A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure where excess fat and saggy skin is removed from the middle and bottom areas of the stomach and the muscles are tightened.
Reasons to Have a Tummy Tuck
A flat stomach is the sign of having a beautiful physique. A tummy tuck is a procedure where excess fat, loose muscles and saggy skin caused by age, successive births and yo-yo weight gain and loss are corrected. Overweight patients have to lose an amount of weight to be determined by their doctor before they can have this procedure. A fat stomach and appearance can be solved with this operation.
Surgical Methods
Shaping the stomach wall is achieved by removing fat (liposuction or laser lipolysis) or with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) depending on the amount of fat, sagging and skin elasticity. Abdominoplasties can be carried out simultaneously with other body shaping procedures (breast surgery, liposuction etc.) and some others (uterus, ovary operations etc.)
Tummy tuck operations are divided into two; full (full abdominoplasty) and mini (mini abdominoplasty).
Mini Tummy Tuck: Is the removal of excess skin and fat from only the lower stomach. The effects of the operation are especially apparent on those who are not medically obese, and is why it is their preferred option.
Full Tummy Tuck: Excess fat is removed from the entire stomach and hips; excess skin is removed from the bottom of the stomach and the stomach muscles beneath the tightened skin are repaired. This is a solution for stubborn areas of fat.
Type of Anaesthesia and Length of Procedure
Tummy tucks are performed in an operating theatre under general anaesthetic. Aspirin and cigarette use must be ended 2-3 weeks before the operation. The length of the operation depends on the procedures involved. A full tummy tuck lasts 2-3 hours if liposuction is not used on a large area.
Recovery Period
There may be swelling and pain that can be controlled with painkillers for a few days after the tummy tuck. Drains are removed 1-3 days and stiches are removed 1-3 weeks after the operation. You will have to stay in hospital for 1-3 days. It may take some months for you to feel like your old self. You can return to work 2-4 weeks after the operation. The incision made might look to be getting works for the first 3-6 months, but this is normal, as it takes 9 months to 1 year to heal and fade. Even though it won’t disappear, the scar can easily be hidden, even when wearing a bikini. Mini and full abdominoplasties create perfect results for patients with weak abdominal muscles or excessive sagging. Most patients can maintain the result with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
