Tummy Tuck Cost South Africa

Tummy, and abdominal liposuction are the common names for the removal of excess fat of the abdomen and are one of the most common liposuction procedures performed worldwide.

Tummy liposuction is usually performed when there is localised fat in a certain area of the abdomen, and the localised areas of fat are removed by tumescent liposuction.

Tumescent liposuction is a less invasive form of liposuction.

What does tumescent mean: A mixture of saline and local anaesthetic is injected ( whilst under sedation ) into well marked areas prior to beginning liposuction. This fluid anaesthetises the area and assists in breaking down the fat globules making the actual suction of the fat a lot easier, resulting in less bruising and better shrinkage of the overlying skin.

Stubborn fat, which patients have not been able to lose through a healthy diet and regular exercise, responds favourably to liposuction.

Should patients have non elastic or “floppy” skin, liposuction alone will not suffice. In such cases , a tummy tuck (ABDOMINOPLASTY) needs to be performed , and this can be done simultaneously with liposuction.

Procedure:

Very small incisions will be made in the abdominal area enabling the surgeon to insert the cannula, which is an instrument used to loosen and suction  the fat. The areas of fat are removed in stages, the first being the deep tissue, then middle tissue, and ultimately the superficial tissue. Once the desired amount of fat has been removed the surgeon will close the incisions. The procedure time is dependent on various factors,such as height, weight, and  the amount of excess fat to be removed.

Anaesthesia:

Abdominal liposuction will be performed under a local anaesthetic, however, if a patient wishes to be asleep during the procedure then you may opt for general anaesthetic. All anaesthesia administered by experienced board-certified anaesthetists. The level of anaesthesia depends on the size of the area to be sculpted and of course the patient’s desires. Smaller areas can be sculpted under light sedation however larger more complex areas will require general anaesthetic.

In/Outpatient:

Patients having tummy liposuction are usually able to return home the same day after the procedure If smaller areas of fat are being removed, the patient does not require intense postoperative monitoring and can return home. If larger areas, in excess of 3-4 litre removal are being liposcultpted, they will need to stay overnight to be monitored.

Post-operative:

There will be some swelling and bruising for a few weeks, and patients can expect the treated area to have a multi-coloured ( blue black and eventually a browny colour) appearance following the procedure, which should subside within a few days/weeks. The swelling can be reduced through the use of ice packs and pain medication will be prescribed by the surgeon for any pain felt during recovery.

It will be mandatory to wear a pressure garment which also reduces bruising and swelling as well as ensuring a nice smoothly contoured surface.

It is important to have a friend or family member to collect and to drive you home, as you will be swollen and bruised and will experience pain or discomfort.

Recovery:

Feeling better and back to work: a 7days-2 weeks
Strenuous activity: 3 weeks post-surgery.
Fading of scars: Several months to a year.

Results: