ABDOMINOPLASTY

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure to tighten and shape the tummy area.

If you have loose skin/ folds of skin with or without extra fat deposit in the tummy area then you can benefit from tummy tuck. Loose skin in the tummy area is most commonly seen post pregnancy and also can occur after major weight fluctuation from any other reason.

Once the loose skin or hanging folds of skin is present in the tummy area it means the skin has lost its elasticity. Exercise and diet can reduce the fat and tone up the muscle but it cannot tighten the skin. So surgery is the only way you can get rid of this loose skin. Detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon is mandatory before deciding to do tummy tuck.

You will be put to sleep (general anaesthesia) for tummy tuck.

Usually all the loose skin and fat below the navel is removed and the skin above the navel is pulled down and stitched to give a bikini line scar.Stitching is done with internal stitches which dissolve on their own. Navel is pulled out through a new opening. Tummy Tuck is generally combined with liposuction of the upper stomach area and the flanks to reduce the bulge in these areas. Sometimes in patients with multiple pregnancy, abdominal wall muscles are also weak. These can be tightened at the same time with no additional cuts.

Hospital stay is for approximately 1-2 days. You are encouraged to walk within the first 24 hours. Thereafter you increase your level of walking as per as your comfort level. More than pain there is pulling sensation in the tummy area as the skin has been pulled tight. This usually eases out in approximately in a week’s time. Dressing is required for approximately 2 weeks time or until the stitches have healed. You will be required to wear compression garment (corset) for a month or so. This is to give you support during walking and also helps reduce the swelling. Light activity can be resumed in a week’s time and heavy exercises usually after 4-6 weeks.

Your result continues to improve for approximately 3 months after surgery. The aim of surgery is to give you a flat and well contoured stomach and waist area with a youthful navel. Majority of the patients are happy with the outcome of tummy tuck surgery.

Please see the below blog post:

Choice of Tummy Tuck Scar