Abdominoplasty(Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty, often known as tummy tuck surgery, removes excess fat and skin and repairs weakened muscles, resulting in a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. Many of us aim for a flat and toned belly through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these strategies fail to meet our objectives. Even people with normal body weight and proportion might acquire a protruding or sagging abdomen. The most common causes include aging, pregnancy, prior surgery, heredity, and significant fluctuations in height.
Your surgeon will review the different types of abdominoplasty procedures available to you, depending on your particular needs and condition.
Complete abdominoplasty
An extensive procedure involving a hip-to-hip incision (cut) and moving your belly button in the process of removing excess fat and skin and tightening your abdominal muscles.
Partial or mini-abdominoplasty
A procedure that happens below the belly button and therefore doesn’t require moving the belly button. Excess fat and skin is removed and abdominal muscles are tightened.
Panniculectomy
Surgical removal of excess skin and fat, often reserved for people who have lost over 100 pounds and for whom this “apron” of fat causes additional lifestyle and health problems, such as infection where the skin flap hangs over.
Procedure
Before the Procedure
- Tell your surgeon about any recent health conditions and all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take. This includes both herbal supplements and illegal medications. It also includes blood thinners like warfarin and anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and clopidogrel. You may need to discontinue any or all of them prior to surgery.
- You’ll usually have to fast for a few hours before surgery. If you have been directed to take medications, do it with a little sip of water.
- Don't smoke or use vaping nicotine products for 1 month before surgery. Smoking may reduce the blood flow in the skin and raise the risk of wound healing problems. Nicotine from any source (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, patches, chewing tobacco) slows healing.
During the Procedure
- An intravenous line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line delivers fluids and medicines.
- You will have abdominoplasty under general anesthesia. This means you’ll be put to sleep during the operation. A tube may be placed into your throat to help you breathe.
- Your plastic surgeon will make an incision in the belly from hip bone to hip bone. This is often along the lower part of the belly, just above the pubic hairline. An incision is also made around the belly button.
- The skin and fat are lifted to expose the abdominal wall beneath. The abdominal wall includes fascia (fibrous tissue) and muscles.
- If needed, the belly muscles are pulled together to tighten the abdominal wall. Stitches are used down the middle of the belly beneath the skin to hold the muscles in their new position.
- The skin and fat are pulled back down once the abdominal wall has been tightened. Excess fat and skin are then removed from the belly.
- Once the skin and fat are pulled down, the belly button may be covered up. In such cases, an incision is made so the belly button can be brought back out through the skin. The skin is then sewn into place around the belly button.
- Small draining tubes may be placed near the incisions. These drain fluids may build up as the wound heals. You will be directed on how to care for the drains at home.
- Any incisions made during the surgery are closed with stitches, surgical glue, or both. If stitches are used, they may dissolve on their own. Or they may need to be removed by the surgeon later.
After the Procedure
- You may be wrapped up in an elastic bandage or a support garment after the treatment to assist reduce swelling and support your abdomen as it recovers.
- You may return home on the day of surgery with instructions from your doctor, although an overnight stay may be recommended for a more extensive procedure.
- When you go home, you'll put on your support garment and take any pain and infection-prevention medications that have been recommended to you. Your doctor will advise you to rest for the first week since you will experience abdominal soreness.
Benefits
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, offers several benefits to individuals seeking to improve the appearance and contour of their abdomen.
Removal of excess skin
Abdominoplasty effectively removes excess skin in the abdominal area, particularly after significant weight loss or pregnancy. This can result in a flatter and more toned abdomen.
Tightening of abdominal muscles
The procedure allows for the tightening of abdominal muscles that may have become weakened or separated. This can improve core strength and provide a more sculpted appearance.
Improved body contour
Abdominoplasty can enhance the overall body contour and can help restore balance and harmony to the waistline and midsection.
Reduction of stubborn fat deposits
While not primarily a fat removal procedure, abdominoplasty may involve the removal of small amounts of stubborn fat through liposuction. This can further enhance the contouring effects of the surgery.
Correction of hernias
Abdominoplasty can address certain types of hernias, such as umbilical hernias, by repairing the weakened abdominal wall.
Enhanced self-confidence
Many individuals who undergo abdominoplasty experience a boost in self-confidence and body image. The removal of excess skin and the improved abdominal contour can help individuals feel more comfortable and satisfied with their appearance.
Risks
Risks and possible complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Skin discoloration
- Excessive scarring
- Changes in sensation, such as numbness or pain
- Damage to nearby nerves, blood vessels, soft tissues, or organs
Care at Medicover
At Medicover Hospitals, we have an eminent team of plastic surgeons providing care to the patients by procedures such as abdominoplasty. Our plastic surgeons at Medicover are committed to combining your goals and realistic expectations with expertise for a safe and positive outcome. We provide a wide variety of procedures using the most advanced technologies and top-notch equipment, bringing out successful outcomes.
