A Tummy Tuck (or Abdominoplasty) is a common surgical technique used to remove abdominal fatty deposits that cannot be eliminated through diet or exercise.
Abdominoplasty is often used in conjunction with Liposuction or Gastric Bypass. It is used after heavy weight loss to cut out loose inelastic skin which is left after the operation
An Abdominoplasty can last anywhere from one to five hours, depending on the amount of skin removed and the size of the patient. The basic principal is the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen to tighten the abdominal muscle.
There are five steps in a complete tummy tuck:
i. The surgeon cuts from hip to hip, just above the pubic area.
ii. The navel is freed from the surrounding skin with another cut.
iii. The skin is detached from the abdominal wall. The muscles beneath are tightened with sutures.
iv. The skin flap that was taken off the muscle, is now reattached. Any extra skin is removed and a new hole is cut for the navel.
v. Stitches are dressed and excess fluid is drained.
A partial abdominoplasty is another option if your fat is mainly in the lower part of your abdomen. In this procedure the navel is left intact. It is also a much faster operation.
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are people in good shape, but with a fat deposit or loose skin that cannot be shifted by diet or exercise. Many mothers also benefit from the tightening of their stretched abdominal muscles.
Patients should be aware that permanent scarring will follow the operation, and should therefore be fully mentally prepared for this. Patients who may lose a lot of weight in the future should avoid the surgery, as should women who may at some point become pregnant.
There are several simple things to do that can improve the chances of a successful surgery. It is important to keep your abdomen out of the sun for a week before the operation - you don't want the surgeon working on damaged skin. Also, quit smoking 2 weeks before the surgery and for 2 weeks after.
Arrange for a friend to be with you after surgery as you will have trouble getting out of hospital and taking care of yourself. Some patients actually stay for several days in hospital. For the first few days you will be swollen and in some pain. This will subside though, and stitches taken out after 1-2 weeks.
Some exercise can actually help the healing process, but vigorous exercise should be avoided until well after the surgery. You should be back in work after 1 to 2 months.
Tummy tucks are subject to all the dangers of any surgery under general anaesthetic. Another significant risk is that blood flow is cut off from the skin, resulting in the death of that skin and its necessary removal. Consult your doctor to discover all the risks and how they pertain to you.
