Body Procedures
Tummy Tuck
What is Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty?
Tummy Tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty or Panniculectomy is a
surgical procedure used to flatten the abdominal wall or stomach area.
Large amount of skin and fat are removed from the middle and lower part
of the abdomen. Abdominoplasty removes excessive hanging skin, and
repairs loose or stretched muscle, thereby, improving abdominal wall
tone and structure. Skin that contains stretch marks on the lower
abdomen may be removed as well.
How is Abdominoplasty done?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, Complete
Abdominoplasty takes about 3 - 4 hours where as Partial Abdominoplasty
takes about 1 - 2 hours. Depending on how extensive a Tummy Tuck
procedure is, hospitalizion for 2 - 3 days is required after Tummy Tuck
surgery.
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision across
lower abdomen(within or above the pubic area). The length of the
incision varies depending on the amount of skin to be removed. In some
cases an incision around the navel is made so that the excess skin
above the navel is pulled downward and removed. The navel's position
remains unchanged The skin flap is then stretched down, extra skin is
removed and the skin incision is stitched and bandaged to ensure proper
healing with minimum scarring.
If large amounts of fat needs to be removed from the abdominal area, Tummy Tuck may be accompanied with Liposuction.
How do I know if I require Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck?
If you have any one or both of following, you require Abdominoplasty:
- Excess or loose, sagging abdominal skin
- Weakened abdominal muscles from pregnancy or aging.
Are there any contra indications to Abdominoplasty?
If you are planning pregnancy in near future or not in good health.
What is the difference between Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty and Panniculectomy?
Tummy Tuck is same as Abdominoplasty.
Panniculectomy is a procedure where a large 'apron' of loose hanging
skin and fat is removed surgically. Panniculectomy is usually performed
in obese people who have lost large amounts of weight recently. The
'apron' of loose skin and fat can be so large that it covers the hips
and extends around to the lower back. This can be extremely distressing
and pose problems in getting out of bed and walking around, back pain,
excessive moisture leading to rashes and itching.
What is the difference between Complete Abdominoplasty, Extended
Abdominoplasty, Partial Abdominoplasty and Mini or Modified
Abdominoplasty ?
In Complete Abdominoplasty or Standard Abdominoplasty all the
abdominal wall skin and muscles are tightened. In Extended
Abdominoplasty all the muscles and skin of the abdomen and the flanks
or sides is tightened. In Partial Abdominoplasty also referred to as
Mini Abdominoplasty (tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only) or
Modified Abdominoplasty (just the muscle wall or just the abdominal
skin requires repair) is a much shorter procedure and has a short scar.
What is the after care and how long is the recovery period after Abdominoplasty?
Lot of pain and discomfort is experienced immediately following a
Tummy Tuck operation. One may also experience numbness, bruising and
overall tiredness for the next few days following a Tummy Tuck surgery.
For the first 2 days while resting and relaxing in bed, the surgeon may
advise you to bend your legs at the hips to reduce strain on the
abdominal wall muscles.
Within the first week the drainage tubes put in during surgery to
prevent fluids from accumulating will be removed. A support garment
will be worn for two weeks. You should be able to return to work or
school within two weeks. Exercises that work the abdominal muscles
should be avoided for three months. Low impact exercise can be resumed
within 2-3 weeks. High impact exercise may be resumed within 6-8 weeks.
What are the risks associated with Abdominoplasty?
There are very rare chances of any complication and the risks
associated with Abdominoplasty surgery and are same as that with any
surgical procedure which includes bleeding, infection, scarring, damage
to deeper structures, asymmetry, nerve injury, improper healing,
numbness, allergic reactions, and risks and complications associated
with anesthesia. Although complications can occur, they are rare.
Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss, pulmonary, and wound healing
complications.
With pregnancy or fluctuations of weight, many patients develop
skin laxity problems, as well as weakening of their muscular corset. Top |
