Tummy Tuck Surgery or Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
Is Tummy Tuck the right treatment for you?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.
You are the right candidate for the treatment if
- Diet & exercise have helped you lose weight, but your abdomen still protrudes and lacks tone.
- Your abdominal muscles and skin are stretched and sagging following pregnancy.
- After losing significant amounts of weight, you now have loose, excess skin hanging around your belly.
- You have always had a belly that “sticks out,” even though you are in very good shape.
Before Surgery
In your initial consultation, you will have a total medical evaluation as well as an extensive evaluation of your problem including the degree of increased abdominal girth, fat content, and skin laxity. If your problem is limited to the area below the navel, you may require a simpler procedure called a mini-abdominoplasty, also known as a mini-tummy tuck. If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
Your surgery will be done under general anesthesia in a hospital, where you can stay for several days. Complete abdominoplasty usually takes four hours, depending on the extent of work required and the surgeon will make a long incision from hip bone to hip bone whereas mini-abdominoplasty may take two hours and the incision is much shorter. The abdominal muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. The skin is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Abdominoplasty is a relatively common procedure. Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare but can occur.
After Surgery
For the first new days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. You may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days. You should start walking as soon as possible.
People usually return to work after two weeks. Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent long lasting results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin.
How to Maintain Tummy Tuck Results?
At the consultation, Dr. Kayle will outline appropriate suggestions and post-treatment care but here are a few tips you should know:
- Eating Habits: Keep a watch on your diet and eating habits.
- Exercise: Tummy Tuck strengthens loose abdomen muscles while keeping them tightened requires regular exercise. Start a small session of workout after complete recovery.
- Stay in touch with Dr. Kayle: You will be given a schedule of follow-up appointments you should keep after your tummy tuck.
