3 Killiney Road, Winsland House 1, #09-08, Singapore 239519

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty

liposelection

INFORMATION

The stomach is one of the most difficult to sculpt body areas. Even individuals who eat healthily and exercise regularly can still experience saggy abdominal skin. This is perhaps one of the most unpleasant and hard to overcome problems people can face on their journey to the dream body shape.

A saggy belly is more likely to occur after childbirth or significant weight fluctuations. However, ageing and genes are also big factors.

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.

Why should you consider the tummy tuck procedure in Singapore?

This type of plastic surgery treatment 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:

  • Excess and saggy skin in the lower abdomen;
  • Subcutaneous fat;
  • Separated muscles on the stomach;
  • Weak abdominal muscles.

Most patients underwent this plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons. However, excess abdominal skin may sometimes lead to medical conditions like poor posture and back pain. Hence, a tummy tuck surgery will be beneficial.

With that, it is important to understand what a tummy tuck procedure can accomplish and what it cannot before you decide if this procedure is right for you. 

Shen’s Clinic has performed body contouring procedures in Singapore and completed plentiful cases for many individuals. Please feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

ABOUT THE PROCEDURE

Here are some facts that you should understand if you’re considering getting tummy tuck surgery:

  • You may choose between several types of abdominoplasty. Depending on your anatomy and your goals, you may get a complete tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck or reverse tummy tuck.
  • Recovery time tends to be longer because it is major surgery. You should get at least 2 weeks off from work. 
  • The procedure cannot treat obesity. It is best if you are close to your ideal weight.
  • Your cosmetic surgery outcomes will last for a long time or even be permanent if you maintain a healthy weight afterwards.

How is a tummy tuck surgery done?

This plastic surgery procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthesia. The procedure starts with the surgeon making an incision situated a little above the area where the pubic hairline ends. There may be a difference in the length and shape of the incision. This is determined by the amount of skin that has to be removed. Once the incision is made, the skin on the abdomen is lifted and the muscles in the lower abdomen are repaired. If necessary, the surgeon will make a second incision near the navel to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. The surgical cuts can be closed with sutures, tapes or skin adhesive.

The areas that can be treated through tummy tuck include the central part of the abdomen, lower abdomen or the entire area between the lower chest and 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 surgery itself can last anywhere between 1 and 3 hours. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, you may need to stay at the plastic surgery clinic for a few days.

What is a complete tummy tuck?

A standard or complete abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a technique where the surgeon makes a surgical cut over the pubic hairline, from hipbone to hipbone, to remove excess skin and repair muscles. The skin is then stretched down, and the part that protrudes beyond the incision is removed. The skin around the navel is repositioned as well.

This tummy tuck surgery method gets the abdominal wall as flat and as tight as possible so that the majority of stretch marks and loose skin are completely removed. It can create a nice and flat abdomen. Full tummy tucks, however, tend to leave longer scars in the abdominal region than mini tummy tucks.

Suitable candidates

f 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.

Recovery time

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.

Results

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.

What is a mini tummy tuck?

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.

Suitable candidates: 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.

Recovery time: The recovery period is shorter than that from complete abdominoplasty. This procedure might be performed as day surgery.

Results: The mini tummy tuck can efficiently tighten and flatten the lower belly area.

What to expect from a tummy tuck surgery?

Once the operation is done, 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:

  • how to care for the operated site;
  • what medications to apply topically (at the site of surgical incisions) or taken orally;
  • specific care for your overall health and how to maintain your results;
  • The next time you need to see your plastic surgeon for a checkup.

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.

What is the recovery from a tummy tuck?

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.

Risks and side effects

There are risks involved with any surgical procedure. A tummy tuck is no exception. Here are some of the possible complications you may experience:

  • formation of subcutaneous blood clots or hematoma;
  • fluid accumulation (seroma);
  • bleeding and infections;
  • healing problems at the site of the incision;
  • scars and others.

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.

Are you thinking of getting a tummy tuck done?

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.

Make your inquiry now






    Shens Clinic

    Shens Clinic, 3 Killiney Road, Winsland House 1, 
    #09-08, Singapore 239519
    Shens Clinic, 3 Killiney Road, Winsland House 1, #09-08, Singapore 239519

    Monday – Friday: 09:00am – 06:00pm
    Saturday: 09:00am – 02:00pm
    Sun and PH: Closed

    (Strictly by appointment only)

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