Overview:
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure to shape up the tummy and waistlines to
improve the appearance of the body.
The tummy tuck is also known as abdominoplasty. In this surgery excess skin and fat are
removed from the abdomen. Central vertical muscle and fascia is also tightened with
sutures as well. The remaining skin is re-positioned to create a more toned look.
You might choose to have a tummy tuck if you have excess fat or skin around the area of
your belly button or a weak lower abdominal wall.
Why it’s done
There are several reasons you might have excess fat or weakened connective tissue in your
abdomen. Here are some:
• Significant changes in weight
• Due to pregnancy
• Abdominal surgery, such as a C-section
• Natural body type
This treatment proves to be beneficial if you want a flat and tight tummy. A tummy tuck
removes loose, saggy, excess skin and fat, and tighten weak fascia. It also removes stretch
marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the belly button.
Who Are the Best Candidates for a Tummy Tuck?
A person who have good health is the best candidate for this surgery.
Women who have had several pregnancies may find the procedure useful to get dream
tummy shape back.
How to Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery
While you are planning for Tummy Tuck surgery first step is to choose a surgeon and book
your appointment. At that meeting, you’ll talk about your goals and the following options:
• Complete abdominoplasty. The surgeon will cut your abdomen skin from hipbone
to hipbone and then contour the skin, tissue, and muscle as needed. The surgery will
involve moving your belly button, and you may need drainage tubes under your skin
for a few days.
• Partial or mini-abdominoplasty. Mini-abdominoplasties is the best option for the
people who bothered by excess skin folds above and below your belly button. During
this procedure, the surgeon most likely will not move your belly button.
If a person smokes, at least two weeks before the surgery until two weeks after the surgery,
He/she must quit smoking. It doesn’t mean to cut down on smoking but must stop
completely to reduce complications more likely and slows healing.
Before the surgery, the person must Eat well-balanced & complete meals instead of
following a drastic diet.
The person is responsible to provide information including prescription drugs, herbal
medicines, and other supplements. The surgeon may instruct to stop taking certain
medications for a time before and after the surgery.
How a Tummy Tuck Is Done
• Before the procedure starts, the surgeon will give you general anesthesia to make
you unconscious during the procedure.
• The incision is made below horizontally between below the belly button and just
above the pubic area . It is made from hip to hip.
• The surgeon will separate the skin from the abdominal wall to tighten the fascia and
reveal the muscles. It will be closed with stitches.
• The surgeon will cover stitches with a tight elastic bandage to prevent the swelling
and the surgeon will place the drain to remove the excess blood and fluids.
This surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. You may need to stay overnight in
the hospital, depending on your case. You must have followed the instruction for better
recovery.
Possible Complications
You will have swelling and pain in the days following surgery. During that time, you may also
experience numbness, bruising, and tiredness. As compared to other surgery they are rare,
complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap, or blood clots. If you have
poor circulation, diabetes, or heart, lung, or liver disease, you may be more likely to have
complications.
A tummy tuck leaves scars. The surgeon may recommend certain creams or ointments to
use after you’ve completely healed to help with scars.
Results:
After this surgery, you can feel an immediate improvement in an appearance on the body. It
takes a few hours to complete this procedure but, it is important to follow some
precautionary tips or prescriptions for a fast and smooth recovery.
Tummy tuck results are long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight.
