Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery that tightens the stomach area. In its aims, abdominoplasty is similar to liposuction. However, whereas liposuction only removes fat, a tummy tuck removes excess skin.
The surgery and Consultation
Before going ahead with the surgery, we advise that you think deliberate before coming to a decision.
If you feel the procedure is well-suited for you, organise a consultation with the doctor. During this initial appointment, you will be asked to provide extensive information on the medications you take, medical history, allergies and desired results. Please be as thorough as possible. The information you provide will be the basis of the doctor’s decisions.
Given that you are a good candidate for the abdominoplasty, an ideal date for the surgery will be booked.
The doctor will give you a comprehensive preparation guide and information on what to expect.
You will be under general anaesthetic during the surgery. So please consider the suggestions concerning surgical preparations above.
There are three types of abdominoplasty: Complete, partial or circumferential.
To start a complete abdominoplasty, the surgeon will make an incision above the pubic region, at the bikini line and at the naval region (the latter is to protect the naval from peripheral tissues). Then, he or she will move the skin and muscles around to fit the patient’s desired results.
There aren’t many differences between a partial and complete abdominoplasty. However, a partial abdominoplasty encompasses a smaller incision and takes a little less time.
As well as the frontal midriff, a circumferential abdominoplasty includes the back region, resulting in an improved appearance on both sides.
The surgeon will then finalise the type of surgery you are having by stitching the incisions and bandaging the area.
Recovery
Some swelling and bruising are expected after the surgery. The body does not suffer trauma under abdominoplasty, but any incision or major change is bound to produce swelling. So, keep in mind that such an effect is expected and don’t let it become a cause of panic. Your surgeon will give you a detailed analysis of the procedure after the surgery.
To keep the results intact, the surgeon may strap a compression garment around the operated region. Next, the surgeon will advise you on how to sleep, lay down and move around to attain the best results.
Strenuous activity is best restarted seven weeks after the surgery. It is advised that you leave it until after the 6th week, but you may benefit from extending that for an additional seven days.
Your doctor, surgeon and other healthcare professionals will advise you on what you can do to aid your recovery process.
The surgery’s results usually begin to appear by the third month—some taking a little longer. By then, the majority of the swelling would have disappeared, allowing you to fit into more petite clothing.
Pregnancy after a tummy tuck
There are no risks to the baby (or the mother) when people get pregnant after a tummy tuck surgery. Some women report benign skin sensitivity, but this is not dangerous and is very minimal
Although the inherent biological risks to the baby or the mother, pregnancy can affect your results. The skin inevitably stretches during pregnancy, and this can roll back some of your results, prompting some people to opt for corrective surgery.
