What is the best procedure to remove excess skin and fat?
Abdominoplasty also popularly known as “Tummy Tuck” is a procedure which makes a protuberant abdomen flat. It should not be considered as an alternative weight loss procedure. In this procedure excess skin and fat are removed and the lax abdominal muscles are tightened to flatten the bulge.
How is a Tummy Tuck procedure performed?
Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is a surgical technique that eliminates excess abdominal fat and skin. This procedure takes about 2 – 3 hours and is performed under general/epidural anesthesia.
The abdomen is flattened by removing excess fat and skin and by tightening muscles of the abdominal wall.
This procedure flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall.
How many types of Tummy Tuck are there?
There are mainly two types of tummy tuck.
Complete abdominoplasty
In this procedure, the abdomen is cut from hipbone to hipbone that is from one bony prominence to the other in the lowermost part of the abdominal wall producing a bikini line or panty line incision. The whole skin and fat apron are then raised up to the margins of the chest wall. Cuts are made around the umbilicus leaving it attached to the abdominal wall. The lax muscles are then tightened with a non-dissolving suture both vertically and horizontally. Small liposuction is done in the flanks to contour the waistline. A new hole is made for positioning the belly button and excess skin and fat is then excised (Mostly the whole area below the belly button). Closure of skin and fat is then done keeping negative suction drains in position for 2 to 3 days.
Partial or mini abdominoplasty
This is done in patients who are having excess skin and fat below the navel area. Smaller incisions are made in the bikini line area and the whole of excess skin and fat apron is mobilized up to the navel and the excess of it is removed and sutured.
Who Are the Best Candidates For a Tummy Tuck?
- All patients who have lost excess weight and are having lax abdominal muscles along with excess skin and fat in the abdominal area.
- A woman who has completed her family and has no plans for further pregnancies.
- All patients who have sound physical and mental health.
What are the possible risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty?
Apart from the general risks associated with any operation complications specific to tummy tuck are:
- Temporary loss of sensation
- Skin and Fat necrosis
- Contour abnormalities
- Scar placement
- Seroma
These are avoidable complications in the hands of qualified and experienced plastic surgeons.
How long is recovery after a tummy tuck?
Complete recovery from surgery is by three weeks however scars to settle may take 6 months to 1 year like in any other plastic surgery procedures.
How much pain can I expect after a tummy tuck with muscle repair?
Mild to moderate discomfort is present up to 3 weeks which can be very well taken care of with pain medications.
How long the result will?
Results are permanent with a stable weight and no further pregnancies.
Is Tummy Tuck a major operation?
Yes, Tummy Tuck is a major operation.
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