Abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. It also helps to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
You may choose to undergo abdominoplasty, also called tummy tuck, for a number of reasons:
• To remove a large fat deposit
• To remove loose abdominal skin
• To improve skin elasticity if you are an older patient
• To improve your muscle and skin tone after multiple pregnancies
Tummy tucks should always combine flaccid skin removal, inner abdominal muscles tightening and belly button relocation; finally, torso sculpting (liposculpture) will add the trimming and enhancing effect needed as to bring out the natural curves, emphasizing waistline thus preventing "square" final appearance.
FAQs
| How is the Tummy Tuck surgery performed? |
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You'll probably wish to discuss the pros and cons of the surgery with your surgeon beforehand to make sure you fully understand the implications of the procedure he recommends for you.
Most commonly, the surgeon will make an incision slightly above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck), the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.
Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by being pulled closer together and stitched into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and reduces the waistline.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.
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| How long will the Tummy Tuck surgery take? |
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The length of your operation depends on the procedure. Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours while partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.
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| How long will my recovery take? |
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It may take you weeks or months to feel like your own self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, your recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help you heal better. Even if you have never exercised before, an exercise program will help to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone your muscles. It is wise to avoid vigorous exercise though, until you can do it comfortably. |
| What am I to expect after my Tummy Tuck surgery? |
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For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort. However, most of this will be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.
Your doctor will give you advice on showering and changing your dressings. It is also important that, although you may not be able to stand straight at first, you start walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches will be removed in 12 days, whilst deeper sutures are reabsorbable.
The dressing on your incision is then likely to be replaced by a support garment for some time.
Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely. |
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