A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, aims to flatten out the abdomen, releasing skin and tightening muscles for a smoother, sculpted form. Undergoing this cosmetic surgical procedure in the cooler months affords benefits across the board, including controlled healing, less sun exposure and plenty of time for summer body prep!

The first tummy tuck procedure dates back to the 1800s, and it wasn’t cosmetically attuned. Instead, physicians simply aimed to remove skin from the abdomen to cover up open wounds. Fast-forward to the late 1900s and abdominoplasty stepped into mainstream cosmetic surgery thanks largely to its role in remedying umbilical hernias, whereby it’s firming and tightening abilities were highlighted.

Today, abdominoplasty procedures are a far cry from those of its predecessors. Plastic surgeons engage techniques to release skin from the lower part of the abdomen up to the belly, this allows for greater muscle tightening and flattening of the midsection. The skin is then re-draped and trimmed, and belly button restored.

Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure and it isn’t centred on weight loss, rather support and renewal. It aims to correct sagging, remove excess skin, support underlying tissues, and better proportion and smooth out lumps and bumps. Ideally, you should be as close to your ideal weight as possible before undergoing abdominoplasty and have a steady BMI – Body Mass Index – or body fat content. A healthy weight before any cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedure minimises the risks associated with the procedure itself and anaesthesia, and reduces the risk of adverse complications – in the case of abdominoplasty, this could mean fluid build-up in the abdomen, infection or wound healing, and separation issues.

Undergoing abdominoplasty in winter means healing remains controlled because the cooler temperatures aid post-op swelling. We’re also less likely to expose our skin which helps with scar healing – less sun exposure, means scars fade not darken. Bruising and swelling is a normal part of the abdominoplasty recovering, so compression bandages are needed for support, aiding comfort and reducing the risk of more serious complications like seroma (excess serous fluid filling a pocket under the skin). And, in winter those compression bandages are easier to disguise under layers of clothing!

Step into next summer feeling ab-tastic, reach out to our team of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons to learn more about this contouring procedure.

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