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Abdominoplasty is commonly referred to as a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck is basically a surgery that is performed to flatten your stomach, and can also tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. Loose abdominal skin and fat in the abdomen area can be a hereditary feature or could have been the result of a substantial weight loss. Those who may be able to benefit from a tummy tuck might have excess or sagging abdominal skin, an abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body, an abdominal muscles that has been separated and weakened, or have excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen. A plastic surgeon will examine your abdomen and assess your skin tone and the degree of loose skin. The amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles will also be evaluated. Normally during a tummy tuck a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. The length of the incision depends on the amount of skin that will be removed. The incision will vary depending on the structure of your abdomen and personal preferences towards the style and preference of bathing suits and undergarments that the patient wears. Some patients have loose skin above the navel and the surgeon may make an incision around the navel so that the redundant skin can be pulled down. Excess abdominal skin is then removed while the position of the navel remains in the same spot. Lower abdomen skin that has stretch marks can also be removed, but dramatic changes in the appearance of these stretch marks should not be expected with a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck will make your abdomen area firmer and flatter. The incisions will heal and fade over time, but the incision lines will be permanently visible. Sometimes they will fade to be very faint. The incisions are usually in areas that are concealed by most undergarments and bathing suits so it is convenient. The results of a tummy tuck should remain for many years, except if a significant amount of weight is either gained or lost and if you become pregnant. Eventually some patients may choose to undergo a second tummy tuck as gravity and the effects of aging start to settle in. The first several days after a tummy tuck you are advised to avoid sitting for long periods of time in order to promote blood circulation. Surgical drains will be removed within a week after the surgery in most cases. Some patients may be instructed to wear a support garment for several weeks. Bruising and swelling is expected after a tummy tuck and will disappear over a period of weeks. Final results of a tummy tuck should not be expected to be fully optimal for a couple months, after the swelling subsides. Recovery varies amongst individuals but generally you may not be able to return to work for 1-3 weeks after surgery. Tummy tucks carry a certain degree of risk. Bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia can be potential complications. Tissue loss can occur when the tummy tuck is very extensive. This is more common in patients who smoke and who have medical conditions like diabetes. Fluid may accumulate under the skin following a tummy tuck. Removal is a painless procedure but will require several visits to the plastic surgeon. |
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