess skin in multiple areas, not just the abdomen.
A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, unless they are located on the excess skin that is removed during the procedure. It also does not address internal fat around the organs (visceral fat) which can only be reduced through diet and exercise. Additionally, a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.
The results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, provided that the patient maintains a stable weight and follows a healthy lifestyle. Significant fluctuations in weight, pregnancy after the procedure, and ageing can affect the durability of the results. To ensure the best long-term results after a tummy tuck surgery, patients are advised to follow a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, and follow their surgeon's care instructions closely.
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