Also known as “Tummy Tuck”, abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck is the procedure specifically designed to provide you with the perfectly toned tummy that you have always wanted. Having a flabby and lose skin in the tummy area is a grave issue encountered by almost 70 to 80 percent of the women who have passed through a pregnancy. It seems almost impossible to lose this excessive skin with the help of exercises or healthy eating. This issue is not just encountered by women but most of the men who have to do their work by sitting in front of the computer for prolonged hours also experience this issue. In such an instance, a surgical procedure like tummy tuck can be a life-saver for you.
Although tummy tuck is one of the most effective ways to reduce belly fat, this is a huge surgery, so you need to keep a few things in mind before making this life-changing decision.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE HAVING A TUMMY TUCK
If you are fed up of your belly weight and want to get tummy tuck, then here are some things you need to know before making the decision. Tummy tuck is not for you if you are morbidly obese. Remember, tummy tuck is just a surgical way to remove belly fat; it won’t help you in reducing your weight, so you must not opt for this surgery in order to reduce your overall body weight. If you are irritated due to your loosely hanging post-partum belly and want to get rid of it then keep in mind not to opt for tummy tuck until you are planning to have further kids. Getting pregnant after having tummy tuck might raise complications for you.
The best plastic surgeons at Highness Clinics offer two different types of tummy tuck procedures including mini-abdominoplasty and complete abdominoplasty. Before you opt for any of these procedures, your doctor will ask you not to smoke for two weeks leading to surgery date and lose weight by adopting a healthy strategy.
PROCEDURE
Most tummy tuck procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Lately, ummy tucks are combined with Liposuction and can be performed under local ansthesia. In what many surgeons refer to as a full tummy tuck procedure, a surgical incision is made across the lower abdomen right above the pubic area. Following the creation of this initial incision, a second incision is made around the patient’s belly button as a means of loosening the surrounding skin. Next, the patient’s skin is separated from the wall of abdomen. Following this surgical maneuver, the surgeon pulls the loose abdominal muscles from the left and right flanks and sutures them together This action results in tighter abdominal muscles, creating a stronger, firmer abdominal wall as well as a smaller waist. Directly after the tightening and suturing of the abdominal muscles, excess skin is removed and a new opening is made in the correct position for the belly button.
It takes 2 to 5 hours. A partial tummy tuck may take 1 to 2 hours. Patients may go back to work 2 to 4 weeks. However fading and flattening of scars is between 3 months and 2 years.
Abdominoplasty, also known as a Tummy Tuck or simply TT, is the surgery of the abdomen to remove the excess skin and fat that may accumulate after pregnancy, obesity or age. With a full abdominoplasty, benefits are also tightening of the abdominal muscles that may have become stretched out or lax over time. Even a new belly button can be obtained as a result! If you have an outtie or even an innie — the opposite can be acquired to go along with your new, taut stomach! This isn’t a simple procedure and you should definitely be aware of the risks and post-operative care and attendance that will be needed.
First and foremost, an individual must be in good health, not have any active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of their surgery. Communication is crucial in reaching one’s goals. You must be able to voice your desires to your surgeon if he/she is to understand what your desired results are. Discuss you goals with your surgeon so that you may reach an understanding with what can realistically be achieved.
You must be mentally and emotionally stable to undergo an cosmetic procedure. This is an operation which requires patience and stability in dealing with the healing period. There is sometimes a lull or depression after surgery and if there is already a pre-existing emotional problem, this low period can develop into a more serious issue. Please consider this before committing to a procedure. If the above describes you and you have the desire to rid yourself of loose sagging skin of the abdominal area, you may be a good candidate for Abdominoplasty. An ideal patient would have incredibly elastic skin. But, of course, we human beings are never ideal. But good elasticity certainly helps!
Normally women seek this procedure after pregnancy – although it is advised to wait until you are finished having children to have this procedure as the skin and muscles can get stretched out again as well as the dangers of your newly taut skin being unable to accommodate another pregnancy.
Also, if you are considering losing weight you should wait until after your desired weight is met. You may need additional surgery to remove the excess skin after you have lost the desired weight which would mean that the money spent on the previous abdominoplasty would be wasted and your skin can only be stretched so much.
The surgeon will measure your abdomen and general torso region for an idea of an ideal abdomen size for you. Between pictures that you have brought in and with the information of how many children you have had, the two of you will set realistic goals on what is and isn’t possible with an Abdominoplasty. You must remember that no amount of surgery can restore your skin to its former condition.
The different techniques pertaining to Abdominoplasty consist of the different incision shapes and placement. Although most surgeons attempt to place the incisions in the most inconspicuous area, some surgeons may not, so please discuss this with your surgeon beforehand. Some surgeons go completely horizontal and straight across, some use a ‘V’ shape, some a ‘W’ shape and still others follow along the bikini line. In my opinion an incision following the bikini line is the optimum for concealment purposes although your body’s needs will determine the incision placement.
You are usually able to walk immediately after surgery and is in fact encouraged to do so 3 or 4 times per day for 1 to 2 minutes each time. However, you will more than likely not be able to stand up straight, more of a hunched over type of posture. The skin of the abdomen will be quite tight and you are usually instructed to remain bent over at least 45 degrees for the first 4 to 5 days after surgery. Patients will often note some back discomfort due to the 45 degree positioning for 4 to 5 days after surgery so ask your surgeon about muscle relaxants or valium.
The drains that have been placed will generally be removed 4 to 14 days after surgery. At the end of 4 days the patient may begin to straighten up and by six days post-op may or may not be fully straight. You should take it easy for at least two weeks after surgery. While the drains are in, you will be on bed rest with a very small amount of walking as outline above. However if your drains are in for an extended amount of time, you will of course not be expected to sit in bed all day. An abdominal pressure garment may be placed around you during one of your post-operative appointments and you may be instructed to wear this for 3 to 6 weeks.
Some swelling and discoloration are normal but generally this is minimal. Of course this is dependent upon the individual.