Abdominoplasty ( Tummy Tuck) Cost in South Africa

Even after diet and exercise many people still face the problem of a protruding belly which is a matter of concern in today's society. The solution to this problem is tummy tuck surgery which is often known as abdominoplasty. It involves the removal of skin and excess fat in and around the waist, thus enhancing the appearance of the belly. There are many factors that affect the tummy tuck surgery cost in South Africa :

1. The hospital opted for the surgery - Often practitioners in private clinics and hospitals charge more than government-aided hospitals.

2.  The type of surgery opted for - More sophisticated and advanced surgeries cost higher than the ones done using regular instruments.

3. Duration of the procedure - It is approximately 3 hours.

4. The requirement of a translator- One can need a translator if you do not know the native language and it can significantly increase the charges.

5. Transportation- Transportation includes travel to and from South Africa including airfare.

6. Pre-operative requirements - Usually, the doctor prescribes medical investigations required to undergo the surgical procedure.

7. Post-operative care - This includes medication and stay in the hospital and treating of complications if any arise after the surgery.

The success rate of tummy tuck surgery in South Africa is around 85% however the percentage is usually higher if it is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. This should be kept in mind that not every patient is suitable for abdominoplasty or plastic surgery. So do check your individual requirements with a surgeon. The ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery is the one who is physically healthy, the one who has loose or droopy abdominal skin below the belly button and is committed to maintaining results with a stable diet and regular exercise.

Around the globe, South Africa is gaining popularity for medical tourism due to a variety of tummy tuck surgery options available, as well as the great quality of the medical care provided here. Here is a list of the top clinics which perform tummy tuck surgery in South Africa:

1. Ahmed Kathrada Private Hospital

2. UCT Private Academic Hospital

3. Netcare Linksfield Hospital

4. Netcare N1 City Hospital

5. The Sharp Cosmetic and Rejuvenation Clinic

6. Nanita Dalton Laser, Skin and Body Institute

7. Precision Aesthetics

Abdominoplasty is suitable if the individual has excess skin, too much fat, or lax muscles. This surgery will enhance the appearance of the belly, making the muscles tight. If one has undergone pregnancy prior to the surgery or if you have a Caesarian section scar with poor skin quality, stretch marks, and splitting of muscles (divarication), usually some form of abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is recommended. A tummy tuck is frequently combined with liposuction so as to optimize the final shape of the body. There are different approaches to a tummy tuck in South Africa :

• Classic (traditional or full) tummy tuck - When there is muscle weakness along the full length of the abdomen (from breast bone to pubis) with a significant degree of excess skin then full tummy tuck surgery is done. In the traditional full abdominoplasty, an outsized area of tummy skin is undermined. All the skin and fat between the belly button and pubes is removed, the muscles are then tightened from breast bone to pubis, and eventually, the skin is closed, and the belly button is repositioned.

• Mini tummy tuck with liposuction - Younger women who have excess tummy skin and spare fat will benefit more from liposuction. Other areas are often liposuctioned at an equivalent time, such as the thighs. The surgery is completed as a day case surgery (in and out on the same day). It can be done in a private facility. The anesthetist will administer the anesthesia and regional spinal anesthetic (similar to an epidural). This will be supplemented with local anesthesia. You will be asleep, pain-free, and unaware at the time of surgery and you'll have a fast recovery. Tummy tuck surgery takes about 3 hours. At the end of the surgery, the injuries are closed with dissolving sutures, surgical tape is placed over the cuts and a dressing is applied.

Here are some of the top plastic surgeons for tummy tuck surgery in South Africa -

1. Dr. Vive

2. Dr. Suleman Vadia

3. Dr. Filipe Padilha

4. Dr. Gideon Maresky

5. Dr. Susan F Johnson

6. Dr. Craig Peter Wittstock

7. Dr. Rory Dower

8. Dr. Clare Neser

9. Dr. Stuart Kenneth Meintjes

10. Dr. Johan Van Heerden

11. Dr. Paul McGarr

12. Dr. Ridwan Mia

13. Dr. Veneshree Nair

14. Dr. Ronel Gowar

15. Dr. Deon Weyers

Recovery after an abdominoplasty will majorly depend upon the extent of surgery. Generally, you will expect pain and sensitivity for 2 days during which you will remain within the hospital under observation. If any liposuction or body contouring was done during the surgery, you can expect some bruising in those areas. You will be encouraged to start walking soon after the surgery to aid in the healing process. Those who have undergone a partial abdominoplasty or mini-tummy tuck will have a significantly shorter recovery time and less pain after the surgery. The patients who have undergone a complete tummy tuck surgery may take nearly two to three weeks to heal and recover. Once discharged from the hospital, looking after your incisions is the best way to manage the healing process. Major workouts and the lifting of heavy objects should be avoided.

Here are some of the top cities in South Africa for the best medical treatment. You can undergo tummy tuck surgery in the following cities -

1. Johannesburg

2. Pretoria

3. Cape Town

4. Durban

5. Midrand

6. Gauteng

7. Sandton

8. Tongaat