What loose skin surgery is available?

When looking at what loose skin surgery is available, you’ll find that the main option is a tummy tuck procedure, also known as abdominoplasty. This is major surgery so it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts so that you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right option for you.

Full tummy tuck

A full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) involves an incision just above the pubic area between the hips, and the separation of the navel from surrounding tissue.  We then separate the skin from the abdominal wall from the hips to the ribs, creating a large skin flap.  The vertical muscles underneath are then tightened, in effect we pull them close together and stitch them into their new position.

After this, the skin flap is stretched down, and excess skin removed before a new hole is cut for your navel and the final stitches made.

Mini tummy tuck

A mini tummy tuck (partial abdominoplasty) is an alternative option when looking at what plastic surgery is available for loose skin.  The suitability of this procedure will depend on where your excess skin is on your tummy – if it’s lower down then a partial tummy tuck may be appropriate.  This involves a shorter incision between your hips and separating the skin between the incision line and the navel (it is not always necessary to reposition the navel in a mini tummy tuck).  The lower abdominal muscles are then tightened and stitched into their new position before the skin is replaced.  It’s at this point in the procedure where we move excess skin from your tummy before the final stitches are made.

Recovering from a tummy tuck

We’ll provide the support you need to recover well from your tummy tuck procedure. You’ll leave surgery with dressings in place and, in the case of a full tummy tuck, a temporary tube to drain excess fluid from beneath the skin.  After that, you should be able to leave hospital the day after your surgery to complete your recovery at home.

It’s important to get plenty of rest in the immediate aftermath of surgery, and not to use your muscles or strain them in any way.  We will go through a full list of do’s and don’ts before you go home!  You will also need to come back to see us within a week of surgery so that we can check on your progress.

What to do next

To find out more about what loose skin surgery is available, please book to have an initial consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at The Spire Hospital in Manchester. This is the best way for one of our surgeons to assess your body and give you a good idea of the results that could be achieved with a full or mini tummy tuck.  It’s also a great opportunity for you to ask any question you may have about any aspect of plastic surgery.