Definitely, you thought about a tummy tuck one day, who has never dreamed of a sculpted belly and a graceful look?
Risks, are you a good candidate, being invasive technique, and the cost, all these might be possible fears that hinder you to get started.
Between the lines of this article, we would disclose to you all you want to know about tummy tuck surgery performed by the skilled consultants in Tagmeel Academy In order to help you to overcome all obstacles to take the first step towards your dream.
What is a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck – also known as abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery performed to flatten the abdomen and improve its shape and appearance.
How is this achieved?
During this procedure, excess skin and fat in the abdomen are removed, the connective tissue in the abdomen is tightened using sutures and the remaining skin is then repositioned to develop a more toned, sculpted look.
When should you consider having a tummy tuck?
You would think about performing a tummy tuck if you are suffering from any condition that leads to excess fat deposition, poor skin elasticity, or weakened connective tissue in the abdominal area, These conditions include:
- Significant weight loss, especially if rapid.
- Multiple Pregnancies.
- Abdominal surgeries and the most common one is a C-section in females.
- Natural Aging.
- Body nature.
Tummy tuck vs liposuction
You shouldn’t be confused between the two terms, liposuction only removes excess fats and tissue under the skin, while a tummy tuck is a more general and comprehensive term regarding contouring the abdomen, it can get rid of excess fats, skin, tightening the connective tissue, and reposition the remaining skin. Liposuction is performed as a part of tummy tuck.
Is a tummy tuck an alternative to weight loss?
Abdominoplasty is not considered a good option for weight loss, rather, for obtaining maximum results it should be performed on a stable body weight.
Am I a good candidate?
Almost all are candidates, tummy tuck is considered as the best option for contouring the abdomen for both males and females who are generally healthy, with stable body weight, and it’s better to be a non-smoker.
When is it better to postpone tummy tuck?
Your plastic surgeon will suggest postponing your decision in some conditions such as:
If you are planning any weight changes.
- If your body mass index exceeds 30.
- Planning to get pregnant in the future.
- If you are a smoker, your surgeon will recommend you to stop smoking before surgery and during the recovery period, since smoking affects blood flow in the skin and delays the healing process, it also increases the tissue damage risk.
What are abdominoplasty types?
According to the amount of skin and tissue needed to be removed, tummy tuck has the following types:
Complete abdominoplasty
This procedure is a good option for those who need the most correction. In this type plastic surgeon will perform two incisions, one is made at the bikini line and its extension depends on the amount of extra skin, fats, and tissue. The second incision is performed around the navel (belly button), to remove excess tissue surrounding the navel.
Partial or mini-abdominoplasty
This type includes shorter incisions and is performed for those who have less excess skin.
Circumferential abdominoplasty
This surgery also includes the back area together with the abdomen. In case you have excess fat in the back as well as the abdomen, you will have two options either to perform liposuction of the back or circumferential abdominoplasty. The latter option provides the removal of both skin and fat from the abdomen, hip, and back areas, improving the shape of your body from all sides.
How do you prepare?
Your plastic surgeon will fulfill the following:
Accurately reviewing your medical history
Including your current and past medical conditions, medications, previous surgeries you’ve had, allergies, and whether or not you are planning for any weight changes in the future.
Stop smoking
Your physician will ask you to stop smoking before surgery and during recovery.
Avoid certain medications
You’ll be asked to avoid some medications that might increase bleeding before the surgery such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications and some herbal supplements.
Maintain a stable weight
Ideally, to obtain the maximum benefits you’ll have to maintain a stable weight for at least 12 months performing a tummy tuck. your surgeon might ask you to lose weight before the procedure. Since significant weight loss after the procedure will diminish the results.
Physical examination
Your physician will examine your abdomen to determine the best technique that fits you.
Discuss the expected results
Your doctor will honestly explain to you the expected outcomes and will depict the expected appearance after the procedure.
Make sure in this step you understand the benefits and risks, scarring, and realistic outcomes.
What are the procedure steps?
After the preparation step you will pass the following steps;
The procedure
After the full assessment, your doctor will choose either complete, partial, or circumferential according to the excess skin and tissue that will be removed, and the targets you want to achieve.
Type of anesthesia used
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and your surgeon will choose the best choice for you.
The incisions
The number of incisions performed and their extension depends on the technique chosen by your physician, through the incisions excess skin is removed, the underlying tissues are tightened with sutures, and the remaining skin is repositioned and sutured together.
After the procedure
After the tummy tuck, and during the first few days of the recovery period:
- The abdominal incisions are covered with surgical dressing.
- Small tubes (drainage) are placed along the incision to drain any excess blood or fluid.
- Your doctor will prescribe pain medication, blood clots prophylaxis, and antibiotics as long as the drains are in place.
- A supportive abdominal binder (abdominal garment) might be worn for about six weeks after the procedure to prevent fluid buildup and provide abdominal support to accelerate the healing.
When can I resume my routine activities?
It takes from two to six weeks to resume your routine life according to the technique performed and your body’s nature
When can I notice the results?
The final results of abdominoplasty are initially hidden by swelling and the inability to stand fully upright.
But after the internal healing is fully completed you will immediately notice a slimmer, flatter, and firmer profile.
Did the scars last?
The incisions are made along the natural lines of the bikini area, which makes the scars less visible, and are faded over time, in addition, if you previously had a C-section, the plastic surgeon might be able to incorporate the existing C-section scar into the tummy tuck scar.
Are the results long-lasting?
Tummy tuck results can last the rest of your life as long as you maintain a stable weight.
