Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is intended to give the patient a smoother, flatter abdomen. The surgery involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightening the underlying muscles to create a smoother, firmer profile. There are a few different types of tummy tuck procedures and the right one for a patient will depend on several issues.
Abdominoplasty is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, which can result in sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles. The procedure can also remove stretch marks and improve overall body contour. Abdominoplasty results can be long lasting if the patient maintains a stable weight.
Benefits of Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty offers numerous benefits, including a flatter and more toned abdominal profile. It effectively removes loose, sagging skin and excess fat, which can improve the fit of clothing and boost self-confidence. Additionally, the procedure can remove or reduce the appearance of stretch marks, particularly those below the navel. For many, the results of abdominoplasty lead to improved body image and overall satisfaction with their physical appearance.
How Abdominoplasty Is Done
Abdominoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and the navel. The extent of the incision depends on the amount of excess skin. During surgery, in addition to removing excess skin, the abdominal muscles are tightened with internal stitches that are usually absorbable. An abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction to help further contour the torso. The best results are achieved in patients who are close to their ideal body weight and can maintain their weight through a healthy diet and exercise.
Who Abdominoplasty Surgery Is For
You may be a candidate for an abdominoplasty if you have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin. Loose skin is frequently associated with relaxation of the anterior abdominal wall muscles and can be the result of pregnancies, weight loss, or prior surgery. You may also desire a tummy tuck if you are unable to tighten your abdominal wall skin with exercise.
Candidates should have realistic expectations and seek to improve their abdominal contour rather than achieve weight loss. The procedure is not recommended for smokers, individuals with severe chronic medical conditions, or those planning to lose a significant amount of weight. Women planning future pregnancies might also be advised to postpone the surgery, as pregnancy can reverse the results.
Surgical Process
The treatment process for abdominoplasty begins with a consultation where the surgeon evaluates the patient’s health, discusses their goals, and explains the procedure and risks. Preoperative instructions may include quitting smoking and avoiding certain medications. On the day of surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The procedure involves making incisions, tightening muscles, and removing excess skin and fat.
Q: How long is the recovery period?
A: Recovery can take several weeks, and patients will need to be very careful with their movement for six weeks.
Q: Are there risks involved?
A: As with any surgery, risks include poor wound healing, tissue damage, changes in skin sensation, fluid accumulation beneath the skin, and unexpected scarring.
Q: Will I have a scar?
A: Yes, there will be a scar, typically located below the bikini line, which can usually be concealed by underwear or swimwear.
