(General Information)
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Technical name: Abdominoplasty
Body Parts: Abdomen
Recommended Age: In case of women, when they have decided not to have any more children
Anesthesia: Depends on your case and doctor
Surgery time: On average, 2 to 5 hours, depending on the technique
Clinic stay: From 24 hours to a few days, depending on the technique
Scar: Depending on the technique, the most discrete as possible
Pre-operative: Lab exams
Post-operative: A compression belt garment is recommended in the first 2 months, and also the patient should avoid sun tanning for the first 3 months following surgery Recuperation period: 2 to 4 weeks
Results duration: Long-lasting
Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the abdominal area. This procedure works by removing excess fat and skin of middle and lower abdomen. In most cases, the muscles also will be tightened to reshape the profile of the abdominal wall.
Tummy Tuck is the best option in case of people unsatisfied with abdomen appearance and when exercising and diet are not enough. A sagging or protruding abdomen might be due to pregnancy, aging, weight fluctuations, prior surgery or even heredity. Tummy Tuck is also an option in case of dramatic weight loss due to prior bariatric procedure.
In addition, to submit the surgery it is important to be healthy, at a stable weight and avoid taking medications that could increase bleeding, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements. Also, the patient should not have medical conditions that could interfere in the surgery or healing process, preferably be a non-smoker and have realistic expectations about the procedure.
It is important to remind that patients who still need to lose weight or women that consider having another child should wait a little longer before undergoing an Abdominoplasty. During pregnancy, abdomen muscles are stretched, changing Abdominoplasty results. [ Top ]
A much firmer contour of abdominal area, enhancing your appearance and self-confidence. However, for long lasting Tummy Tuck results, it is important to maintain a stable weight and also, practice exercises. A Tummy Tuck cannot remove stretch marks, unless they are located on excess skin areas where an excision is needed.
A Tummy Tuck scar is permanent; however, it is hidden under clothing or even a bathing suit. If you don’t mind about the scar, Tummy Tuck is the best option in case of excess skin or weakened muscles in abdominal area.
In case of previous abdominal surgery, Tummy Tuck results might be altered. If the patient has undergone a cesarean section before, Tummy Tuck scars might incorporate previous cesarean’s scars. [ Top ]
For a Tummy Tuck, it can be chosen between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. In case of general Anesthesia, you will sleep through the entire operation. If the option is intravenous sedation, sedatives will be injected to help you relax. The best anesthesia method depends on your individual case and what your doctor is recommending. You will decide with him what is better for you. [ Top ]
This option is chosen by the doctor, depending on each case.
What’s the difference?
A Traditional Tummy Tuck is the best option for people who are in good shape, however, has difficulties about getting rid of some fat at the abdomen area, which is resistant to exercising and diet.
The Surgery
During a Traditional Tummy Tuck, an incision is made from hip to hip, around the bikini-line. Incision’s shape and size depend on each patient, according to degree of correction desired and also, abdomen structure. The surgeon will try to strategically place the incision so it can be hidden under a bathing suit.
After the incision is made, the navel is separated from the surrounding tissue, in order to be replaced after skin is stretched. The surgeon then separates skin from the abdominal wall, repairs weakened abdominal muscles and suture the area. After that, excess fat, tissue and skin are removed.
To close the incisions, sutures or skin adhesives will be applied. The procedure usually takes from 2 to 5 hours. Hospital stay is usually from one to a few days.
Recovery
Right after the Tummy Tuck procedure, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. Also, an elastic bandage or compression garment should be used during the healing process, in order to reduce swelling and support the abdomen. In some cases, a small tube is applied in order to drain excess blood or fluid.
During the first days following surgery, discomfort and pain are expected; however, they can be relieved with medication. The patient should try to walk as soon as possible, because it helps on healing process.
On average, people take from 2 to 4 weeks before they can go back to work. At the first few weeks or months, the scar may appear to get worse sometimes, but that’s expected. About a year later, the scar should be almost imperceptible. [ Top ]
What’s the difference?
