An Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that is used to reshape and firm the abdomen. It involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower parts of one’s abdomen in order to tighten the muscle of the abdominal wall. This type of cosmetic surgery is usually sought after by women that aren’t considering giving birth to any more children. It is also common among individuals who have excess abdominal fat deposits, which do not respond well to diet and exercise.
Abdominoplasty operations vary and are frequently subdivided into categories:
A complete Abdominoplasty involves five steps:
1. An incision is made from hip to hip just above the pubic area.
2. Another incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding skin.
3. The skin is detached from the abdominal wall to reveal the muscles to be tightened. These muscles are tightened with sutures.
4. The skin flap is reattached with any extra skin being removed. A new hole for the navel is made and stitched into place.
5. All stitches are dressed and any excess fluid from the site is drained.
A partial Abdominoplasty involves three steps:
1. A smaller incision is made.
2. The skin in removed between the incision and the navel. The skin is stretched down and excess skin removed.
3. The flap is stitched back into place.
An extended Abdominoplasty is a complete Abdominoplasty with extensions into the thighs (front) and/or flanks (back).
An Abdominoplasty can be combined with a liposuction treatment.
Recovery from a complete Abdominoplasty can take between four to six weeks, as patients are usually advised to take at least a portion of this recovery time off from work. Heavy activity especially must be avoided during this time. For the first ten days, a patient may experience bruising and a bit of discomfort. A supportive abdominal binder is normally worn to contain swelling and support the muscular repair. Patients are typically advised not to smoke for several months prior to surgery and also during the recovery period after the tummy tuck surgery. Studies suggest that smokers have a higher risk of complications with this operation.
If you are considering a tummy tuck surgery, we suggest you click on one or more of the links below to connect with a qualified cosmetic plastic surgeon about your situation in more detail…
