Body Cosmetic Surgeries
Tummy tuck surgery ( abdominoplasty):
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is cosmetic surgery to improve the shape of the tummy area (abdomen).
It can involve removing excess loose skin, fat and stretch marks and tightening the abdominal muscles.
The aim is to remove excess skin on the tummy that cannot be removed through exercise – for example, excess skin caused by pregnancy or losing a lot of weight.
There are 2 types of abdominoplasty, and both are usually done under a general anaesthetic.
A partial abdominoplasty involves:
- making a large cut (incision) across the lower tummy
- separating the skin from the abdominal wall below the belly button
- removing excess fat and skin
- pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place
A full abdominoplasty involves:
- making a large incision across the lower tummy, from hip to hip, just above the pubic area
- making a second incision to free the belly button from the tissue that surrounds it
- separating the skin from the abdominal wall
- realigning the abdominal muscles
- removing excess fat and skin
- cutting a new hole for the belly button and stitching this back in place
- pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place
The operation can take between 2 and 5 hours. Most people need to stay in hospital for a few nights.
You will probably be in some pain after you wake up from the general anaesthetic. Painkilling medicine can be provided if needed.
You will leave hospital with dressings and a pressure garment (corset) on your tummy, or tummy-control pants. Someone will need to drive you home and stay with you for the following 24 hours.
First of all, in the preparing process for a tummy tuck referred also as abdominoplasty requires a healthy, high protein diet for at least 2-4 weeks pre-op and make sure you’re not constipated.
The other important thing in the preparing process is being mentally ready. To achieve that, you should share your concerns with your surgeon in your consultation.
Your tummy tuck may be performed in a hospital, an independent surgical facility, or an office-based surgical suite.
It’s mostly acceptable that being at a healthy BMI before a tummy tuck surgery will allow you a safer surgical experience.
Being at an average healthy weight will increase the safety of the procedure.It also minimize the possibilities that additional abdominoplasty will become necessary.
Recovery
You will need to take about 4 to 6 weeks off work and exercise. You will not be able to drive for a few weeks after the operation (your surgeon and insurance company can advise you about this).
It takes about 6 weeks to fully recover and to see the full effect of a tummy tuck.
You’ll usually need to wear a special type of corset or tummy-control pants for 6 weeks, to encourage your skin to heal properly and to reduce any swelling. Generally, you’ll need to take it easy during this time and keep your knees bent while in bed, to avoid putting strain on your stitches.
After a few weeks you will probably be asked to attend a follow-up appointment to make sure the wound is healing properly.
After 6 weeks you will usually be able to stop wearing a corset and may return to doing most of your usually activities.
