Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

In medical terminology, tummy tuck is known as 'abdominoplasty' that refers to a cosmetic surgery procedure which is intended to assist patients sculpt and tone their abdominal part of the body. It is a serious surgery that removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area and tightens the abdominal wall. It drastically changes the appearance of the pelvic area of human body that increases confidence to the sufferer. The access fat becomes stored after multiple pregnancies in ladies, or due to obesity or age. Most of the time, the layer of fat tissue is seen in the lower abdomen. Tightening of the extra abdominal muscles/fascia has become more common in these advance medicinal world. This procedure can significantly help in the reduction of a once prominent abdomen. Abdominoplasty removes fat cells from the abdominal reason through the surgery and makes flatten the area so that even when sitting down or bending over the abdomen doesn't stick out.

Tummy tuck surgery is for both men and women who have extra skin and fat in the abdominal ground and sometimes find that even with exercise; they cannot get a flat abdomen. Surgeon generally removes extra fatty tissues through an outsized incision extending across the stomach, usually from hip to hip. Nevertheless, having an abdominoplasty is not performed for weight control and is not a substitute for regular exercise and a healthy balanced diet.

There are four kinds of tummy tuck surgery-Complete Tummy tuck, Partial Tummy tuck, Extended Tummy tuck and Combination Procedures ( with liposuction). A full or complete abominiplasty is procedure in which incision is made from hip to hip just above the pubic area. An extra incision is made to free the navel from the nearby skin. The skin is removed from the abdominal partition to reveal the muscles and fascia to be tightened. The muscle fascia wall is tightened with sutures. The residual skin and fat are tightened by removing the excess and closing the defect. The old belly button stalk is brought out through a new hole and sutured into place. During partial tummy tuck surgery, a small incision is made and the skin and fat of the lower front of abdomen are removed from the muscle fascia. And at last, skin is stretched down and extra skin detached. Extended tummy tuck surgery is abdominoplasty with extensions into the thighs (front) and/or flanks (sides). When tummy tuck is performed combined with liposuction contouring, breast reduction or breast lift then it is called combination procedures.

The procedure of surgery usually takes around 3 to 5 hours. The time can vary depending on the individual's fitness, but a minimum of 2 hours is expected. General anesthetic is used to perform the surgery so that patient will remain painless and feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Patient is advised to do minimal physical movement during the first few days after abdomnoplasty. The patient can expect to be discharged the same day if the surgery is minor, while more serious cases may be required to stay in hospital for 3 to 4 days. Mild and temporary swelling or discomfort for a few days is normal after the surgery but supportive abdominal folder or compression garment can minimize swelling / bruising, and support the repaired tissues. Patients are also advised to avoid all types of nicotine for a month or longer prior to surgery and also during the recovery period. Many patients who were in earlier times insecure about their bodies enjoy a new experience of self-confidence and a wider range of activities than ever before.