The need to look good and having a flat stomach is what everyone desires. Though the best way to lose weight and get in shape is exercising and diet control, but sometimes these are not really helpful in losing that belly fat. This is when the role of a cosmetic procedure called as the Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty comes into picture. Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure where that flap of fat on the abdomen is surgically reduced or stretched to give your stomach a firmer look. A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure which can help you look and feel more confident and wear clothes which you weren’t able to wear because of the stomach flab.
Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck surgery ?
A tummy tuck surgery or an abdominoplasty is indicated in men and women who are maintaining good health and require this surgery for cosmetic reasons, for instance pregnant women who after pregnancy struggle a lot to tighten their abdominal muscles can be a candidate for the tummy tuck surgery. To determine whether a tummy tuck surgery could be the choice of treatment for you, it is advised to ask your treating surgeon about the suitability of the procedure for you.
When is a tummy tuck surgery not indicated ?
A tummy tuck is not indicated in individuals who are obese as tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, it primarily tightens the abdominal muscles rather than removing the overall fat (a liposuction is a procedure which is performed in individuals who are obese or overweight). A tummy tuck is not indicated in individuals who are affected with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, bleeding and clotting disorders, any chronic illness and women who wish to plan a pregnancy.
Who performs a tummy tuck surgery ?
A tummy tuck surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon who specialises in gastric surgeries as well and is well experienced and trained to perform the tummy tuck procedure. Tummy tuck surgery is a cosmetic procedure but it is a major surgical procedure, hence a lot of thought has to be put into process before you decide to go ahead with the procedure.
How do you prepare for a tummy tuck surgery ?
A tummy tuck surgery is a major surgical procedure hence requires a great amount of planning. The consultant physician and surgeon will do a complete physical examination along with a detailed history taking about your previous medical history and if you are on any medication. Certain medications like aspirin and blood clotting agents and steroids have to be either tapered or stopped before the surgical procedure. The consultant surgeon will also ask you to stop smoking and alcohol consumption before planning the surgery. It is also suggested that you have a detailed conversation with your treating surgeon about the risks, benefits, outcome and suitability of the procedure for your requirement before deciding to get the tummy tuck surgery done.The surgeon will also run a battery of blood tests before posting you for the surgery. Some surgeons also take some photographs to compare with that after the procedure.
Is tummy tuck surgery performed under anesthesia ?
Yes, the procedure is performed under the influence of general anaesthesia and sedation if required. Ask your treating surgeon about the type of anaesthesia which will be used and the possible complications associated with it.
How is the tummy tuck surgery performed ?
The tummy tuck surgery is performed by trained gastric surgeons who specialise in cosmetic procedures. Tummy tuck is performed by three techniques depending on the requirement of the patient. Both the techniques are performed under general anaesthesia. The types of tummy tuck surgeries are mentioned below.
- Partial/Mini tummy tuck surgery : This procedure is also referred to as mini abdominoplasty as it involves only the region of the stomach below the navel. The surgical incision is given below the navel and the abdominal muscles are tightened, and excess skin and fat are removed. The surgical wound is closed with stitches and a bandage. This procedure is indicated in individuals who have less skin and fat around the abdomen and their primary concern is below the navel flab. Mini abdominoplasty is usually indicated in women to get rid of the excess stomach flab after pregnancy.
- Complete tummy tuck surgery : Also known as a complete abdominoplasty as it is a rather extensive type of tummy tuck surgery where incision is given around the navel, usually from hip to another hip to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess fat and skin. This is indicated in men and women who have fairly excess skin and fat in the abdominal region, both below and above the belly button. This procedure extends deep into the abdominal muscles, hence some stitches in the deeper tissues are mostly the absorbable ones and the surgical wound is closed with other stitches from the outside and a bandage is applied over it. Occasionally, a liposuction procedure is performed along with a complete tummy tuck or complete abdominoplasty.
- Circumferential tummy tuck surgery : This is a procedure which is not only tightens the abdominal muscles but also a part of the back to give a firmer look, Hence the name circumferential abdominoplasty is given. This procedure is indicated in men and women who have excess fat and skin around the skin and stomach and lower back region. This procedure can also be combined with a liposuction surgery.
A tummy tuck surgery approximately takes about four to six hours for the procedure. Sometimes when overweight or obese individuals lose a great amount of fat, a procedure called as Panniculectomy is performed to tone the lose skin. Ask your surgeon about the procedural details and its outcome.
What happens after a tummy tuck surgery ?
After the surgery is completed you will be shifted to a recovery area to monitor your health after the procedure. Once the effect of anaesthesia waves of and your condition is stable, you might be shifted to the ward for at least four days to one week to monitor your surgical wound healing. Occasionally catheters (tubes) may be put at the surgical site for the drainage of any fluids and blood to prevent infection and aid in healing. Your surgeon will also put you on pain relieving medication and antibiotics for a few days. The nurse will put ice packs at the surgical wound to help in faster healing and relieve the pain. Once you are discharged from the hospital you will be given strict instructions to not engage yourself in any strenuous activity, lift any heavy objects, modify your diet and pay regular visits to the hospital to monitor your recovery.
What are the risks and complications associated with a tummy tuck surgery ?
The tummy tuck surgery is a major surgical procedure and hence can have complications associated with the anaesthesia or the procedure as such. Anaesthesia related complications include nausea, gastric upset, vomiting, headache, dizziness, breathlessness and could be an allergic reaction to the anaesthesia. The procedure related complications could be bleeding and infection at the surgical site, swelling or collection of pus, numbness at the site of surgery, loosening of the skin, incomplete wound heling, scarring and discoloration of skin at the surgical site. Occasionally damage to the nerves and blood vessels can also occur. If any of the complications persist it is advised to immediately rush to the nearest medical centre or your treating surgeon for evaluation.
Is a revision of tummy tuck surgery done ?
A revision of a tummy tuck surgery is indicated in individuals in whom the previous surgery failed to give the desired results. But since it is a major procedure it is always advised to have counselling with your surgeon before planning a revision surgery.
What is the outcome of a tummy tuck surgery ?
A tummy tuck surgery is a surgical procedure which is performed in individuals who are healthy and just have excess skin and fat around the stomach making them conscious about their appearance. Though it is a cosmetic procedure but it falls in the category of major surgical procedures, hence it is always advised to have a detailed understanding of the procedure, its risks, complications and outcome before making a decision. Also, this is a cosmetic procedure and it is suggested to have realistic expectations from the same. Tummy tucks have been performed across the globe and the success of the procedure depends on your health, the technique used and how you maintain your weight and health after the procedure.
How to find cosmetic surgeons for tummy tuck surgery ?
Now you can find cosmetic surgeons for tummy tuck surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cosmetic surgeons, cost estimates for tummy tuck surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a cosmetic surgeon for tummy tuck surgery.
Find and choose a cosmetic surgeon for tummy tuck surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
