Tummy Tuck

There are three main types of tummy tuck procedures. The one you have will solely depend on how much skin and fat need to be removed to achieve your ideal goal. Our surgeon will fully explain which type is most suitable for you.

Mini Tummy Tuck: Improvement to the Lower Belly with Less Invasive Surgery

If you are mainly concerned with a “pouch” or a combination of loose skin and stretch marks just below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may be a suitable option to consider. This technique involves a single incision made just above the pubic area (bikini line), through which our surgeon will tighten the abdominal wall muscles and remove excess skin to restore a smooth, firmer and flatter abdominal profile.

The benefit of a mini tummy tuck is a shorter scar. The horizontal incision line is usually just a few inches along the bikini line. Benefits also include a shorter procedure which effectively means a swifter recovery.

Full Tummy Tuck: Improves both the Upper & Lower Abdomen

If the abdominal area is more round with excess skin that’s begun to fold above and below the belly button, a full tummy tuck will be more suitable to address. This procedure will complete the full abdominal wall tightening and the full length and height of the skin that has lost elasticity.  Performing either a horizontal or U-shape incision, made above the pubic area (bikini line), our surgeon will remove excess skin, tighten the abdominal muscles and lift the skin. In certain cases, a second incision may be performed around the navel to remove excess skin above the belly button to achieve the most natural-looking result.

Scars from a full tummy tuck look similar to those performed in a mini-tummy tuck but will be slightly longer, running the full width of the bikini line. With that being said, the resulting scar from a full tummy tuck will usually be hidden under a swimsuit bottom. The benefits of a full tummy tuck will include a much flatter and smoother abdomen with a reduction of any pre-existing stretch marks. Patients naturally find that fighter dresses and swimsuits have a smoother abdominal fit.

Extended Tummy Tuck: Improvement to the Upper & Lower Abdomen and Flanks

If you have lost a lot of weight and now have excessive, sagging skin on the front half of your body or, you have a significant protrusion in your abdominal muscles after multiple pregnancies, then an extended tummy tuck may be the most suitable option for you. Much like a Full Tummy Tuck, an extended procedure will also remove excess, hanging skin from the flanks.

Though the incision line becomes slightly longer, patients will certainly want to consider a longer scar against the benefit or a significant improvement to their abdominal profile.

Welcome to Your Tummy Tuck Consultation with Mr Taimur Shoaib

At Berkeley Square Medical, we understand that considering a tummy tuck is a significant decision. We’re here to ensure that your journey is smooth, informative, and tailored to your unique needs. Here’s what you can expect during your personalised consultation with Mr Taimur Shoaib.

Step 1: Initial Meeting and Discussion

Warm Welcome: Upon your arrival at our clinic, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff. We want you to feel comfortable and at ease. You’ll be guided to a private consultation room where you’ll meet Mr Shoaib and the Clinical Team.

Personal Health History: Mr Shoaib will start by discussing your medical history. This includes any previous surgeries, current medications, allergies, and overall health. It’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of your health to ensure the best possible outcome.

Your Goals and Expectations: This is your time to share your reasons for wanting a tummy tuck. Whether it’s to remove excess skin after significant weight loss or to restore your abdominal area after pregnancy, Mr Shoaib will listen attentively to your goals and expectations.

Step 2: Physical Examination

Assessment of Abdominal Area: Mr Shoaib will perform a detailed examination of your abdominal area. This includes evaluating the amount of excess skin, fat deposits, and the condition of your abdominal muscles. This step is essential for planning the most effective surgical approach.

Skin Elasticity and Muscle Tone: We will also assess the elasticity of your skin and the tone of your abdominal muscles. These factors help determine the extent of the procedure and whether additional treatments might be beneficial.

Step 3: Customized Surgical Plan

Tailored Recommendations: Based on your goals and the physical examination, Mr Shoaib will develop a customised surgical plan for you. This plan will include the specific type of tummy tuck that will best suit your needs, whether it’s a full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, or extended tummy tuck.

Detailed Explanation: Mr Shoaib will explain the recommended procedure in detail. You’ll learn about the surgical steps, the location of incisions, the expected recovery process, and the potential risks and benefits. Visual aids and before-and-after photos of previous patients may be used to help illustrate what you can expect.

Step 4: Questions and Answers

Open Dialogue: We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. No question is too small or too trivial. Your surgeon is here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Step 5: Next Steps

Scheduling and Preparation: If you decide to proceed with the surgery, our team will help you schedule your procedure at a time that works best for you. We’ll provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Support and Follow-Up: Your journey doesn’t end after the consultation. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, from the initial consultation through to your post-operative care and beyond. We’re committed to your safety, comfort, and satisfaction.

Pre-Operative Preparations

When you arrive on the day of your surgery, our team will welcome you warmly and guide you through the final preparations.

