Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Dubai

Consultation: Your consultation will involve the taking of a full medical history, which will include information about any previous surgery, your past pregnancies, allergies, your weight history, and any medications you may be taking. You will also be examined both standing and lying down to determine the amount of skin and fat excess, the skin tone and the condition of your abdominal muscles. It is important to rule out whether or not you have a hernia as well. Your plans of future pregnancy and intended weight loss should be discussed with your surgeon so that you may be guided appropriately.

Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the technique used along with the length and site of the scar. Some patients may be better candidates for what is known as a “mini-abdominoplasty” in which the scars are shorter and only the lower abdomen is addressed. Generally, however, the incision lies just above the pubic area and extends laterally toward the pelvic bones. Its extent and design will be based on how much skin is to be removed and what type of bathing suit/ undergarments you prefer to wear. If there is excess skin above the navel, then you will require an incision around the navel to allow the pulling down of this skin. This will not change the position of your navel. It will be possible to tighten the abdominal muscles if required through the lower incision. In women with fatty abdomen it is necessary to combine liposuction of the abdomen with abdominoplasty [see lipoabdominoplasty below] to address the abdominal contour. The back can also be addressed in the same operation [extra charges applicable] to do a circumferential treatment.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and fat and may help improve abdominal contour.

Lipoabdominoplasty: This is a technique used for performing the tummy tuck operation, combining liposuction with abdominoplasty. It allows the surgeon to address excess fat and skin during the same procedure. Dr. Mohan Rangaswamy has been performing this technique for many years. See an article related to this technique in Middle East Health.

Surgery: It is usually done under general anaesthesia or epidural. A lot of fluid is infused into the abdominal fat; this fluid contains a local anaesthetic and a drug to reduce bleeding. Liposuction is then performed as per plan to remove the required amount of fat. After this the lower skin cut is made, the skin flap is raised up selectively to reach the navel. A cut is made around the navel to isolate it. After this surgery is continued to free up the upper skin and expose the muscles. The muscles are tightened if needed. The upper skin flap is pulled down over the lower edge of the cut [like shirt over pants] and excess skin is removed.

The wound is closed by stitching the edges together; in effect the skin above the navel is now reaching the pubis! All lower abdominal skin with the stretch marks is removed and discarded. The navel remains as it was attached to the muscle; it will be now be brought out through a new hole. Drains may be inserted to evacuate fluid from the spaces under the skin flap. Dr. Mohan does not routinely use drains and monitors patients for any fluid collections [see refinements below].

Post-Surgery: The hospital stay is usually one to three days depending on the procedure done and your own speed of recovery. Most are discharged the following day.

The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to walk. You will not be able to stand absolutely straight but should bend forwards at the hip level. You should sleep for the first few days with a pillow under your knees in order to relax the area of surgery. It is best if you do not sit for long periods of time. Straining, bending and lifting too should be avoided. You will have to wear a support garment around the abdomen for three weeks. Sutures are generally dissolvable. You should expect some bruising and swelling which will take between two and three weeks to settle down. There may also be some numbness over portions of the abdomen which may persist for several months. The incisions will be quite red initially but will fade in the next few months after surgery.

You may return to non-strenuous work a week or two after surgery, and exercise may be started after six weeks. You may experience mild periodic discomfort, sharp brief needle like pains, and swellings from time to time over the first few months. These symptoms can occur during recovery. In some individuals, the incision lines are more noticeable but are generally concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments.

Complications: Like any operation, abdominoplasty carries potential risks and specific details of these are best discussed during your office visit to your plastic surgeon. The technique used by Dr. Mohan Rangaswamy is planned with attention to patient safety and the risks associated with the procedure. Some of the aspects which will be discussed with you include seroma, hematoma, infection, chest infections, atelectasis of the lungs and deep vein thrombosis. In addition (especially when the operation has been extensive and also in smokers), tissue loss along the lower incision may take place and delay healing.

Results: Every year, many thousands of people undergo abdominoplasty. It can result in a firmer and flatter abdomen, which may make you more comfortable in your clothing and may make you feel more confident about your appearance. The results can last many years, although significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy may affect them. A second procedure is also possible if over the years you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen.

Refinements: Dr. Mohan Rangaswamy has been combining extensive liposuction with abdominoplasty in the same operation for many years. He has been performing this technique since 1996. It is now called Lipoabdominoplasty. Drains are usually not used. Recovery varies between patients. Refer to an interview on this topic in the section ‘in the media’.