What is Tummy Tuck surgery?
A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive to acheive, when exercise and weight control methods can not help us to reach it, we resort to the Tummy Tuck surgery.
The aim Tummy tuck surgery (also known as abdominoplasty) to create a smoother and firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and loose skin. It is a surgical procedure where are removed from the middle and bottom areas of the stomach and the muscles are tightened.
What can a Tummy Tuck do ?
A Tummy Tuck procedure can:
• Remove loose skin after major weight loss
• Remove excess skin or fat after a pregnancy
• Tighten weak stomach muscles
• Repair stomach muscles that have separated.
Tummy Tuck Process
Before going to the operation your surgeon will start Drawing lines on your abdomen showing where the fat will be extracting from and discuss the goals of your tummy tuck.
The surgery begins with the Anesthesia, the doctor will recommend the best choice for you wether is general or local anesthesia depending on your case.
Can everyone have a Tummy Tuck ?
You should be aware that a Tummy Tuck is not a weight-loss procedure.
It is most suitable for patients who have excess skin ,however even people with normal weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:
• Aging
• Heredity
• Pregnancy
• Prior surgery
• Significant fluctuations in weight
Instructions for better Tummy Tuck Surgery
The following instructions are general information to be followed before and after a Tummy Tuck procedure:
Pre-Operation:
·Surgery will need to be cancelled if thereis any chance that you are pregnant.
·Stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least 2 weeks prior to surgery
·Avoid taking aspirin, , female hormones, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements 10 days prior to surgery, as they can increase bleeding
·Ensure good nutrition
·Ask about any medications or contraceptive methods you are taking: as certain medications can increase your risk of complications during and after your surgery
·The week of surgery, wash daily with an antimicrobial soap to decrease your chances of infection.
Post-Operation:
· drink plenty of fluids to get rid of medications.
·You will feel uncomfortable and tired for a few (usually 3-5) days. Take your narcotic pain medication regularly during this time.
·Rest and sleep on your back in an inclined position for 1 to 2 weeks .
·eat high-protein, low-sodium foods, with fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of caffeine-free beverages and water. Have small meals for the first few weeks until you feel more comfortable having larger meals.
·Stay active, take short, light walks around the house at least 3 times daily.
·Gentle mobilisation is advised early on post-operatively. When you first start walking, begin by crouching and bending at the waist with a pillow on your tummy for support
·If you need to bend, keep your back straight and bend at the knees instead of leaning forward.
·after your surgery, your lower abdomen and belly button may feel quite numb. Once the swelling begins to subside, the sensation will begin to return to these areas but it may take a few months for it to completely go back to normal. Therefore be very careful when using hot water bottles as you may not feel the heat!
·Avoid Scratching, although some itching of the healing wounds is expected
·Avoid Sleeping on your stomach for 6 weeks
·Do not Expose scars to sun for at least 12 months
·Don’t smok or use nicotine products (e.g. nicotine gum) for at least 6 weeks pre and post-op, as it impedes wound healing
·Do not apply warm compresses as they will increase swelling
·Do not remove post-surgical dressings. Make sure the white tape (steri strips) stay in place for at least 7-10 days. Dressings are usually required for 2 to 3 weeks, if they come loose you can use spare dressings or surgical tape to secure them. If your wound is dry at the post-op appointment, the dressings may be removed completely. Otherwise, they may be required for more time.
Average length of stay7 Days
Length of stay in hospital1 Day
Operation Duration2-4 Hours
AnesthesiaGeneral Anesthesia
Recovery duration1-2 Week
FAQs
Tummy Tuck possible risks include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Poor wound healing
- Skin loss
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
- Unfavorable scarring
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Asymmetry
- Suboptimal aesthetic result
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Persistent pain
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
There may be swelling and pain that can be controlled with painkillers for a few days after the tummy tuck.
Drains are removed 1-3 days and stiches are removed 1-3 weeks after the operation. You will have to stay in hospital for 1-3 days. It may take some months for you to feel like your old self. You can return to work 2-4 weeks after the operation. The incision made might look to be getting works for the first 3-6 months, but this is normal, as it takes 9 months to 1 year to heal and fade.
Expect to be at a stable weight before your tummy tuck . Most surgeons will recommend patients be between 10-15 pounds from their goal weight. This is important as gaining or losing additional weight can undo the contoured shape achieved through your surgery.
Many patients have questions about the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction. Where a tummy tuck reconstructs the muscles underneath and removes excess skin, liposuction only removes excess fat. Liposuction will not remove or reduce loose, hanging, or excess skin.
Mini tummy tucks leave a scar approximately 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) long. The scar will be low on the abdomen and can be easily covered. A fleur de lis tummy tuck leaves the same scar as a mini tummy tuck with the addition of a vertical scar up the abdomen.