Abdominoplasty, known as a “Tummy Tuck,” is a major surgical procedure to tighten the loose skin and muscles of the abdomen following pregnancy and weight loss. It leave a tranverse scar in the lower abdomen below the bikini line. A liposuction may occur in conjunction with the tummy tuck.
This procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. There will usually be only a small amount of weight loss but a significantly impred shape. it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR ABDOMINOPLASTY
The best candidates for Tummy Tuck are men or women with a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. This 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. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
A Tummy Tuck can improve your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
Most men and women seek this procedure for the following reasons:
Embarrassed to wear swim suits.
Difficulty getting clothing, which hides or diminishes the bulges of the abdomen.
Limitation of social, leisure and sexual activities to avoid embarrassment.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
The following post-operative complications may occur:
- Pain and discomfort: You may feel discomfort and also pain immediately after surgery. After a few days most patients feel better, but a fit to be looked after at home is suggested. Strong painkillers are usually necessary in the immediate post-operative period in most patients.
- Infection: Wound infection can result in delayed healing.
- Haematoma: This is a collection of blood caused by bleeding beneath the abdominal flap after the operation. It will be drained with a general anaesthtic.
- Seroma: This is a collection of fluid that has accumulated under the abdominal flap in the post-operative period. It can be removed easily with a needle aspiration and it may need to be repeated several times as the accumulation of fluid can recur.
- Scars: Scars may become stretched or thickened (keloid) and may require revision if they do not settle in time.
- Loss of the navel: This is do to inadequate blood supply to the navel after it has been re-sited to its new position in the abdominal flap.
- Loss of sensation: Most patients will experience a loss of sensibility for several weeks in the lower half of the abdomen below the level of the navel. Sensation slowly and after several months begins to return.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should begin physical activity.
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and your skin tone. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you’re taking any medications.
During the consultation, your surgeon should also explain the anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications.
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, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.
WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
This procedure is performed in a hospital, where their patients can stay one or two days.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
Your doctor may select general anesthesia, so you’ll sleep through the operation.
THE SURGERY
An incision from hipbone to hipbone is made, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With 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 pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows 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 Mini Tummy Tuck, 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.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. 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 instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. 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 people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they’ll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
YOUR NEW LOOK
A Tummy Tuck procedure will flatten and tone up a previously flabby stomach. Whether partial or complete, it produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
