​​​​Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)​​

An abdominoplasty is commonly known as a “tummy tuck”. It is a surgical procedure that helps improve the appearance of your abdomen by removing excess fat and skin from your stomach and by tightening the connective tissues. This helps to achieve a flatter and more toned look. 

A tummy tuck is considered a major surgery, so it is important that you completely understand your options and that you have tried other less drastic measures of losing weight. You should consult a specialist who will be able to guide you during the process. 

The plastic surgeons working with the GI and Surgery Service Line​ at The Aga Khan University Hospital will provide you expert treatment and care during the process. 

A tummy tuck is considered a major surgery and it should only be a last resort after you have tried and exhausted all other more traditional methods of losing weight. 

You may find that your abdomen is not responding to a healthy diet and regular exercise. Your abdomen may have excess flab, which is usually an indication of a build-up of fat.  However flab could also be a result of excess skin, reduced elasticity of skin, or due to the stretching of the inner girdle of abdominal fascia (connective tissues) and abdominal muscles. This inner girdle is what keeps your internal organs in place and can contribute to a toned and sculpted abdomen appearance. However, your abdominal fascia may have been stretched during pregnancy or following a drastic change in weight, causing your abdomen to protrude more. 

If you are unhappy about the fact that you have too much flab or feel that you have excess skin around your stomach, this may start to negatively affect your confidence and body image. A tummy tuck can help you achieve a more tone and flatter abdomen, which can help to boost your confidence and self-esteem.

If you have tried and exhausted all other traditional methods to weight loss, you may start exploring surgical options. It is important that you research and thoroughly understand what is involved with an abdominoplasty procedure.  

Consult your doctor working with the GI and Surgery Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital, to learn more about the procedure and for a consultation. He or she will examine and help determine if you are a suitable candidate for this surgery, or another weight loss surgical procedure.  Some instances where you may consider a tummy tuck are, if you have an accumulation of excess skin, you have a weak lower abdominal fascia or have retracted scarring due to a previous C-section. 

Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.

During your initial consultation, you surgeon will start by reviewing your medical history. They may ask you about your past or current medical condition, whether you are taking certain medications, if you are allergic to any medications and if you may have undergone any other surgeries recently. If you are interested in this surgery because you wish to lose weight, your surgeon will ask you questions about you dietary and exercising habits and about your general weight loss and gain. Your surgeon will also discuss your expectations and desired outcome of the procedure. It is important that you are aware of all the risks as well as the benefits of the surgery, and that you are completely sure that you would like to go ahead with it. 

After reviewing your history, you will probably undergo a physical exam. During the physical, your doctor will examine your abdomen and may take pictures in order to maintain a medical record.

​An abdominoplasty can take anywhere from one to five hours, subject to your particular situation and desired results. Whether you will be admitted as an inpatient or an outpatient is also contingent on the complexity of your specific situation. 

Before the procedure, you will receive a general anaesthesia. This will put you to sleep for the duration of the procedure. There are two types of tummy tuck procedures: a complete abdominoplasty and a partial or mini abdominoplasty. The type of procedure that you will undergo will be decided after you have received a consultation and have discussed the desired outcome with your surgeon.

Please click here for some guidelines on “what to do before your surgery”
Please click here for some guidelines on "what to do on the day of your surgery"
Please click here for some guidelines on “what to do on after your surgery”

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

​Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.


 


 

The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.