Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen thinner and more firm. The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall. The aim is to remove excess tummy skin that can’t be removed through exercise – for example, after losing a lot of weight or after pregnancy.
What does it involve?
Abdominoplasty operations vary in scope and are frequently subdivided into categories. There are two types of tummy tuck, and both are usually carried out under a general anesthetic.
A partial tummy tuck involves:
- making a large incision (cut) across the lower tummy
- separating the skin from the abdominal wall below the tummy button
- removing excess fat
- cutting away excess skin
- pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place
A full tummy tuck involves:
- making a large incision across the lower tummy, from hip to hip, just above the pubic area
- making a second incision to free the belly button from the tissue that surrounds it
- separating the skin from the abdominal wall
- realigning the abdominal muscles
- removing excess fat and skin
- cutting a new hole for the belly button, and stitching this back in place
- pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place
Depending on the extent of the surgery, a complete abdominoplasty can take from 1 to 5 hours. A partial abdominoplasty (mini-tuck abdominoplasty) can be completed between 1 and 2 hours.
Recovery
You would need to take about four to six weeks off work and exercise. You wouldn’t be able to drive for a few weeks after the operation. It takes about six weeks to fully recover, and it may be several weeks before you see the full effects of the tummy tuck.
You’d need to wear a special type of corset or tummy control pants to encourage your skin to heal properly and reduce any swelling.
A tummy tuck is suitable for men and women who are in good health. Women who have had several pregnancies may find the procedure useful for tightening their abdominal muscles and reducing skin. A tummy tuck is also an option for men or women who were once obese and still have excess fat deposits or loose skin around the belly.
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