People put a lot of effort in order to have a flat and taut tummy – from intense exercise, crunches, sit-ups to popular diets, and strict weight control. Unfortunately, often it is all in vain. Even individuals with a normal weight and a proportionately shaped body may have protruded or sagging abdomen that can’t be resolved through diet and exercise. The reasons for this can be different – heredity, pregnancy, previous surgery, significant weight fluctuations, or congenital spinal deformities that affect the body shape.
However, it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your dream taut and flat stomach. Plastic reconstructive surgery in Singapore offers a solution to “retract” the sagging abdomen, by removing excess skin and fat and correcting the muscles of the abdominal wall sagging after pregnancy, or weight loss. The surgery is called Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck and is one of the more popular ways of fat removal in Singapore.
The following information will generally introduce you to abdominoplasty surgery and how it is done in Singapore. However, the best way to learn how to achieve your goals and satisfy your desires is to consult a plastic surgeon.
Table of Contents
What is a tummy tuck surgery?
An abdominoplasty tummy tuck in Singapore is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and subcutaneous tissue of the anterior abdominal wall and increases muscle tone. In some cases, it restores relaxed or split muscles. By abdominoplasty can be corrected and weakened or divided abdominal muscles – so-called diastasis.
This surgical removal of excess fat and skin can be also combined with liposuction. There are different variants of tummy tuck surgery in Singapore and the choice of the technique depends on the degree of the desired correction. The length and direction of the incisions depend on the amount and location of excess skin, as well as the discretion of your surgeon and your personal preferences.
Various body shaping procedures can also be combined with abdominal plastic surgery or performed on their own. However, not all patients are suitable for combined procedures. Your operation will be planned according to your specific needs.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Singapore?
If you consider having a tummy tuck in Singapore you are probably wondering what to expect from the costs. The prices you see can certainly range roughly between $10000–$30000 for a classic tummy tuck and around $5000 to $10000 for mini-abdominoplasty. You should understand that tummy tuck is not minor surgery and it is crucial that you choose a highly experienced surgeon as well as to ensure that he/she uses advanced techniques. Good and experienced plastic surgeons in Singapore will usually charge more than less experienced ones. Other price factors are the amount of excess tissue you may have, the surgical facilities, and licensed staff. Also, if you choose to add liposuction the price will be higher. You need to check with your surgeon to see what is included with your fees. You may choose full, mini, or floating tummy tuck, and all three carries slightly different cost because they achieve different goals.
Who is suitable for a tummy tuck?
The tummy tuck procedure is suitable for both men and women. They should be in good general health and have realistic expectations and a positive attitude when it comes to restoring the abdominal wall and the figure as a whole. Suitable candidates for tummy tuck surgery in Singapore are:
- women after pregnancy;
- men and women who have lost weight drastically;
- individuals who have had previous surgical interventions;
- people who have lost their skin elasticity with age.
Losing too much weight (in both men and women, including after childbirth) usually causes the muscles of the abdominal wall to relax. As a result, there can be significant aesthetic and functional problems such as itching – if the abdomen is sagging, pain in the spine – due to heavyweight, problems with bending, anxiety, and discomfort. Thanks to tummy tuck surgery, all of these problems can be easily corrected.
What is a lipectomy and how it is different from a full tummy tuck?
There are different types of tummy tucks that can be done in Singapore – complete abdominoplasty and partial or mini tummy tuck called belt lipectomy. They are similar operations however they are each used for different patients.
Complete abdominoplasty in Singapore is suitable for people who have a lot of extra skin or have muscule separation in their abdomen. The surgical incision is placed horizontally above the pubic bone from one pelvis to the other to allow the surgeon optimal access to the inner abdomen. Suction-assisted lipectomy better known as liposuction is used to sucks out excess fat cells and pulls the abdominal muscles tightly. The navel is placed in its natural position.
Lipectomy procedure is usually performed on patients who are in a good shape and have a normal weight, but they want to achieve a flat and aesthetic abdomen. The incision is the same as that of the cesarean section. Unlike a classic tummy tuck procedure, anterior abdominal wall plastic surgery is not performed here. Liposuction can be used as a method to remove excess fat, and the skin of the abdomen can be pulled as much as possible. The navel is not affected by this operation.
The best way to find out which tummy tuck surgery method is best for you is just to be evaluated by an experienced plastic surgeon in Singapore.
How is tummy tuck surgery performed in Singapore?
Both procedures complete abdominoplasty and lipectomy are performed under general anaesthesia and they require a bit of downtime. Typically you need admission overnight or for two days if the surgery is combined with any procedure of lower body contouring with liposuction. You could address your thighs, hips, and buttocks during the course of this procedure to give proper and complete lower body contouring.
How long does the operation take? It usually depends on your anatomy, what exactly the surgeons do, and how many procedures you have done. If you have a tummy tuck, liposuction or you may also have breast surgery at the same time it will take longer.
The effect of abdominoplasty is noticeable almost immediately, but the final abdominoplasty results take several weeks. The numbness that you may experience on the skin surface will disappear in a few weeks. It is important to note that this surgery cannot replace regular exercise and weight loss. Also, it can’t remove stretch marks from the abdomen. Although the results of abdominoplasty are relatively constant, the positive effect can be significantly reduced by weight fluctuations. Therefore, if you are planning a significant weight loss or you are about to give birth, it is recommended to postpone such an intervention. With age, you may notice a slight relaxation, but it will be minimal compared to the condition of the abdominal area before the correction.
What do you need to do before having a tummy tuck in Singapore?
The first thing that you need to do is to see a plastic surgeon. During the consultation, you will talk about what is possible and what are the different options that you have and then you will choose what to do. Once your decision is made you can book your surgery and your pre-op appointment. At the pre-op consultation, you and your surgeon will do all the paperwork. You will also receive the prescriptions that you are going to need. The surgeon will also take your pre-op photos. You will need to quit smoking at least a week before the operation, as well as stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs.
What is the recovery time?
The pain after abdominal plastic surgery procedure is normal. If necessary, painkillers can be taken in the following days. You can also expect some swelling and bruising that will gradually disappear in the coming weeks. For most patients, it takes about 6 weeks before they are fully back to their old routines. The recovery time for a mini tummy tuck can be slightly shorter.
To avoid any complications and to speed up the healing process:
- You need to avoid bending, stretching, or lifting weights for several weeks.
- Take your medications as scheduled. Also, you must take your antibiotics as prescribed to prevent any infections. It is important to take them on time and in full even if you are feeling better.
- Get lots of rest.
- Do not smoke at least until your sutures are removed.
- Your surgeon will advise that you wear a special post-surgical garment to compress your abdomen and help with swelling. This should be worn day and night until your surgeon advises otherwise.
- Follow your surgeon’s advice. After your surgery, you will be given instructions on how to care for yourself at home during your recovery.
Abdominoplasty is a relatively difficult operation and slower adhesion of tissues and fluid retention is possible. Therefore a longer recovery period is required. Frequent visits to the clinic for changing dressings and medical supervision of the postoperative condition are desirable. Following your surgeon’s instructions is essential to the outcome of the operation.
Do Medisave and Insurance cover a tummy tuck surgery?
Unfortunately, when done for purely cosmetic reasons Medisave and Insurance do not cover the procedure. If you have some type of health problem that can be linked to the need to have abdominoplasty your insurance company may be willing to provide coverage.
To conclude
Everyone is unique. This means that the recovery periods, treatment plans, treatment outcomes, and their duration vary from patient to patient. It is important to consult an expert for more accurate information.