What is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure that removes excess fat and skin, and helps to restore weakened or separated muscles creating a smoother, flatter and firmer abdominal profile. Tummy tuck surgery is a good option for you, if you are bothered by a feeling that your tummy is too large.
During this surgery the abdominal wall is restructured or strengthened with stitches or in some cases with a synthetic mesh. This can be combined with other surgical procedures like incisonal hernia repair, gynaecological procedures etc.
What will Abdominoplasty do?
Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. This may be due to pregnancy, ageing, significant fluctuations in weight, heredity or due to prior surgery. Abdominoplasty helps you to have an abdominal profile that is smoother, more firm and flat than before.
What it will not do
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.
Also, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks. However, if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, the stretch marks may be removed or improved.
What are the risks and complications?
Like any other surgery, there are certain risks involved in this procedure. Your plastic surgeon will explain in detail the risks and potential complications associated with this surgery. You will also be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.
What happens after Abdominoplasty?
Immediately after the surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
These will be removed when the collected fluid is minimal.You may need three to five days of hospitalization and about a week to ten days of rest.
What are the expected results?
Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident about your new slimmer profile.
You need to know that the practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.