TUMMY TUCK/ ABDOMINOPLASTY
A pleasing abdomen has toned muscles, firm skin and shapely contours due to the right distribution of fat. The abdominal muscles provide structural support to the abdominal cavity, protect the abdominal organs and also give counter-support to the spine. There are four major muscles namely: external abdominal oblique, internal abdominal oblique, transversus abdominis, and rectus abdominis.
Many women are unable to achieve a flat and toned abdomen even with proper diet and exercise; particularly after pregnancy or major weight loss. In many of them, the rectus muscles are separated or weakened. Some also have exercise resistant fat on the tummy and flanks as well. Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure which removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal wall muscles to restore a firm and toned abdomen even in such subjects. However deep internal fat has to be lost only by diet and exercise.
FAQs
- Who are the candidates?
- What to do before the procedure?
- How is tummy tuck procedure done?
- What are the 2 types of tummy tuck procedures?
- How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty is suggested for people who have good overall health, but are worried about excess skin and fat deposits on their stomach that do not respond to lifestyle modifications. It is better if they do not have an excess of deep abdominal fat. A tummy tuck can be performed on men and women who have gained or lost a lot of weight resulting in excess fat or loose skin. It can also be beneficial to women who have had multiple deliveries, causing loose abdominal wall muscles and excess skin around their midsection.
A tummy tuck may not be advisable if you are planning for a future pregnancy and is not a weight reduction procedure.
Before your procedure, a detailed medical history is obtained, and a thorough physical examination is performed. During your consultation, your doctor will advise you to stop smoking, if you smoke, so as to avoid post-surgical complications and delayed healing. You should eat a healthy diet and avoid any restrictive dieting during this time. You should inform your doctor of all medications that you are taking and also about significant medical conditions and previous surgeries if any.
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia.
- Complete abdominoplasty is one where a long incision is made from hipbone to hipbone along the bikini line. The abdominal wall muscles are tightened, excess skin and fat are removed and the belly button is relocated with respect to the abdominal skin.
- Partial or mini abdominoplasty removes pockets of excess fat and tightens the abdominal muscles but only below the naval. It can be done with a much smaller incision than a complete abdominoplasty. The belly button will usually not need to be moved but depends on the case. The incisions will be closed with sutures. You may or may not have a drain in place depending on your surgeons’ preference.
The short answer to when you can go back to work after a tummy tuck is two to six weeks. The amount of recovery time you need depends on several factors of your surgery. You may go home after the surgical procedure, but you will need help at home for a few days, especially if you have young children.
