Abdominoplasty also known as tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery to improve the shape and appearance of the abdomen. During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat will be removed from the abdomen.
Then the connective tissue in your abdomen (fascia) is tightened with sutures. Afterward, the remaining skin will be repositioned to create a more toned look. Since this surgery aims to help remove excess skin caused by pregnancy, losing a lot of weight, or other similar situations, it may be right for you if you have a similar situation. A tummy tuck is usually only recommended for people with a healthy body mass index (BMI) so it’s not a quick fix for losing weight.
Why should I have an abdominoplasty?
Excess fat, poor elasticity of the skin, or weakened connective tissue in the abdomen can happen for several reasons, including:
Significant changes in weight
Pregnancy
Abdominal surgery, such as a C-section
Aging
Your natural body type
Other than removing loose, excess skin and fat, and tightening weak fascia, a tummy tuck can also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the belly button. But keep in mind if stretch marks are outside of this area, a tummy tuck won’t be able to correct them.
Abdominoplasty may also be done alongside another body contouring cosmetic procedure, such as breast augmentation. You may feel the need to have a tummy tuck after liposuction since liposuction will remove tissue just under the skin and fat but not any excess skin. A tummy tuck isn’t for everyone, your doctor may caution against an abdominoplasty if you:
Plan to lose a significant amount of weight
Might consider pregnancy in the future
Have a severe chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes
Have a body mass index that's greater than 30
Smoke
Have had a previous abdominal surgery that caused significant scar tissue
What does a tummy tuck involve?
There are 2 types of abdominoplasty, and both are usually done under a general anesthetic.
A partial abdominoplasty involves:
making a large cut (incision) across the lower tummy
separating the skin from the abdominal wall below the belly button
removing excess fat and skin
pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place
A full abdominoplasty involves:
making a large incision across the lower tummy, from hip to hip, just above the pubic area
making a second incision to free the belly button from the tissue that surrounds it
separating the skin from the abdominal wall
realigning the abdominal muscles
removing excess fat and skin
cutting a new hole for the belly button and stitching this back in place
pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place
The operation can take between 2 and 5 hours. Most people need to stay in the hospital for a few nights. You will probably experience some pain after waking from the general anesthesia. You’ll be released from the hospital with dressings and a pressure garment (corset) on your tummy. You’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the following 24 hours.
What are the risks of abdominoplasty surgery?
A tummy tuck poses various risks, including:
Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma): Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid. Your doctor might also remove fluid after surgery using a needle and syringe.
Poor wound healing: Sometimes areas along the incision line heal poorly or begin to separate. You might be given antibiotics during and after surgery to prevent an infection.
Unexpected scarring: The incision scar from a tummy tuck is permanent, but it's typically placed along the easily hidden bikini line. The length and visibility of the scar vary from person to person.
Tissue damage: During a tummy tuck, fatty tissue deep within your skin in the abdominal area might get damaged or die. Smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. Depending on the size of the area, tissue might heal on its own or require a surgical touch-up procedure.
Changes in skin sensation: During a tummy tuck, the repositioning of your abdominal tissues can affect the nerves in the abdominal area, and infrequently, in the upper thighs. You'll likely feel some reduced sensation or numbness. This usually diminishes in the months after the procedure.
Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Recovery after a tummy tuck
You’ll need to take 4-6 weeks off work, and will not be able to drive for a few weeks after the operation. It takes about 6 weeks to fully recover and to see the full effect of a tummy tuck. You’ll also need to wear the corset or tummy-control pants consistently for 6 weeks, to encourage your skin to heal properly and reduce any swelling. It’s best to take it easy during this time and keep your knees bent while in bed, to avoid putting strain on your stitches. After a few weeks, you should have a follow-up appointment to check on your wound. By 6 weeks, you’ll probably no longer need to wear a corset and may return to doing most of your daily activities.
What can be expected from an abdominoplasty?
By removing excess skin and fat and strengthening your abdominal wall, a tummy tuck can give your abdomen a more toned and slimmer appearance. Tummy tuck results are usually long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tummy tuck candidates are typically individuals who have excess skin or fat in the abdominal area that is resistant to diet and exercise. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as aging, significant fluctuations in weight, heredity, pregnancy, or prior surgery. Ideal candidates are those who are in good health, have realistic expectations about the outcome, and understand the risks involved. It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. While the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in weight. Therefore, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.