What is abdominoplasty?
This is a plastic surgical procedure that tightens, flattens and smooths the abdomen. A plastic surgeon will remove excess fat and skin and tighten the abdominal wall muscles. Your plastic surgeon may also use liposuction to enhance your results.
Tummy tucking is not a weight loss solution, but it can help you get the look you want after changes in your body size.
You may work hard to achieve your personal goals or desired appearance. Sometimes changing your eating habits and exercise routine are not enough to dramatically reduce the size and correct the shape of your abdominal area. Abdominoplasty can address a bulging tummy or loose skin. You may consider this procedure if your body has undergone changes, such as after:
- Significant weight loss
- Pregnancy
- Previous operation
- Natural aging
What are the types of abdominoplasty?
There are various tummy tuck options that your surgeon may recommend to help you achieve your goals. Types of abdominoplasty may include:
- Full abdominoplasty/full tummy tuck: an incision is made in the lower abdomen, the length of which varies according to the amount of extra skin.
- Partial/mini abdominoplasty: usually requires a shorter incision and is performed if you have less excess skin. The incision site is between the navel and the lower abdomen. With a mini tummy tuck, there is usually no incision around the belly button.
- Peripheral abdominoplasty/expanded tummy tuckA: This operation involves the front (abdomen) and back (thighs and buttocks). A longer incision is made around the front and back of your body. It changes the shape of your body on all sides.
- Tightening the abdomen Fleur-de-lisA: For this procedure, two incisions are made vertically and horizontally in the abdominal area in the shape of a "T", which some identify as similar to a fleur de lis (lily flower). This is a procedure for people who have lost a large amount of weight, usually 45 pounds or more.
Are you suitable for abdominoplasty?
The plastic surgeon will assess whether you are suitable for the procedure.
You must:
- Be in good general health
- Be of stable weight
- Do not smoke or be able to stop smoking before and after the procedure
- Not planning to get pregnant
- You have realistic expectations about the procedure
Abdominoplasty results are permanent, but changes in your weight can affect the outcome of the procedure over time. Tightening the abdomen does not prevent weight gain. If you are in the process of reaching your ideal weight, do not undergo this procedure right away. Your surgeon will recommend waiting until your weight stops changing.
Moreover, if you are planning to expand your family, it is better to postpone abdominoplasty. Your muscles and skin may stretch after pregnancy, which can affect the outcome of this procedure.
How to prepare for abdominoplasty?
Prior to a tummy tuck procedure, you will meet with a plastic surgeon for a consultation. Your surgeon will inquire about:
- Your general health
- Your health record
- Any previous operations.
- Any medicines and supplements you are currently taking
- Your goals and expectations for the procedure
After learning more about you, your surgeon will explain what tummy tuck options are right for you and the provider will take pictures of your abdominal area to compare the results before and after the procedure.
Smoking tobacco products can increase the risk of complications and delay healing. If you smoke, you will need to stop for a period of time determined by your plastic surgeon. For example, you may need to stop using tobacco products at least one month before surgery and at least two weeks afterward.
The specialist will also recommend that you eat a balanced diet after the procedure. Achieving proper nutrition can help your body recover.
As part of your pre-operative consultation, your surgeon may instruct you to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications and nutritional supplements for a period before and after surgery. This includes aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Do not stop taking any medication unless your specialist approves it.
You'll also get information to help you plan your surgery and recovery.
What happens during the procedure?
Abdominoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home after surgery. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight if you are undergoing more than one type of cosmetic procedure. On the day of the procedure, you will receive general anesthesia so you do not feel pain. The steps of the procedure vary depending on the type your surgeon performs. Depending on the results you want, an abdominoplasty can take anywhere from one to five hours. Immediately after tummy tuck surgery, you may feel tired and disoriented as the effects of the anesthetic wear off gradually.
You should limit excessive physical activity immediately after surgery. You will be able to walk, but avoid running or lifting heavy objects.
What are the advantages of abdominoplasty?
The benefits of tummy tucking include:
- Reduces excess skin in the abdominal area.
- Tightens weak muscles.
- You will achieve your personal aesthetic goals.
- You will feel more confident in your appearance.
- Everyone has a different, often personal reason for undergoing this procedure.
The benefits can vary from person to person.
What are the risks of abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is generally a safe procedure, but as with any surgery, there are risks that your surgeon will discuss with you during your consultation so that you can make an informed decision about your health.
You may have an increased risk of complications if you have an underlying health condition that affects circulation or wound healing. Smoking tobacco products also increases your risk of complications. You can reduce your risk by following your surgeon's instructions before and after surgery.
