Tummy Tuck in Sharjah

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, known medically as abdominoplasty, is an operation on the front of the abdomen. The surgeon removes a band of loose, overstretched skin and the fat beneath it, usually from the area between the belly button and the pubic hairline. Where the two long muscles running down the front of the stomach have drifted apart, a common change after pregnancy called rectus diastasis, the surgeon stitches them back towards the midline to firm the abdominal wall. The remaining skin is drawn down and closed, and the belly button is brought out through a new opening so it sits in a natural position.

The operation leaves a long scar low across the abdomen, usually from hip to hip, placed so that underwear or swimwear covers it. A smaller "mini" version treats skin below the belly button only and suits a narrower range of people.

A tummy tuck differs from liposuction. Liposuction removes pockets of fat through small openings and relies on the skin shrinking back by itself. A tummy tuck removes the skin itself and can repair the muscle, so it is chosen when loose skin or a weak abdominal wall is the main concern. The two are sometimes combined, with liposuction used to refine the waist and flanks.

At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, abdominoplasty is performed in-house. It belongs to the plastic surgery department and is also offered through general and laparoscopic surgery, because the same surgeon assesses the abdominal wall for a muscle gap or hernia.

Who needs it

A tummy tuck is an elective operation chosen for appearance and comfort. It is most often considered by women whose abdomen has stretched with one or more pregnancies, and by people left with an apron of loose skin after major weight loss, including weight loss following bariatric surgery. It suits adults in good general health who are at a stable weight, who are non-smokers or ready to stop, and who have finished having children, since a later pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again.

Stable weight comes first. Skin that hangs after weight loss changes as the weight changes, so the surgeon prefers your weight to have settled for several months before planning surgery. People still losing weight are advised to reach their goal first.

The alternatives deserve a fair hearing. Core-strengthening exercise improves posture and tone, and a physiotherapist can advise on a gap between the stomach muscles. Liposuction suits someone with firm skin and a localised fat pocket. Supportive garments help with comfort. Leaving things as they are is always a reasonable choice.

What happens

The first step is a consultation with Dr. Hamid Esmaeil, Specialist General & Cosmetic Surgeon. You explain what bothers you, and he examines the abdomen standing and lying down, assesses skin quality, checks for a muscle gap or hernia, looks at any previous scars, such as from a caesarean section, and reviews your health and medicines. Together you discuss what a tummy tuck can realistically change for your body. Photographs may be taken for your records with your consent, and blood tests and other checks are arranged according to your age and health.

If a hernia is found, it can often be repaired during the same operation, and the surgeon explains how this fits into your plan.

On the day, the tummy tuck is performed at Dar Al Kamal Hospital under general anaesthesia. The skin is lifted from the abdominal wall, the muscles are repaired where needed, excess skin and fat are removed, the belly button is repositioned and the wound is closed in layers. Small drains may be placed to remove fluid for the first days. Most people stay in hospital at least one night, and the team confirms your stay beforehand.

Preparing for it

• Stop smoking and nicotine products well before surgery, as they reduce blood flow to the skin and raise the risk of wound problems.
• Reach a steady weight and keep it steady in the months before surgery.
• Tell the team about all your medicines and supplements, particularly blood thinners, hormone treatment and herbal remedies, as some are paused before surgery. Do not stop any medicine without advice.
• Plan surgery around Ramadan, since fasting during early recovery is unsafe; discuss timing with the team.
• Arrange help at home for the first weeks, especially with young children who need lifting, and plan time off: desk work usually resumes sooner than driving or manual work.

Afterwards

You wake with dressings and a support garment around your abdomen. Walking bent slightly forward is usual at first, and gentle walking from early on helps prevent blood clots. The team explains how to care for the wound and drains, when to shower, and when to return to lifting, driving, exercise and work. Swelling settles over months, and the scar fades gradually. In the UAE summer, keep cool indoors and drink enough water, because heat can increase swelling and discomfort under the garment.

Follow-up visits take place at Dar Al Kamal Hospital with the surgeon who operated, for wound checks, drain removal and review of the result.

Contact the hospital promptly if the wound becomes red, hot, swollen or leaks fluid, or if you develop a fever. Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department if you have chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing up blood, or a painful swollen calf.

Cost and insurance

A tummy tuck done for appearance is cosmetic surgery and is usually excluded from UAE health insurance, so it is typically self-funded. Removal of an overhanging skin fold alone, called panniculectomy, is sometimes assessed differently where the fold causes recurrent skin infection or other medical problems, subject to your policy and pre-approval. The team gives a written estimate once your plan is agreed. Call 06 599 7777 for details.