Abdominoplasty/ Lipoabdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, also known as Lipo-abdominoplasty and tummy tuck, is a procedure to remove the excess fat, skin and stretch marks from the abdomen.

This is commonly seen in patients who have lost a lot of weight.

The other group of individuals who benefit from abdominoplasty or tummy tuck are women post-pregnancy.

 In addition to the skin changes, the muscles of the abdomen are separated (divarication of recti), which causes the abdominal contents to protrude through the abdomen.

The procedure involves the removal of an ellipse of skin from the lower part of the abdomen.

The final scar falls below the bikini line and is well hidden. The belly button also has to be resited, and there is a faint scar around this.

Liposuction contours the flanks, and accentuates the final result. It also removes excess fat in the upper abdomen. It adds the final touch in taking a good result to one that is excellent

Dr Faisal is an expert in this procedure and has been featured in:

 http://www.dubaisbest.com/best-tummy-tuck-dubai/

He performs the procedure regularly. Dr Faisal is a specialist in creating a very natural, flat stomach, with flowing curves and a very low scar. He is renowned for designing the best belly button, as this can destroy the look of an otherwise good tummy tuck.

At a Glance

Treatment time- 3 hours

Anaesthetic- General

Overnight stay- 1 night

Return to work- 10 days

Return to exercise- 6 weeks

Final result- 6-12 months

Tummy tucks are an excellent treatment in creating a toned and shaped abdomen.

There are many types of tummy tuck. Dr Faisal will assess your case and recommend the correct procedure. In principle there are 4 types of tummy tuck,

• Mini tummy tuck- This is ideal for small amounts of excess skin beneath the belly button. There is typically a fold of skin over a caesarean section scar. Liposuction can be combined with the procedure. The scar is kept very low. The belly button is not cut, and is often pulled into a lower position. The healing time and return to work is normally shorter for this

• Full Abdominoplasty- This procedure is targeted at those with more generalised excess skin and fat. It is used to correct the muscle separation following weight loss and pregnancy. The operation excises a large amount of skin. The belly button will also need to be replaced. The scar is low and goes from hip to hip. It is combined with liposuction to help contour the flanks

• Extended abdominoplasty- This addresses everything a full abdominoplasty does. It differs in that it removes excess skin around the hip rolls. This extended incision goes around the back, but does not complete a 360. The recovery time is the same as a full abdominoplasty

• Reverse tummy tuck- This tummy tuck is used less frequently. It targets excess skin and fact localised to the area above the belly button. The incisions are made in the breast crease. Liposuction can be used to remove the fat. The belly button is not incised. Only skin above the belly button is excised. The recovery is simialir to a full tummy tuck

Frequently asked questions

• Will I need help following the procedure?

Tummy tucks are a major procedure. We recommend having some help for the first 5 days following the procedure. You will need help getting home.

In this early phase, your mobility is limited and doing tasks such as cleaning the house and shopping will be difficult

• How much pain is there?

Dr Faisal uses the latest techniques in order to enhance tummy tuck recovery. During the procedure he injects local anaesthesia into the muscles and liposuction areas to reduce pain and improve the experience for his patients. The VASER technique for liposuction he uses has also been shown to reduce pain for patients.

For the first 3 days the position of the patient is slightly bent. The main pain patients complain of is from the lower back. This is managed well with the discharge medications. The pain improves every day and patients often need no medication after 5 days.

• Will I have drains after the procedure?

This depends on how much liposuction is done. If there is no liposuction, then Dr Faisal will not use drains. If there is liposuction, then fluid (seroma) build up can occur. The best way to manage this is to insert drains, so they are not troublesome

• Do I need to wear a compression garment?

Yes- the compression garment needs to be worn for at least 6 weeks. This helps reduce swelling and speeds up recovery. Patients often wear it for longer periods, as the swelling can often persist for longer.

• Is there anything I can do to help the recovery?

Dr Faisal recommends the use of Manual lymphatic drainage following the procedure.  He has found that this significantly improves the swelling and also speeds up the recovery. It reduces fibrosis under the skin and this leaves a smoother result on the skin

Associated procedure

• Body lift

• Liposuction

• Mons Pubis lift

Pricing- starts at AED 35000

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is performed as a general anesthetic

The procedure requires an overnight stay

The scar is initially marked and kept as low as possible. Depending on how much tissue you need excising around the flank area will determine the length of the scar

Liposuction is initially carried out and fat removed from around the back, flanks, and abdomen. This is to ensure that there is as little fat under the skin as possible.

The incision is then made and care taken to preserve the belly button. 

The muscles are identified and the separation assessed. They will be approximated if necessary. This is an important procedure as ca really reshape the abdomen, and also have longer-term core strength benefits

The belly button is then desired, excess skin excised and wound closed and the abdominal incised. 

Suction Drains will also be placed

Glue will be applied to the wound and a dressing