Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance and support of the abdomen. It removes excess skin and selected areas of fat and allows for the repair of weakened or separated abdominal muscles if necessary.
It is often considered after pregnancy, significant weight loss or long term changes in skin elasticity. The treatment is aimed at not only flattening the abdomen but also at creating a better relationship between the skin, the abdominal wall and the surrounding body contours.
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Changes That Remain After Weight Loss or Pregnancy
Both the outer skin and the deeper supporting tissues of the abdomen are stretched by pregnancy and large weight fluctuations. Even after you reach your goal weight, you may be left with loose skin all over the lower belly that will not respond to exercise.
The abdominal muscles may also separate or become unsupported, which adds to the rounded appearance through the middle of the abdomen. Dr. Mishal Al Shammari will assess the condition of the skin, fatty tissue and muscle layer to determine which concerns may benefit from surgical correction.
Signs That Abdominal Surgery May Be Considered
You might want to discuss an abdominoplasty if there is excess tissue or loss of support in the abdomen that affects your shape, comfort or the way your clothes fit. Typical concerns include:
- Loose skin after pregnancy
- Folded or hanging skin over the lower abdomen
- Excessive skin after significant weight loss
- Weakness or separation of abdominal muscles
- Always having a bloated stomach, even after exercising
- Stretching or distortion around the belly button
- Localised fat with poor skin elasticity
The amount of correction is patient specific. Depending on where the excess skin is located and the condition of the abdominal wall, some will require a full abdominoplasty, while others may be candidates for a more limited procedure.
Book a Consultation There's more to planning than the amount of loose skin you can see. The position of the navel, previous scars, separation of muscle, distribution of fat, quality of the skin and proportions of the waist and hips all affect the operation.
Dr. Mishal Al Shammari also reviews weight stability, general health, and future pregnancy plans. In selected cases liposuction may be combined with abdominoplasty to sculpt adjacent areas but cannot replace the removal of large amounts of excess skin.
Surgery involves making a low abdominal incision to allow access to the deeper tissues. In cases of separation or weakness, the abdominal muscles can be pulled together to create a firmer base and improve central support.
The remaining skin is then stretched down and the excess is removed. In a full abdominoplasty, the navel is pulled through a new opening to keep it in the right position in the new abdomen.
Elements That Determine the Scar Pattern
The final design of the incision is based on a number of anatomical and surgical considerations such as:
The main scar is usually low across the abdomen and varies in length. Also a separate scar around the navel might be required. Scarring is expected and typically changes slowly with healing, but the final appearance is patient-dependent.
- How much loose skin will have to be taken away
- Degree of tissue redundancy width
- Location of previous abdominal scars
- If the navel requires repositioning
Supporting the Repair During the Recovery Period
You may notice some swelling, tightness, bruising and temporary numbness in the early recovery period. In selected cases, a compression garment may be recommended and temporary drains. When mobility improves, walking is usually encouraged, gently.
During this time the tissues are healing and heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and direct abdominal work are limited. Follow-up visits allow Dr. Mishal Al Shammari to monitor the incision, swelling, muscle repair and how the abdominal contour is developing.
Long-Term Contour Depends on More Than Surgery
Abdominoplasty aims to create a smoother, more supported abdomen that is in harmony with the waist, hips and the rest of the torso. The results should be judged on contour, tissue support and proportion, not just on flatness.
The abdomen can continue to change with subsequent pregnancy, major weight changes and ageing. Following the recovery guidelines and allowing for adequate healing time can help to support a balanced and lasting outcome. Maintaining a stable weight is also a factor.
What our clients say
Read about the experiences of patients who received plastic and aesthetic treatments from Dr Mishal Al Shammari.
Honestly, I didn't follow my own advice and looked around. I saw my friend's amazing results with him, so I immediately went to him for a consultation. My arms were bothering me, and he did it for me. The result was perfect.
Maram
6 month ago
Honestly, I didn't follow my own advice and looked around. I saw my friend's amazing results with him, so I immediately went to him for a consultation. My arms were bothering me, and he did it for me. The result was perfect.
Maram
6 month ago
Honestly, I didn't follow my own advice and looked around. I saw my friend's amazing results with him, so I immediately went to him for a consultation. My arms were bothering me, and he did it for me. The result was perfect.
Maram
6 month ago
Honestly, I didn't follow my own advice and looked around. I saw my friend's amazing results with him, so I immediately went to him for a consultation. My arms were bothering me, and he did it for me. The result was perfect.
Maram
6 month ago
