Specialised Travel - Cosmetic Surgery
Tel: +356 2329 1000 | George Borg Olivier Street, Sliema, Malta. SLM 1807
Website: www.stjameshospital.com
Email: healthtourism@stjameshospital.com

REASONS FOR WANTING AN ABDOMINOPLASTY
Whilst some people might look for an Abdominoplasty as a short term escape route from a healthy diet and exercise, most of the time it is requested by candidates who experience excess skin on the tummy, droopy skin and lax abdominal muscles which actually occur after weight loss, multiple pregnancies or twin or triplet pregnancies. In both cases the Surgeon needs to assess the particular situation of each patient applying for such treatment. In the latter cases the problem does not respond to further dieting or exercise and the only way to resolve the problem is surgical excision of the excess skin..

THE SURGERY
The operation involves cutting out an ellipse of skin between the pubic bone and the navel (belly button). This takes with it the underlying fat and if necessary tightening of the muscles and liposuction maybe considered at the same time. Once the ellipse of skin has been removed, the skin above the navel is pulled down and stretched towards the skin below the pubic bone and they are stitched together. This skin is pulled down over the belly button and a new hole needs to be made for the belly button to come through. The result is two scars, one along the lower tummy at the level of the pubic hair and another around the navel. The lower scar should be concealed by most styles of underwear and swimwear.

The operation involves a general anaesthetic and a hospital stay of 2 to 4 days. The best results are obtained in patients who are the correct weight for their height and you may be asked to lose weight before surgery is considered. You will be required to sign a consent form giving permission for the operation. This requires that you are aware of the risks and complications involved in the procedure.

When the effect of the anaesthetic wears out, you will find yourself bandaged and with drainage tubes in place. The drains can usually be removed a day or so after the operation but occasionally will be left for a little longer if fluid continues to leak. You may have dissolvable stitches but any permanent stitches that are used, especially around the navel, may need to be removed approximately 10 days after the surgery.

SOME COMPLICATION THAT MAY ARISE
There are general risks associated with a general anaesthetic such as chest infection and DVTs (clots in the veins of the legs). You will be encouraged to get up and walk around as soon as possible to reduce these risks. This will feel uncomfortable and tight at first and you will be given pain killers to help with this. Complications specific to this operation include infection and problems with wound healing. This most commonly has effect on the central part of the wound and may require regular dressing for a few weeks. Problems with the wound are more common in smokers, diabetics and overweight patients. If you are a smoker you are strongly advised to stop smoking before the operation. Some people experience problems with red, raised and lumpy scars but most scars will become very pale and thin. Collections of blood (haematomas) and collections of fluid (seromas) can occur and may require drainage with a needle or more rarely a return to the operating theatre. Numbness may occur and can occasionally be permanent. In some cases minor adjustments under local anaesthetic are required at a later date.

WHEN CAN NORMAL ACTIVITIES BE RESUMED?
You can usually return to work after 2 to 4 weeks depending on your job but you should avoid any strenuous activity for up to 6 weeks after the operation. Most patients are fit to fly after 2 weeks post-op yet in some cases this might take up to 3-4 weeks depending on the patient's pace of recovery.

ABOUT SAINT JAMES HOSPITAL
Many foreigners are choosing to travel to Malta to receive medical and surgical treatment. Malta combines a high level of medical expertise coupled with an ideal climate, best suited to enhance convalescence. Malta is no stranger to Medical Tourism, having a strong record in the field of medicine and a long tradition of care, also referred to in history as 'The hospital of the Mediterranean.'

We are your key interface from first enquiry to your return home and beyond. Our customer care team liaises with you during your extended convalescence back in your home country to provide support, advice and to gather your feedback on our service. Our Hospital is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by fully qualified doctors and nurses who are multilingual, being fluent in English, Maltese & Italian. The services offered are comprehensive, ranging from simple blood tests to diagnostic scans, from cosmetic surgery to dental services, from hair removal by laser to complex cardiac surgery.

The Hospital hosts ten modern and high-tech operating theatres which are equipped with advanced anaesthesia equipment. Our doctors are trained and qualified in the EU and the USA and have specialised and worked in leading hospitals and Universities in England, Scotland, Ireland, USA and other countries. We also provide for post operation physiotherapy. All private rooms are situated within comfortable and spacious wards, supervised day and night by an exceptional team of doctors and nurses. The rooms are single-bedded with an en-suite bathroom/shower, colour cable TV, telephone, air-conditioning, and a nurse call system keeping you in immediate contact with the nursing staff. Tea/coffee facilities are also available in every room. Wireless internet network for laptop computers is available in the hospitals. Overnight facilities for relative/carer are provided. Relative/Carer can also opt to sleep with the patient in the same room.

Many satisfied patients have commented on the luxurious and warm environment found in the hospital which, quoting them, 'makes you feel like you are staying in a hotel with special care and medical assistance.' The service and quality of our accommodation is in fact five star quality, forming an excellent synergy with the professional medical and nursing staff who run our wards.

Our customer care representatives will be your first point of contact with us. They handle all patients from arrival to departure, and will be in touch with you before and during your stay, providing you with support and peace of mind. We offer some of the best value for money you'll find anywhere for cosmetic surgery abroad, with no compromise on quality, service, care and convenience. We also offer various combinations and packages at favorable rates.