Tummy Tuck (Adominoplasty)

Adominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

Are you a candidate?

The best candidates for adominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Adominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

The Surgery

Complete adominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial adominoplasty may take an hour or two.

Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, ,just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial adominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.

Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

In partial adominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.

After the Surgery

For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.

Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.

Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.

Back to yourself 

It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from adominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.

Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.

Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.

The New Look

Adominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, adominoplasty may be just the answer for you.

What will happen at the initial consultation?

During the initial consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes you want to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia required, the surgical facility, and costs.

Your surgeon will begin with a complete medical history. He/she may also give you specific instructions preparing for surgery, including guidelines for eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, supplements and medications. Routine laboratory tests may be required before surgery.

The Cost

Tummy Tuck (Adominoplasty) 150,000 Baht/ 4,950 US$/* 

Tummy Tuck Extended (Adominoplasty) 190,000 Baht/ 6,300 US$/*

*Price based on the Thai Baht currency. Click the following link to see the latest exchange rate for other currencies. Please note price may vary after your photographs have been assessed also the surgeon, clinic, hospital or area/ country that you choose.

The Package Includes

• Accommodation for 1 nights in the surgical floor including : Room, Nursing Service Charges, Service Charges, Regular menu food charges

• Operating Room Charges ; OR Room Use, Recovery Room, Scrub & Circulate Nurse

• Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies necessary for the procedure

• Medications : Routine medication used

• Anaesthesia : Pre-Aesthetic Drugs, Anaesthesia, Medical Gas (Oxygen, Nitrous Oxide)

•  Doctor Fees : Surgeon, Anaesthesiologist

The Package Excludes

• Take home medications and supplies

• Laboratory Testing necessary for the procedure if required by surgeon as CBC, PT & PTT, Urianalysis, Anti HIV

• Radiology Studies : Chest X-ray, if required

• Other charges not related to the procedures

• Charges for other procedure or other plastic surgery

• Charges for OPD incurred prior to the surgery

• Charges for inpatient stays in excess of 1 nights. Additional charges for these days including room and other charges will be added to the package price at a normal hospital rates

• Charges for intensive care, if necessary

• Items of a personal nature such as in-room drinks, telephone charges and guest meals will be charged at the normal rates in effect

Duration

Operation will take around two to five hours.

Hospital stay

Up to five nights hospitalization

Notice

The package is applicable for elective, uncomplicated patients. Patients with the following conditions are considered to be complex or high risk cases and will not qualify for the package: Bleeding Disorders Patients with underlying severe medical problems such as HIV and uncontrolled diabetes

Effective date March 26, 2007 - December 31, 2008

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