Consultation

The abdominal bulge can be caused by:

• Skin and fat.
• A loose muscle corset.
• The abdominal contents pushing out.

Therefore, lose weight.
The muscle corset – after childbirth the muscles can weaken and separate producing an umbilical hernia or divarication or the rectus muscles.

Procedure

Pre-operative

This is a major operation which has the potential for complications.
Get as fit as possible and lose weight.
Stop smoking
Take Arnica for one week before and after surgery.

Intra-operative

A general anaesthetic with an in-patient stay.
There is a long transvers incision supra pubicly excising any old caesarean and hysterectomy scars.
Dissection under the skin up to the ribs.
The tummy muscles are repaired in the midline. The excess skin is pulled down and excised and the tummy button repositioned through a new hole.
At least two drains are used.
Liposuction is often undertaken at the same time.

Recovery

One-two nights in hospital
Drains left in four-five days
Pressure garment worn for three weeks
Six weeks minimum before return to full physical activity

Complications

Numbness
Seroma
Unevenness (particularly the upper half of the tummy)
Skin Necrosis – only occasionally