Tummy Tuck

The best candidate for abdominoplasty is someone who is:

• Noticing large fat deposits in the lower abdomen that does not shift with diet and exercise 
• Noticing loose abdomen skin as a result of extreme weight loss, multiple pregnancies
• At a stable weight 
• Healthy
• Older and experiencing loss of skin elasticity 

As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, it is important to remember that your surgery will not turn you into someone else and you should not rely on your procedure to change your life. If you are considering undergoing a procedure it is imperative you speak to someone you trust, are happy in your life and are simply seeking to enhance your appearance and confidence, rather than looking to completely change who you are. It is equally important you are psychologically ready.

It is important to discuss with your doctors and with us any:

• Medical conditions you have
• Any medication you are taking - prescription, herbal and non-prescription

Once you arrive at your destination you will have a physical evaluation with your surgeon, where you will discuss your goals and concerns and finalise the plan for surgery. At this examination your surgeon will determine the best procedure for you and explain it to you in detail, including any limitations. It is important that you head into surgery with realistic goals. During this examination your surgeon may also make recommendations for other procedures available to you at the same time.

In the lead-up to your surgery, it is important you do the following:

Stop smoking. Smoking can cause problems with circulation and increase the possibility of complications

Length of surgery:

A tummy tuck commonly takes three to four hours. Depending on the procedure, it can require multiple nights’ stay in hospital.

Recovery and post-op care:

After your surgery it is common to experience pain, abdominal swelling, soreness and bruising, all of which can be managed with pain medication provided by your surgeon. It is also common to notice reduced energy levels for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after surgery. You will need to stay home from work for two to four weeks and should wait four to six weeks before resuming any strenuous activities. Within this time, the swelling will go down, although this can take several weeks to months to completely resolve.  Any scars as a result of the surgery will fade in three months to two years.

Length of stay:

It is recommended you stay on holiday for 10 to 14 nights, depending on the extent of your surgery. During this time you will have follow-up appointments with your surgeon. To get the most out of your recovery time we suggest you partake in gentle exercise, yoga classes and treat yourself to some pampering. If you are feeling up to it, there is plenty to see and do in Phuket, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

Risks and complications are minimised by using our highly-skilled, trusted doctors and nurses. However, with every precaution taken complications can still occur. These are rare and few patients experience any issues. If you have any concerns about your procedure and the possible preconditions and risks, please discuss them with your doctor and nurses.

Potential risks include:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Scarring
• Numbness and other permanent change in skin sensation
• Bleeding

Non-surgical procedures can be added to give an even more youthful appearance and to improve the texture of your skin so you return home even more refreshed. These include cosmetic fillers for reducing fine lines, or laser resurfacing and chemical peels.