Abdominoplasty, also known as Tummy Tuck Surgery aims to eliminate excess fat and skin and in most cases, to form a straight, smooth and tight stomach; reverting weak and separated muscles back to normal shape and tone and this plastic surgery operation is an option for both men and women. Nowadays, the popularity of Tummy Tuck surgery has increased because it can help correct the sagging belly caused by hereditary factors, major fluctuations in weight, old age, pregnancy and sagging belly.
Who are the candidates for Tummy Tuck?
Gynecomasty You can consider Tummy Tuck on these occasions:
- You lost a lot of weight and now, you have loose skin,
- Due to your past pregnancy, you have a saggy stomach,
- You have on your belly due to injuries or previous surgeries,
- You are going through hernioplasty and want to combine it with Tummy Tuck.
How is Tummy Tuck surgery performed?
Tummy Tuck procedure takes about 2 to 4 hours depending on the severity of sagging and the technique used. The technique is chosen by the surgeon according to your needs and expectations. For the best result, liposuction can also be considered.
In the stomach region, an incision is made through the bikini line. Next, a circular incision is made to excise the loose and excess skin near the belly button. After muscles are tightened and the skin is pulled downward following resection of excess fat and skin, a new belly button is created at the correct location.
Finally, the incisions are sutured and wound dressing is made.
Sometimes, a compressive bandage is used and a drain is placed to remove excess fluid.
What one should be before Tummy Tuck?
Follow these instructions to have better surgery and heal faster after the surgery:
- Quit smoking as it will help shorten the convalescence period.
- Lose as much weight as possible (to your ideal weight). Further weight loss after the surgery can alter the postoperative result and a subsequent operation may be needed.
- Shave the surgical site to minimize the risk of infection.
- Plan your return to home before the surgery.
- Complete your important work before surgery because you need to care for yourself in the convalescence period for several days after the surgery.
- Ensure that there is someone to help you and take care of you after surgery for at least two days.
Instructions for after Tummy Tuck Surgery and convalescence period
- Before you are discharged from the hospital, a drain and dressing may be placed to remove excess fluid from the incision area.
- You can return home 1-3 days after the surgery, although it depends on the surgery you were undergone.
- Your doctor may prescribe some painkillers that you will need to take in the convalescence period.
- Most patients are mobilized in the first day and if their job doesn’t involve heavy physical activity, they can continue working within 6 weeks at latest.
- You shouldn’t lift heavy objects in the first 6 weeks after surgery.
- Avoid sexual intercourse for 3 weeks and be gentle thereafter.
- Final results can be gradually observed in 6 months.
- To preserve results of Tummy Tuck, you need to continue to have a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
As is the case with all other surgeries, Tummy Tuck may have some rare and temporary risks and complications. Informing your doctor about your medical history and following his advice is very important in preventing these risks and complications. Some of the potential side effects of Abdominoplasty are as follows:
• Pain,
• Mild bleeding,
• Infection and clotting,
• Swelling,
• Numbness.
Mini Tummy Tuck (Partial Abdominoplasty)
Mini Tummy Tuck surgery is less invasive than regular Tummy Tuck. Mini Tummy Tuck or Partial Abdominoplasty is the perfect option for those who have minimally excess abdominal skin and don’t have protruding abdominal muscle wall. People with age-related saggy stomach or people who want to have their thin bellies changed to a desired shape can see that Mini Tummy Tuck is the optimal option for them.
In Mini Tummy Tuck, muscles are tightened and excess skin is only dissected from under the belly. An incision will be made on lower abdomen but it is not necessary to relocate the belly button.