The operation aims to reduce the bulging of the lower abdomen which is caused by excess skin and fat, and may be made worse by a weakness of the abdominal muscles.

The procedure takes about two hours and involves removing the excess skin and fat, and if necessary, tightening the abdominal muscles. Additional fat can be removed using liposuction.

The procedure can be modified to deal with abdominal scars from previous operations.

On return to the ward you will be nursed with your knees flexed with the head end of the bed raised. Pillows are placed under your knees for support. This is to prevent tension on your stitch lines. Suction drains are used to help reduce fluid accumulation under the skin. Your blood pressure and pulse will be taken regularly following your return to the ward. You will have an intravenous infusion (a drip) which is usually removed after 24 hours once you are able to tolerate diet and fluids comfortably. It is important because of your flexed position that you do take regular deep breaths and move your feet regularly to promote your circulation.

The day after surgery you will be encouraged to gradually increase your mobility. At first when walking try to maintain a flexed position. Assistance will be given with hygiene until you are able to manage independently. Following removal of your drains (usually at 48 hours post-op) you will be advised to rest in bed. A firm abdominal binder (a compression garmet) should be worn over your dressing for approximately six weeks, to help reduce any swelling.

The aim of the abdominal binder is to protect the muscle repair, especially during inadvertent straining such as when sneezing or coughing. It also helps the tissues to adhere to each other which reduces fluid accumulation and helps to mould the waist if liposuction has been performed. It is advisable to wear the binder as much as possible, night and day, for approximately six weeks, but if wearing it becomes intolerable then this can be reduced to 2 weeks, but it should still be worn during the day for 4 weeks. The binder can be removed to washing and reapplied when the garment is dry.

Your length of stay in hospital is variable and depends on many factors but is usually 2-3 days. You will be prescribed painkillers when you are discharged from hospital and these should be taken regularly for the first week. The usual follow-up appointments are at 1 week and 1 month following surgery. Stitches are self-dissolving. When the stitch lines are completely healed they should be massaged with a plain cream (Nivea or Vitamin E cream). This will promote a good appearance and supple stitch line. Some patients produce better scars than others, but all scars are red initially. There is often numbness in the lower part of the abdominal wall after surgery. This is usually temporary but can occasionally be permanent.

Some patients also notice an accumulation of fluid in the lower abdomen. This is quite normal. If it becomes uncomfortable it may need to be drained in the out-patients department though usually it returns to normal without any intervention.

Most patients experience tightness in the abdomen after the operation resulting in an inability to stand up straight. This will gradually improve over the first 1 or 2 weeks following surgery. Some patients experience back pain as a result of this poor posture. Most patients find lying on their backs at night to be the most comfortable position with an extra pillow or two and perhaps a pillow beneath the knees. This may disrupt your sleep pattern.

The initial post-operative swelling may actually cause you to gain weight and your clothes may feel tighter than usual. You should avoid tight underwear or clothing that causes any indentation as this may interfere with the cosmetic result, especially if liposuction has been performed, as it may mould the underlying tissues and leave a permanent contour defect.

It usually takes between 6 and12 weeks to recover fully. A sick certificate can be issued if required. You should restrict yourself to light activities for about 6 weeks and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercising (jogging, aerobics, tennis) for 3 months. Over activity in the early post-operative period reduces healing and increases fluid accumulation. Normal sexual activities may be resumed from about 2 weeks after surgery. Driving is usually possible from about 2 weeks after the operation. Pregnancy should ideally be avoided for at least 6 months and preferably 12 months following surgery.

Minor wound problems are not uncommon, most of the time these resolve spontaneously with dressings though occasionally a course of antibiotics is required. If the problem persists or if there are any other concerns, please contact the outpatient nurse. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are rare complications of all operations, including abdominoplasty(tummy tuck). The risk is reduced by early mobilisation, avoiding smoking and wearing the compression stockings for 2-3 weeks after the operation.

You may experience a degree of constipation which can be helped by early mobilisation, increasing the fibre content of your diet and avoiding codeine containing medication. You may also find that you need to pass urine more frequently for the first few days after surgery due to the abdominal tightness.