By plastic surgeon Dr Dirk Kremer. 

The tummy tuck has long been one of the most popular surgical cosmetic procedures in the UK and can help make a significant improvement to a patient’s stomach. The tummy is a notoriously frustrating area of the body as natural physical changes occur as we go through life. Fluctuations in weight, childbirth, or simply just growing old can all have an impact on the midsection, all resulting in saggy excess skin and an unwanted accumulation of bodyfat.

No matter how perfect our diet is or how many hours we dedicate to activities and exercise, most people struggle to achieve the slimmer, tighter tummy they desire.

A tummy tuck procedure can change a patients life for the better, both women and men, and both physically and mentally, as it helps not only improve the way they look, but also helps improve the way they feel about themselves.

With that said, as with any cosmetic procedure, it’s important that patients do their research beforehand and fully understand the things they should consider and what they can expect before, during and after any surgery.

 So, what things should you consider before choosing a tummy tuck?

The tummy tuck procedure isn’t a weight loss treatment

If you’re looking to refine, reshape and tighten up your midsection, the tummy tuck may be the perfect procedure for you, but it certainly shouldn’t be thought of as a weight loss treatment. It’s always recommended that a patient should be as close to their desirable weight - a healthy, natural weight - as possible, and ideally stabilised at that weight for 6-12 months before the procedure is carried out. Naturally maintaining this weight going forward is also vitally important, as adding or losing further bodyfat is likely to reverse the contoured shape that was originally achieved through the procedure.

To target bodyfat, you may want to consider liposuction instead, or even pairing a tummy tuck with liposuction, but this is something you should speak to your plastic surgeon with.

Learn: The differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction

Expect permanent scarring

Patients should be aware that a tummy tuck is an invasive procedure, and although an experienced plastic surgeon will do all they can to minimise the appearance of scarring on the stomach or abdomen, a scar from the procedure cannot be avoided. The tummy tuck scar is usually a very thin horizontal line that runs from hip to hip above at the very bottom of the stomach. If the scar appears raw and very clearly visible at first rest assured that with time it will fade and become far less noticeable.

Be prepared for the required recovery time

Too many people lay their attention on the lead up to the operation and the surgical procedure itself, but patients also need to consider the amount of recovery time they will need to plan for following the surgery. The tummy tuck procedure is performed in a matter of hours, but patients can then expect to spend a day or two in the hospital before going home to fully recover over the next couple of months. Patients typically return to driving and less intensive jobs within 3-4 weeks, but strenuous activity and labour-intensive jobs may take up to 6 weeks or more before a patient can return.

You’ll have to wear a compression garment

Compression garments aid the healing process and help to reduce swelling following certain cosmetic surgeries, including the tummy tuck, so be prepared to wear one for the amount of time that your plastic surgeon instructs. As you’d expect, for a tummy tuck the garment will be worn like a tight corset around your stomach area. They can be uncomfortable, but they are incredibly important for ensuring you heal well and achieve the best results possible.

Learn: Why are compression garments worn after some plastic surgery procedures?

Are you interested in the tummy tuck procedure? If so, get in touch with me here at Harley Street Aesthetics so that we can book you in for your initial consultation and discuss the operation and find out if it’s right for you. Call 0845 519 7232, e-mail info@harleystreetaesthetics.com or complete the online contact form.