Common Tummy Tuck Jargon Made Simple

Tummy Tuck is a very popular procedure worldwide, as it gives a whole new look by making the abdomen flat, firm and restores the youthful look after pregnancy, childbirth and weight loss. In fact, 96% of patients who had a tummy tuck said it was ‘worth it’.

If you’re looking at having a tummy tuck done, you’ve probably come across a lot of tummy tuck jargon during your research and it may have left you wondering things like ‘what do aprons have to do with tummy tucks? Is the Compression Garment comfortable? What is a Drain Tube?

In this Blog, Sydney Cosmetic Surgery Specialist, Plastic Surgeon, Dr Naveen Somia, takes the mystery out of common tummy tuck jargon and explains the most common terms and their meanings.

Apron: A term used to describe loose stomach skin which overhangs the bikini line. Commonly happens if the patient has lost a large amount of weight or after pregnancy or following a surgical procedure such as Gastric Banding or a Gastric Sleeve. The term Apron-ectomy where ‘ectomy’ means surgical removal.

Abdominal Binder: is a post-surgical garment that wraps around the tummy to compress and support. It is used to prevent swelling and assists skin in keeping its new shape. It is not the most comfortable but sadly it is essential. It can be discontinued in a few weeks following surgery.

Compression Garment: A compression garment is made up of special material that offers a physiological range of compression that helps reduction of swelling and improves healing. Recommended for 6 weeks post tummy tuck surgery.

Drain Tubes: Once your surgery is complete, your surgeon will insert two small tubes which are attached to plastic bulbs and sit on the outside of your body. These tubes and bulbs are designed to constantly drain and reduce the amount of fluid build up inside the area that was operated on. They must be emptied or ‘milked’ several times a day, and the amount of fluid extracted is measured. Drains typically stay in for three to five days. Occasionally they can stay longer in certain cases. Antibiotics are necessary when the drains are still in.

Hip to hip scar: Refers to the tummy tuck scar which runs from one hip to the other hip. In most cases the scar is low enough that it will not show in a bathing suit.

Lipo: A shortened version of the word ‘liposuction’. Lipo is a cosmetic surgery procedure which is designed to remove extra fat and can be combined with a tummy tuck for better contouring as frequently patients who have excess skin have excess fat.

Muffin top: Colloquial term used to describe the fat that overhangs the top of the pants.

Muscle separation: The stretching and separation of the ‘six pack’ two vertical muscles which run the length of your abdomen. Muscle separation is common in women during pregnancy, and also in cases where the patient has gained a large amount of weight. Muscle separation may remain symptom free or create a bulge.

Muscle tightening (noun): As well as removing excess skin and fat, tummy tucks can tighten the lining of your abdominal muscles resulting in a smoother, flatter abdomen.

Scarring (noun): The scar from the tummy tuck incision. One of the biggest concerns most patients have is whether the scarring from the procedure will be visible afterwards.

Seroma/haematoma (noun): Seroma is the medical term for a buildup of fluid in the area that has been operated on. Haematoma, or hematoma, is the medical term for a build up of blood in an area. Both conditions can be fixed by removal of fluid or blood with needles, and should be monitored as they can lead to infection, especially in the case of haematoma.

Spitting stitches (verb): When you get a tummy tuck, some of the stitches used are dissolvable. In some cases these stitches can ‘spit’ or poke through your skin. They can be uncomfortable or even slightly painful, but they can be removed safely.

Swell hell (adjective): A term used to describe post surgical swelling. The amount of time it takes for swelling to go down is different in every patient.

TT (noun): An abbreviation for ‘Tummy Tuck’.

There has never been a better time to have Tummy Tuck Surgery

With modern techniques and recent technological advancements, Tummy Tuck Surgery has become safer, effective and capable of delivering results that you always wanted with minimal pain, discomfort and downtime. A capable Plastic Surgeon using modern techniques can offer you better and longer lasting results while the specialist Anaesthetist ensures your safety and comfort in a setting of a Modern Hospital.

As with any medical procedure, it is important to seek the advice of a professional skilled in addressing your specific issue. Each person’s anatomy is different and an examination and evaluation by a Plastic Surgeon will help determine the most appropriate and effective approach to meet your particular needs.

For More Information please visit our Tummy Tuck Sydney Services Page.

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