Tummy Tuck

 

 

Abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck" as it is commonly known, is a procedure that minimizes the abdominal area. With this procedure, the surgeon makes a long incision from one side of the hipbone to the other. Excess fat and skin are surgically removed from the middle and lower abdomen, and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened.

 

 

  

 

 

The best candidates for tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, are men and women who are in relatively good shape, but cannot rid themselves of a fat deposit or loose abdominal skin by dieting or exercise.

 

The tummy tuck procedure helps to restore the appearance of the abdomen for women who have undergone multiple pregnancies or individuals who lost a large amount of weight. Your doctor may encourage you to postpone abdominoplasty if you intend to lose a lot of weight or have more children.

 

 

Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck, is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen, making it firmer and thinner.

 

Your surgeon flattens the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and narrows the waistline by tightening the muscles of the wall of the abdomen. Surgery may last between two and three hours. Patients may be hospitalized, depending upon individual circumstances or the extent of the work done during surgery.

 

 

Liposuction or tubal removal of exercise-resistant fat deposits can be done in place of or in conjunction with your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Your surgeon will help you choose the best technique considering your body condition and desired results. A specialized compression garment may need to be worn for a few weeks to assist with post-liposuction contour.

 

 

Side effects immediately following the tummy tuck procedure may include temporary pain, swelling, and soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, or tiredness for several weeks or months. Most discomfort can be controlled by doctor-prescribed medication.

You will be able to return to regular social and work activities between two and four weeks, and more strenuous activity between four and six weeks after your tummy tuck. Although scars are permanent, they will fade or flatten between three months to two years. Most clothing and bathing suits do a good job of hiding scars. However, the procedure may not remove all stretch marks if they are extensive. Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) results will last for many years, unless you gain or lose a large amount of weight or become pregnant.

Risks of abdominoplasty include blood clots, infection, bleeding under the skin flap, poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss, or need for a second operation.