• Marking the Surgical Site: Your surgeon will meet with you to make precise markings on your abdomen. These lines will guide the surgical incisions and ensure symmetry and accuracy.
• Anaesthesia: To ensure your comfort, we’ll administer general anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be completely asleep and won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

Making the Incisions

Your surgeon will begin the surgery by making careful incisions.

• Primary Incision: A horizontal incision will be made just above your pubic area, stretching between your hip bones. The length of this incision will depend on the amount of excess skin we need to remove.
• Second Incision (if needed): If you have a significant amount of excess skin in your upper abdomen, a second incision around your navel may be necessary to achieve the best results.

Lifting and Tightening

Next, your surgeon will work to create a firmer, more toned abdominal area.

• Lifting the Skin: The skin and underlying fat are gently lifted off the abdominal wall.
• Muscle Repair: Your surgeon will then stitch together any separated or weakened abdominal muscles. This step tightens the abdominal wall and narrows your waistline.

Removing Excess Skin and Fat

Now, it’s time to sculpt your new shape.

• Trimming Excess: Your surgeon will pull the skin down and trim away any excess. We may also use liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits and enhance your abdominal contours.
• Repositioning the Navel: To ensure a natural look, your surgeon will create a new opening for your navel and carefully reposition it. Your navel itself remains intact but is brought through a new opening in the skin.

Closing the Incisions

To finish the surgery, your surgeon will close the incisions with care.

• Layered Sutures: Multiple layers of sutures are used to close the incisions securely and promote optimal healing.
• Dressings and Bandages: We’ll apply dressings to protect the surgical area. You may also have small tubes placed to drain any excess fluid and prevent swelling.

Post-Operative Care

After surgery, we’ll ensure you’re comfortable and well-informed for your recovery.

• Immediate Recovery: You’ll be moved to a recovery area where we’ll monitor your vital signs. It’s normal to feel groggy and sore as the anaesthesia wears off.
• Pain Management: Our team will provide pain medication to manage any discomfort. We’ll also give you detailed instructions on caring for your surgical site and any drains.
• Compression Garments: You’ll wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals.

Follow-Up and Recovery

We’re here to support you throughout your recovery.

• Initial Follow-Up: Your first follow-up visit will be scheduled a few days after surgery to check on your healing progress and remove any drains if they were placed.
• Activity Restrictions: It’s important to take it easy for several weeks. Light walking is encouraged to help circulation, but avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise.
• Long-Term Care: Over the next few months, swelling will decrease, and your final results will gradually become visible. We’ll schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure your recovery is on track.

Results and Outcome

We’re excited for you to see your new shape!

• Final Results: Your full results will be visible after several months once the swelling has completely subsided and the tissues have settled.
• Scarring: While there will be scars, we place incisions in areas that can be easily hidden by clothing and swimwear. Over time, with proper care, these scars will fade.

Tips for Optimal Recovery

To ensure the best possible outcome, follow these tips:

• Follow Instructions: Adhering to all post-operative instructions from your surgeon is crucial for a smooth recovery.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle will help you preserve your tummy tuck results for years to come.

We’re committed to providing you with the best care and helping you achieve the results you desire. If you have any questions or concerns at any point, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here for you every step of the way.

At Berkeley Square Medical, we understand that recovering from a tummy tuck is a crucial part of your journey towards achieving your desired results. Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions and support to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Here’s what you can expect:

Immediate Post-Operative Care

Recovery Room: After your tummy tuck surgery, you’ll be taken back to your private recovery room where our medical team will monitor you as you wake up from anaesthesia. It’s normal to feel groggy and experience some mild discomfort initially.

Initial Assessment: Your Surgeon, Mr Taimur Shoaib and members of the surgical team will check your incisions, dressings, and overall condition before you’re cleared to go home. Pain management and antibiotics will be administered as needed to prevent infection and manage discomfort.

First Few Days at Home

Transportation: Ensure you have someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery, as you’ll need assistance and will be restricted in your movements.

Rest and Positioning: It’s important to rest and avoid any strenuous activities. You’ll need to keep your upper body slightly elevated and your knees bent while lying down to minimize tension in your abdominal area. Using pillows to support your back and legs can help.

Medication: Take prescribed pain medications and antibiotics as directed by Mr Shoaib and our Anaesthetist. These medications are essential for pain control and infection prevention.

Dressings and Drain Care: You may have dressings and surgical drains in place to remove excess fluid. Follow the instructions provided by our team on how to care for these drains and keep the surgical site clean. Typically, drains are removed within 1-2 days (if applicable).

Walking: Light walking is encouraged as soon as you feel able. This helps promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Avoid standing fully upright for the first week to reduce strain on your incisions.

First Week Post-Op

Follow-Up Appointment: You’ll have a follow-up appointment with Mr Shoaib’s nursing team within the first week after surgery. During this visit, your incisions and drains (if still in place) will be removed, and any necessary adjustments to your aftercare plan will be made.

