Abdominoplasty is more commonly known as a ?tummy tuck?, and is a serious surgical procedure. Essentially what a tummy tuck is, is the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen as well as a tightening of the abdominal wall muscles. The appearance of a protruding abdomen can be dramatically reduced by a tummy tuck procedure. Getting a tummy tuck done will leave a permanent scar on your body, which can extend from hip to hip but will sometimes be smaller. It is important to know everything you can about the procedure before considering any surgery, as there is no surgery that comes without risks. The following is a run down of what you need to know and consider before deciding whether or not to undergo surgery for a tummy tuck.
The purpose of a tummy tuck is to remove large fat deposits and loose abdominal skin that will not respond to normal diet and exercise regimens. Many women who have had multiple pregnancies and in doing so, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point of returning to normal, can make use of the tummy tuck procedure to return their tummies to their original shape. Patients who intend to lose weight, or gain weight (as though pregnancy or otherwise) should not go through with the procedure right away. Before you decide to have surgery, consider all of your options carefully and discuss your expectations with your surgeon to ensure that a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you.
The most important thing to be aware of, is that all surgery carries uncertainly and risk in some form. Thousands of tummy tucks are performed successfully every year, but there are always risks associated with surgeries, and there are specific complications that are associated with the tummy tuck procedure. There is a risk of post operative complications, like infection and blood clots. These complications are rare, but possible so they should be considered thoroughly.
A complete tummy tuck generally lasts between two and five hours, but it depends on the extent of the work that is required for each individual body. Partial tummy tucks or mini tummy tucks tend to take only around an hour or two. First, the surgeon makes a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, then a second incision in order to free the navel from the surrounding tissue. The incision is much shorter with a mini tummy tuck. Next, the surgeon will separate your skin from the abdominal wall, lifting a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles along your abdomen. These muscles are pulled closer together in order to tighten them, and they are stitched into the new position to provide a narrower waistline and a firmer abdominal wall. Next, the skin flap is stretched down over the stomach, removing the extra skin. A new hole is cut for your navel which is then stitched into its place. The incisions are stitched and dressings are applied at the end, and a temporary tube is sometimes affixed in order to drain any excess fluid that may try to build up in the surgical site.
For the first few days following the tummy tuck surgery, your abdomen will be swollen and you're likely to be in a bit of pain or discomfort, which can be gradually controlled by medicine and which will slowly wane over time. You could be released within a few hours of the surgery, or they may keep you in the hospital for a few days depending on how your body reacts to the event. It could take as many as a few months to feel like your old self again following your tummy tuck. It is important to be in the best possible physical condition before the surgery if you want to bounce back quickly. Exercise will help you to heal better following the surgery, so consider adopting an exercise program in order to reduce swelling, tone muscles and lower the chance of blood clots.
