A tummy tuck is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdomen. This article gives important details about the abdominal plastic surgery.
How we view ourselves is very much influenced by television, magazines and advertising. Every year thousands attempt to achieve the stereotypical Barbie or Ken look by various methods. New infomercials are constantly being aired to sell products that purport to help achieve a look of perfection. Storefronts in malls commonly include weight loss clinics that often charge based on how much weight you commit to lose. It seems that some men and women will go to great lengths to achieve an almost perfect body, even plastic surgery.
Optional medical procedures: What to expect from a tummy tuck?
One of the most common plastic surgeries being performed on a daily basis is Abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck is used to remove excess skin from the lower abdomen and to thin the upper abdominal fat by elevating and redistributing it. Many men and women opt for this type of surgery as a solution to remove unwanted fat deposits that don’t seem to budge with even the most strenuous exercise routines. A tummy tuck is also used as a solution for post-pregnancy fat deposits. It is an ideal surgery choice for those at or near their ideal body weight. The abdominoplasty procedure can also remove stretch marks, correct uneven c-section scars and weak stomach muscles.
The Procedure
After being given general anesthesia a horizontal incision is made on the lower abdomen near the pubic hairline. Excess skin and tissue, as well as fat down to the abdominal muscle, is then removed and any hernias or muscle weaknesses are corrected. The belly button is left at the same position but through a new skin opening and there is usually no visible scar around the belly button. This procedure usually takes two to three hours based on patients’ specific surgery needs.
Recovery
After abdominoplasty patients are either released within a few hours or remain hospitalized for up to a few days depending on the extent of the surgery. After surgery there will be considerable swelling. A special garment must be worn for 4-6 weeks during recovery that will help reduce swelling. Help will be required getting around for the first 5-6 days. The first three days after surgery will be the most uncomfortable, however ice packs and medication will help greatly. During the first three days you may also notice some difficulty breathing and coughing will be painful. Practicing walking straight with good posture will help speed up recovery. Most patients return to work after approximately 10-14 days and full exercise can be resumed after one month. Final results will not be seen for 2-3 months and the scar will take about a year to flatten and lighten.
Risks
Although problems are infrequent they can occur. The risks of most concern are bleeding, infection, fluid collection, loss of belly button, numbness, asymmetry, delayed healing, bad scarring, skin discolorations, intestinal inactivity, blood clots, and side affects of medications.
Abdominoplasty creates excellent results and the effects are long lasting if you work to keep your new look by exercising regularly and eating healthy.
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