Tummy Tuck in Singapore – A Brief Overview

An abdominoplasty, or more commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes extra fat and loose skin to allow your abdominal walls to tighten. This gives it a more taut and flatter appearance.

Tummy tucks are some of the most well-known cosmetic surgery procedures not just in Singapore but also worldwide. To further understand this procedure, let’s first dive into the various details regarding this widely popular procedure.

Why have a tummy tuck?

As mentioned, tummy tucks are done to remove excess loose skin and fat to give patients a more tone abdomen. They are commonly associated with mothers as this is one way they can regain their pre-pregnancy figure after childbirth.

However, they’re not the only ones that can undergo the procedure as anyone can opt for this cosmetic surgical procedure. Another common candidate for tummy tucks are people who just went through massive weight loss such as those who were formerly obese.

Nevertheless, a person who wishes to get a tummy tuck needs to be in good health so as to be allowed to undergo the procedure.

Common reasons why people have excess fat and loose skin are:

• Significant weight loss resulting in loose skin
• Ageing
• Pregnancy
• Abdominal surgeries like C-sections
• Natural body type

Aside from giving you a more toned and flat abdomen, other benefits of getting tummy tucks are:

• Improved posture
• Correction of ventral hernias
• Reduced stress urinary incontinence

Are tummy tucks done for health or aesthetic reasons?

While commonly considered as an aesthetic issue, tummy tucks also alleviate some of the issues faced by mothers post-childbirth, says Dr Samuel Ho who is a consultant plastic surgeon at Allure Plastic Surgery in Singapore. Many new mothers experience back pain and urinary incontinence after bearing a child which aren’t just uncomfortable, they can also be a major concern, he adds.

Undergoing a tummy tuck can greatly improve one’s posture and reduce urinary incontinence which can help with the common complaints of new mothers, allowing them some relief after the physically tolling experience of childbirth.

Tummy tuck surgery in Singapore

Getting a tummy tuck in Singapore is quite easy as many surgeons offer this procedure. Because of its popularity, many tourists travel to countries like Singapore just to undergo an abdominoplasty.

The cost of a tummy tuck can range from around $6000 to $25000, depending on several factors like the surgeon’s fees, how complicated the procedure is, and even the facilities where it’s done.

In Singapore, plastic surgeons like Dr Samuel Ho offer various types of tummy tucks from which their patients can choose.

1. Complete or Full Abdominoplasty

A complete or full abdominoplasty entails a procedure wherein your surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen, from one side of your hipbone to the other. They will then contour the tissues, muscle, and skin as required to get the desired results.

This will also entail the moving of your belly button, thus requiring tubes for drainage under your skin for a couple of days.

A complete tummy tuck is an ideal option if you went through several pregnancies or considerable weight loss.

2. Partial Abdominoplasty or a Mini Tummy Tuck

With a partial abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck, the incision made is much shorter compared to a full tummy tuck. It’s also mostly done on patients whose excess fats are found below the navel.

The surgeon often doesn’t move the belly button and the entire procedure tends to be quicker than a complete tummy tuck.

If the loose skin isn’t as excessive, then this is the more ideal option as the recovery time is generally shorter and faster.

3. Extended Abdominoplasty

An extended abdominoplasty entails a standard tummy tuck as well as removing the excess skin found on your back and sides. With this method, the incision is longer and requires a longer recovery time compared to the others. Moreover, the scar left by the procedure will also be longer.

However, this might be the best option for those who underwent massive weight loss and want optimal results.

4. Reverse Abdominoplasty

A reverse abdominoplasty or reverse tummy tuck entails making an incision under the breasts to remove the excess skin from the upper abdomen. This option is ideal if the loose skin you want to remove is located only above your belly button.

Post-Op Recovery: Dos and Don’ts after a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, although mostly cosmetic, is still considered a major surgical procedure. Therefore, proper care after undergoing one is necessary to ensure that no complications happen post-operation.

Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind when recovering from a tummy tuck:

• Follow all your surgeon’s instructions – This will include how to care for your wound after the procedure like changing the bandages and what bandage to use. Your surgeon will also give you instructions on how to properly position yourself to minimize the pain and avoid reopening the wound.
• Limit taxing activities – This usually lasts for around 6 weeks but you will need up to a month off your work to properly recover from the surgery. Limiting your strenuous activities during post-op recovery ensures that the wound doesn’t reopen and that it properly heals so as to prevent complications.

Conclusion

Although widely considered as a cosmetic procedure, a tummy tuck offers many medical benefits as well. It can improve one’s posture and reduce urinary incontinence, especially with new mothers.

While it’s beneficial, there are risks involved as well because a tummy tuck is still considered a major surgical procedure. However, with the constant advancement of technology, especially in the field of medicine, we are finding more ways to make the procedure safer and less risky for those who choose it.