This technique, also known as “Scarless Tummy Tuck”, is less invasive than Traditional Abdominoplasty. A Mini Tummy Tuck is best recommended for people whose abdomen is too slim and would like to improve it or even for the ones whose abdominal area is beginning to sag due to aging.
The Surgery
Under a Mini Tummy Tuck, a small incision is made in the lower abdominal region, around the bikini line. Incision size may vary due to the amount of skin to be removed; however, it is a much smaller incision than the Traditional Abdominoplasty.
After the incisions are made, excess fat is removed and muscles of the area are tightened. Skin is then stretched.
In a Mini Tummy Tuck, there is no need to reposition the navel. A Liposuction may also be recommended, in order to achieve better results.
Recovery
Recovery is also faster than the Traditional Tummy Tuck. Hospital stay is usually about 24 hours. Recovery takes the same time as Liposuction and pain can be relieved with over-the-counter medication. The patient usually can go back to work a few days after surgery. Hard exercising should be avoided for a few weeks. [ Top ]
What’s the difference?
This procedure is an expanded Abdominoplasty, which also removes fat and skin from flanks and hips. Muscle laxity is also improved. An Extended Tummy Tuck is best for people who lost substantial weight and now wants to improve their contour.
This procedure helps to restore the tone of abdominal area, hips, flanks and back and also, removes excess skin that in some situations may weight several pounds. This procedure is best for people who have too much skin and fat around the flanks, upper hip and lower back regions.
The Surgery
Under an Extended Tummy Tuck, the incision goes from the abdomen and extends to the back of hips. Muscles of the area are tightened and the navel is relocated.
In order to improve the contour, other procedures like Liposuction, Arm Lift, Thigh Lift and Butt Lift may also be recommended. Excess skin is removed from abdomen, hips, flanks and back. After that, incisions are closed by sutures.
Recovery
The patient should stay at the hospital for at least one to two days. Drains will be placed, and medication will be prescribed for pain. The patient should not shower before drain is removed, about 1 to 2 weeks later. On average, the patient can already practice light activities for about 2 weeks following surgery. In case of vigorous activities, you must discuss this with the surgeon. [ Top ]
What’s the difference?
This procedure is more extensive than a Traditional Tummy Tuck, working not only on abdomen area, but also thighs and buttocks. A Circumferential Tummy Tuck, also known as Lower Body Lift, is best for people who lost an extensive amount of weight, usually due to a prior bariatric surgery. These patients have too much loose skin over the body, and a Lower Body Lift improves it. A Circumferential Tummy Tuck removes extra skin, fat and tightens the muscles of lower body area.
The Surgery
An incision is made all over waist line circumference, and excess skin and fat are removed. Also, muscles of abdominal wall are tightened and outer thighs and buttocks are lifted. The navel is replaced and sometimes, a new navel is created. Incisions are closed with sutures. The procedure usually takes from 3 to 5 hours. In most cases, there will be two plastic surgeons operating at the same time to reduce surgery time.
In addition, other procedures like Liposuction or Arm Lift might be recommended in order to improve patient’s contour.
Recovery
Circumferential Tummy Tuck Recovery is longer than the others Tummy Tuck procedures. The patient stays at the hospital from 2 to 4 days, on average.
Drains will be placed from about 1 to 2 weeks and the patient should not shower before the drain is removed. Swelling and bruising are also expected during the post-operative and pain is relieved through medication.
The patient should try to walk as soon as possible, because it helps to prevent formation of blood clots. On average, the patient can go back to some activities between 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. To know when you can do hard exercise, you will have to discuss this with your surgeon. [ Top ]
Just like any surgery procedure, there are some risks. It is important to ask your plastic surgeon everything you would like to know and share with him all your feelings and fears.
Remember that, for long lasting results, it is important to maintain your weight and keep a healthy lifestyle.
It is also extremely important to follow your physician’s instructions, ensuring best results. The incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the healing process.
Tummy Tuck is cosmetic surgery; you should do it for yourself, as a personal decision. You should not submit this procedure because of someone else or to fit an ideal image. As a patient, you should be aware of expected results and possible risks. [ Top ]
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