A lot of people embarrassed of that unappealing bulge on their belly nowadays seem to be turning towards the tummy tuck cosmetic surgery for an easy answer to their problem. Also called Abdominoplasty, the whole idea behind this form of surgery is to make the shaggy, bulging abdomen portion of the body more firm. In medical terms, tummy tuck / abdominoplasty is defined as the ‘plastic surgery of the abdomen in which excess fatty tissue and skin are removed, usually for cosmetic purposes.’
The tummy tuck surgery procedure involves the deletion of surplus skin and fat from the middle as well as lower abdomen regions of a patient’s body in order to tighten the muscles and fascia of the abdominal wall. This kind of cosmetic surgery is normally sought by patients with loose tissues post pregnancy or individuals who get a sagging skin after a significant weight loss. Even though quite popular, it should be borne in mind that abdominoplasty is a serious surgery.
Candidates Who Qualify for Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Surgery
Candidates wanting to undergo tummy tuck surgery should be:
- Physically healthy
- Emotionally and psychologically stable
- Nurture realistic expectations
- Adhere a healthy lifestyle
- Not very overweight
Apart from the above mentioned factors, there are other instances when a person can undergo a tummy tuck cosmetic surgery:
Tummy Tucks Post Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about a significant change in the body of a woman and this is most visible around the abdominal region post pregnancy. A number of women are somewhat successful in reacquiring their pre-pregnancy body though with proper diet and exercise. Some others opt for tummy tuck to restore proper firmness to their abs.
Tummy Tucks Post Major Weight Loss
For overweight people, getting rid of excess fat is like a big personal accomplishment. But major and that too, quick weight loss by any reason like crash diet or illness could prove fatal for one’s health. At times, it could have negative side-effects like sagging skin and poor muscle toning. A tummy tuck, to some extent, can prove effective in improving one’s physical conditions in such cases.
Tummy Tucks to Tackle Aging Effects
When people age, their skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag. As a result, it develops wrinkles, lines and furrows. While it is impossible to beat the biological process of aging, a tummy tuck can assist in lessening the fallouts of aging on one’s waistline. This cosmetic surgery is effective in removing excess fat from the waist area.
Tummy Tuck Types and Procedures
There are different types of Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty surgeries. Depending upon the extent / nature of surgery, the tummy tuck operation can take anywhere between one and five hour’s time. Read on to learn about various tummy tuck types and procedures.
A) Complete Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck
Here’s what it involves:
- An incision is done from hip to hip, just on top of the patient’s pubic area.
- Another incision is made to liberate the navel from the adjacent skin.
- The skin is separated from the abdominal wall to expose the muscles and fascia that needs tightening. Then the muscle fascia wall is tautened with sutures.
- The rest of the skin and fat are tightened by amputating the excess and then closing the defect.
- The old belly button stalk is made to come out via a new hole and sutured into place.
- Liposuction is generally employed to treat the transition zones of the abdominal sculpture.
- A dressing and at times, a compression garment are applied and any excess fluid from the region is vacuumed out.
B) Partial or Mini Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck
In this type of tummy tuck procedure,
- A smaller incision is done.
- The skin and fat of the lower abdomen are separated in a somewhat restricted fashion from the muscle fascia. The skin is elongated downwards and extra skin is removed.
- At times, the belly button stalk is divided from the muscle below and the belly button slid down lower on the abdominal wall.
- At times a part of the abdominal muscle fascia wall is tautened.
- Liposuction is often employed to shape up the transition zone.
- The incisioned skin is stitched back into place.
C) Extended Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck procedure comprises a full surgery with extensions into the thighs and/or flanks region of the patient’s body.
D) Combination Tummy Tuck Procedures
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is executed on the lower body regions and can be combined with other processes like liposuction contouring, breast reduction, breast lift or at times, hysterectomy.
Recovery after Undergoing Tummy Tuck Surgery
- The recovery of the patients who has undertaken a tummy tuck surgery depends on a number of factors. For example, recovery will depend on the problem to be treated via tummy tuck, surgical techniques employed, etc.
- Can take around one to four weeks, during which patients are suggested to take at least some part of this recovery time off from work.
- Bulky, cumbersome activity should be avoided during this time.
- There will initial bruising and discomfort.
- A supportive abdominal binder or compression garment can lessen swelling / bruising and support the repaired tissues.
- Patients are recommended to refrain from all types of nicotine for a month or so both prior and post surgery.
- Full recovery will take about three to six months, with further fading of scars thereafter.
Cost Incurred for Tummy Tucks
The cost incurred by a patient wanting to undergo tummy tuck depends on a number of factors. For instance, the country where the operation will be carried out, the nature of the surgery, age of the patients, state of health, etc. For example,
In the United States, the tummy tuck surgery can cost anywhere between USD$4,000 to $20,000.
Whereas in India, the very same tummy tuck surgery can cost between $ 900 to $ 3000.
Risks Associated with Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery, though known to be successful in maximum cases, carries its share of risks too. Some of these risks are:
- Unfavorable scarring
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Infection
- Fluid accumulation
- Poor wound healing
- Skin loss
- Blood clots
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Anesthesia risks
- Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling, etc.