Wound Care: Continue to follow wound care instructions, which may include changing dressings and keeping the area dry and clean. Look out for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or unusual discharge, and report these to our office immediately.

Weeks 2 to 4

Activity Restrictions: Gradually increase your activity level, but avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and intense exercise. Most patients can return to light work duties after 2-4 weeks, depending on their job requirements and how they feel.

Compression Garment: You’ll be advised to wear a compression garment around your abdomen to reduce swelling and support your healing tissues. Wear it as directed, typically for several weeks.

Months 1 to 3

Gradual Resumption of Activities: By 6-8 weeks post-op, you may begin to slowly resume more normal activities and light exercise, but still avoid any activities that strain your abdominal muscles.

Scar Management: Mr Shoaib may recommend treatments to minimize scarring, such as silicone sheets, gels, or certain creams. Protect your scars from sun exposure to avoid darkening at your 6-12 weeks post surgery appointment arranged.

Long-Term Recovery

Full Recovery: Full recovery from a tummy tuck can take several months. Swelling and changes in sensation in the abdominal area can persist for several months but will gradually improve.

Final Results: Your final results will become more apparent as swelling continues to subside and your tissues settle. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to preserve your results.

Ongoing Support

Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with Mr Shoaib to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

Stay in Touch: Our team is always available to answer your questions and provide support. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns during your recovery.

At Berkeley Square Medical, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We believe in providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your tummy tuck surgery. While a tummy tuck is generally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, like Mr Taimur Shoaib, it does carry certain risks. Here’s a detailed look at the potential complications:

General Surgical Risks

1. Anaesthesia Risks:

• Adverse Reactions: Although rare, some patients may experience adverse reactions to anaesthesia, including allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or cardiovascular complications.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Common side effects post-surgery which usually resolve within a days.

Specific Risks of Tummy Tuck

2. Infection:

• Wound Infections: Despite sterile techniques, there is a risk of infection at the incision site. Symptoms include redness, warmth, swelling, and discharge. Severe infections may require antibiotic treatment or additional surgery.
• Internal Infections: In rare cases, infections can occur deeper within the tissues.

3. Bleeding and Hematoma:

• Excessive Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected, but excessive bleeding may require medical intervention.
• Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of blood vessels, causing swelling and pain. It may require drainage.

4. Poor Wound Healing:

• Delayed Healing: Factors such as poor circulation, smoking, or infection can delay wound healing.
• Wound Dehiscence: Separation of the wound edges can occur, necessitating additional treatment.

5. Scarring:

• Visible Scars: Tummy tuck scars are permanent, though they usually fade over time. In some cases, scars may be more noticeable, thickened, or wider than expected.
• Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars: Abnormal scar tissue formation can occur, leading to raised, red scars.

6. Seroma:

• Fluid Accumulation: A seroma is a buildup of fluid under the skin. Drains are often placed during surgery to help prevent this, but seromas can still occur and may need to be drained post-operatively.

7. Changes in Skin Sensation:

• Numbness: Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation, including numbness or tingling, particularly around the incision site and lower abdominal area.

8. Fat Necrosis:

• Tissue Death: Fat cells in the abdominal area may die, leading to firm lumps. This may require further treatment or removal.

9. Blood Clots:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots can form in the legs and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. This is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

10. Asymmetry:

• Uneven Contour: Despite the surgeon’s best efforts, perfect symmetry is not always achievable, and slight differences in the abdominal contour can occur.

11. Skin Discoloration and Swelling:

• Temporary Changes: Swelling and bruising are common post-surgery and typically resolve over time.
• Permanent Discoloration: In rare cases, permanent skin discolouration can occur.

12. Unsatisfactory Results:

• Aesthetic Dissatisfaction: Some patients may be disappointed with the aesthetic results of the surgery. Further surgery may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

Risk Reduction and Management

Mr Taimur Shoaiband the team at Berkeley Square Medical take several steps to minimise these risks:

Pre-Surgical Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of your health, medical history, and suitability for surgery by both our surgeon and consultant anaesthetist.

Surgical Expertise: Mr Taimur Shoaib uses advanced techniques and meticulous care to reduce the risk of complications.

Post-Surgical Care: Detailed aftercare instructions and regular follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.

Patient Education: Providing thorough information on how to care for yourself before and after surgery to promote healing and reduce risks.

Your Role in Risk Management

Follow Instructions: Adhere to all pre and post-operative instructions provided by Mr Shoaib.

Report Concerns: Contact our office immediately if you notice signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated to support optimal healing.

At Berkeley Sqaure Medical, we are committed to your safety and satisfaction. Mr Shoaib and our entire team are here to support you through every step of your tummy tuck journey, ensuring you are well-informed and well-cared for.