Abdominomplaty, commonly known as 'tummy tuck' is a major surgical procedure involving the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdominal region with the aim of tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. It can significantly reduce the protrusion of the abdomen.
Who needs abdominoplasty?
Men and women, who are otherwise in good shape, but have a protruding abdomen due to fat deposit or loose skin that has not improved even with exercise, may be candidates for abdominoplasty. It is particularly popular among women, who, due to multiple pregnancies have lost the tightness of their tummies beyond the point where diet control and exercise can restore it.
Risks
Abdominoplasty, when performed by a qualified surgeon, trained for the job, is usually successful. However, as with all surgical procedures, this one too, has its own risks and complications which must be clearly understood before going in for surgery.
Blood clots and infection, though rare, can occur after the operation. This, though treatable, will extend the patient's stay at the hospital. Sometimes, there is poor healing, resulting in prominent scars. In such cases, a second operation may be required. Smoking can also increase complications.
Planning and preparation for surgery
First, your surgeon will make an assessment of the extent of the fat deposits in your abdominal region. He will also assess your skin tone. He will recommend either partial abdominoplasty or complete abdominoplasty, depending upon the area that is covered in fat deposits. If they are limited to the area below the navel, he may recommend and partial abdominoplasty. Or he may recommend a combination of abdominoplasty (partial or complete) along with liposuction, for a better body contour.
You will be given specific guidelines with respect to diet, drinking, smoking and medications before the surgery. If you develop an infection or cold, your surgery will likely be postponed.
The surgery
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes about 2-5 hours while partial abdominoplasty may take 1-2 hours.
In a complete abdominoplasty a long incision will be made from one hipbone to the other, just above the pubic area. Another incision will also be made to free the navel area from the abdominal tissue. Partial abdominoplasty needs a much shorter incision, and the second incision may not be required at all.
Then the surgeon will lift your skin to expose the vertical muscles in the abdomen. These are pulled together and stitched in the new position. The extra skin is then removed. Your navel is then stitched into the new hole that has been cut for it. Finally, the skin is stitched up completely and dressings applied.
Recovery
Depending on your physical condition at the time of surgery, you may either be back at work in as little as two weeks, or up to four weeks if you were not in such great shape physically.
Exercise helps to reduce swelling and induces faster recovery.