The Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Reduce the size of the abdomen
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The tummy tuck is a procedure to reduce the size of the abdomen by removing excess fat and tightening stomach muscles. Ideal candidates for the procedure are healthy individuals who want to tackle areas of fat or muscle that are not responding to exercise.
Combined with diet and exercise the effects of the procedure can be long lasting.
A full abdominoplasty lasts between two and five hours with a partial abdominoplasty taking one to two hours.
The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. In a full abdominoplasty an incision is made following a semi-circle from hip to hip, just above the pubic area, a second incision frees the navel. Excess fat is removed and muscles are tightened by the use of stitches. A partial abdominoplasty involves a smaller initial incision with work being carried out between the incision and the navel.
Recovery periods are different for each patient and can be affected by a number of factors such as a patient’s general physical condition and postoperative exercise. All stitches should be removed within two to three weeks at which stage some patients will be able to return to normal activity, others taking a few weeks longer. Temporary bruising and swelling as well as discomfort can all be part of the recovery process and again vary from patient to patient. Scarring will result from the incisions, the appearance of which may grow more noticeable in the first few months before fading over time.
Procedures may, in rare cases, result in abnormal clotting or infection. Scarring resulting from the procedure can require an additional operation to meet the desired appearance.
Cosmetic Surgery in Greece
A guide to plastic surgery regulations in Greece
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Organizations
The Ministry of Health and Social Cohesion decides on overall health policy issues and on the national strategy for health.
The Greek (Pan-hellenic) Medical Association (PHMA) represents the professional interests of phyisicans with Greece. It is currently working to create an online register of qualified members. The PHMA is divided into regional chambers and a doctor must register with the local chamber in which they are to practice.
The Hellenic Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery is the main society for plastic surgeons in Greece and is directly affiliated with the European Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
Education
The length of training including practical experience for a doctor in Greece is 6 years. The title awarded is Ptychion latrikis.
Plastic Surgery is a recognized specialty with a minimun of 6 years additional training as a registrar. This consists of 2 years of General Surgery, 3 years Plastic Surgery, and 2 single semester courses chosen from: Gynecology, Urology, Otorhinolaryngology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Children Surgery and Thoracic Surgery. Speciailists are issued a "Titlos Iatrikis Eidikotitas" (certificate of medical specialisation) on compeletion of their period as a registrar.
Continuing education is promoted by Greece's hospitals and professional societies and is seen as an essential ethical responsibility.
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Complaints
Compliants against public institutions may be addressed to The Greek Ombudsman, an independant authority. Complaints may be addressed to the Greek Medical Association to be judged by its Ethical Committee.
A physician may also be judged by the ethical committee of any professional society to which they belong, though these will only have the power to censure or suspend membership within the scope of the society - not their activities in general practice.
Storage and Access to Medical Records
As a member of the Council of Europe, Greece is governed by the rules of that organization on the protection of personal data. Greece has its own independant Data Protection Authority. Access to data is also regulated by a number of laws, allowing individuals to access data held on them by public institutions.
Doctors have responsibilities to their patients beyond these regulations. They should co-operate with resonable requests for medical records as quickly as possible. There is a responsibility to store patients data safely and to store it for the period of time of its relevance.
Resources
The Ministry of Health and Social Cohesion
17, Aristotelous Street, GR-101 87 Athens, Greece
email: info@mohaw.gr, minister@mohaw.gr
website: http://www.mohaw.gr/
contact: Mr. Dimitris L. Avramopoulos, Minister of Health and Social Solidarity
The Hellenic Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
website: http://www.hespras.gr/
check membership: Here
Pan-hellenic Medical Association
website: http://www.pis.gr/
email: Pisinfo@pis.gr
local chambers: http://www.pis.gr/medassociations
recognised specialties: http://www.pis.gr/press/inter210208eng.html
Data Protection Agency
website: http://www.dpa.gr/ (in Greek)