Tummy Tuck

Also Known As: (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy Tuck Definition

Tummy tuck, which is also known medically as Abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the mid- and lower-abdomen, while tightening abdominal muscles.

The goal of a tummy tuck procedure is to provide a flatter abdomen, a smaller wait by correcting loose skin and excess fat.

However, a tummy tuck should not be an alternative for weight loss. A surgeon will consider factors such as obesity, age and smoking habits in order to be a candidate for Abdominoplasty.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck procedure benefits patients who have lost excessive weight from pregnancy or dramatic weight loss, resulting to stretched skin beyond a point that cannot respond with exercise or diet.

Tummy tuck operations can also benefit patients that need to correct weakened abdominal muscles, which normally cause back pains.

Since liposuction only removes fat, a tummy tuck can be done to remove the layers of skin hanging after a liposuction.

A tummy tuck can be beneficial to both men and women of all ages. It can also be performed on older, overweight people that have sagging skin on the abdomen.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Several tummy tuck techniques can be done, depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. Majority of tummy tuck procedures are done under general anesthesia.

A full tummy tuck is done with incision made across the patient’s lower abdomen. Then another incision is made just around the belly button to release the surrounding skin. The loose muscles are then pulled from the left and right sides, suturing them together in order to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The sagging skin is removed and incisions are closed with stitches or stapes. The incisions are gauzed.

The entire tummy tuck procedure takes around two to five hours. However, this will depend on the degree of repair. Generally, a partial tummy tuck takes about one to two hours.

Recovery After Tummy Tuck Procedure

Immediately after the tummy tuck, the patient may go home a few hours after the procedure or spend a couple of days at the hospital, depending on the extent of each procedure. To reduce possible swelling, the patients are required to walk around for the first few days.

Mild discomfort can be experienced, but may be controlled by painkillers or medication.

Several days after the tummy tuck, the stitches will be removed. A support garment may be required to reduce abdominal swelling.
You may resume work after two to four weeks after surgery.

The Results

Over time, the incisions from the tummy tuck will heal and fade. The procedure will enhance body contour by firming and flattening the abdomen.

The results of a tummy tuck may remain for many years, except when the patient becomes pregnant and gains or loses a considerable amount of weight. However, other factors, such as age and gravity, can determine the duration of a tummy tuck.

Surgical facility And Cost

A minor tummy tuck may enable the patient to go home the same day after a surgery. However, major tummy tucks require patients to stay overnight at a hospital or office-based facility.

The cost of a tummy tuck may range from $6,500 to $8,000, inclusive of anesthesiologist fee, surgeon fee, hospital stay, medications, post-operative care and follow-up checkups. However, this estimate may change depending on the surgical facility and geographic location.

Side Effects, Risks, Complications and Contradictions

Possible side effects of a tummy tuck include swelling, temporary discomfort, soreness, numbness and bruising.

Possible risks of an abdominoplasty include infection, bleeding, pulmonary embolism, scarring, delayed healing and secondary revision of tummy tuck.

Cosmetic Surgery

TUMMY TUCK