While most people have heard of a tummy tuck, some may wonder what exactly one is. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is an abdominal surgery to reduce the size and appearance of the abdomen. During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, and skin is repositioned and stitched together. This results in a slenderer look.
People who are concerned about the way excess fat and skin in their abdomen looks may opt for Tummy Tuck Surgery. Changes in weight gain, natural body type, and aging may make an abdomen larger than some would like. Also, pregnancy and a C-section can leave women with an abdomen that looks out of shape.
Different Kinds of Abdominoplasty
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In a complete abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision from one hipbone to the other. He will contour the skin, tissue, and muscle, and then move the belly button to a new place, and suture things up. In partial abdominoplasty, fat deposits are just removed from a few places, and skin is sutured up.
A tummy tuck can also be done in combination with other plastic surgeries, such as breast augmentation. Often a tummy tuck is done in combination with liposuction, which removes fat, but not any of the skin.
Risks
There are some risks associated with abdominoplasty. There can be scarring, however, the scar from surgery is placed right at the bikini line so that it is less noticeable. The size and visibility of the scar vary from person to person. During surgery, fatty tissue deep within the skin may get damaged or die, and smoking increases this risk. This tissue may heal on its own, or it may need a surgical touch-up to heal.
Another complication is that fluid can accumulate under the skin after surgery. Doctors will usually leave drainage tubes under the skin to help fluid drain. They may also remove fluid after surgery using a needle and syringe. Sometimes an infection will occur. Incision lines will heal poorly, or begin to open up. Patients are given antibiotics to help keep these infections from happening.
Is a Tummy Tuck Right for you?
Good candidates for a tummy tuck include those people who are physically healthy, have realistic expectations, have maintained a stable weight, are non-smokers, and are bothered by the appearance of their abdomen. People who have chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, are not good candidates for this procedure.
Recovery
After surgery, the abdomen and belly button will be covered with surgical dressing. There will likely be drainage tubes left in for fluid to drain properly. Patients should get up and move around as soon as the next day after surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed to help with the healing process, and usually, an abdominal binder will need to be worn for six weeks to make sure incisions do not open up.
Removing extra skin and fat through a tummy tuck can give an abdomen a more toned and slimmer appearance. Check with a specialist today.
