The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck: More Than Just Fat Removal

Introduction

Are you not getting the flat tummy you want from exercise or diet? You may be considering several methods to acquire a tight stomach. You could be putting a lot of effort into achieving your ideal appearance or personal health objectives. Sometimes, changing your diet and exercises alone won’t entirely alter the size and form of your stomach area. Then, abdominoplasty, sometimes also known as tummy tuck, is the answer for you. It is one of the finest options if you have excess skin or fat in your belly that doesn’t go away with physical exercise or diet. This procedure flattens your belly by tightening the muscles in your abdominal wall and eliminating excess fat and skin. 

A tummy tuck, often referred to as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery operation used to enhance the abdomen’s look and form. A tummy tuck is a procedure for removing extra skin and fat from the abdomen region. Sutures are typically also used to tighten the fascia, or the connective tissue, in your belly. The remaining skin is removed to give a better appearance and greater tone. You could choose to get your stomach tucked if you have a weak lower abdominal wall or excess skin or fat around your belly button. It also makes you feel better about your physique.  

What is abdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery that flattens and smoothens your abdomen or belly by removing excess fat and tightening muscles in abdominal walls. A tummy tuck can address a protruding stomach and ageing skin. It is one of the finest options when your body undergoes changes after pregnancy, significant weight loss, natural ageing, or any previous surgery. 

Types of abdominoplasty

There are a few types of abdominoplasty that surgeons perform to remove excess fat in the abdomen region, such as:

• Partial abdominoplasty: It is a mini tummy tuck that requires a small incision between the lower abdomen and the belly button. Sometimes, no incisions are made during the procedure. It is carried out when you have less excess fat.
• Full abdominoplasty: It is a type where a large incision is made around the lower abdomen above the pelvic region. It is done when you are fatter.
• Circumferential abdominoplasty: It is also known as high lateral tension abdominoplasty, where surgery is done in the front and back area of the abdomen and hip region. A surgeon makes a longer incision around the abdomen for the surgery, which not only removes fat but also changes the shape of the body from all sides.  
• Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck: It is a type where the incision is made in the upper and lower regions of the abdomen, that is, vertical and horizontal forms. This incision looks like a letter ‘T’. It is done for individuals with more fat and obesity.

Procedure of abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty has the following steps and procedures carried out by surgeons:  

Before the surgery

• Before the procedure, you undergo various physical examinations, like ultrasound, CT scans, etc., to confirm your eligibility for the surgical procedure.
• You are administered some medications, like blood thinners, to prevent any blood clots during the procedure and anaesthesia to make you comfortable and painless.

During the surgery

During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen region. This depends on which type of abdominoplasty is carried out.

• After making an incision, the surgeon pulls down the upper abdominal skin and removes the extra skin or fat.
• Then, the connective tissue that lies over the abdominal muscles is tightened with permanent sutures.
• Then, they insert a drainage tube to drain excess fluids and fats.
• After removing all unwanted extra fats, the incision is then closed and stitched.
• The surgery usually takes a few hours (2–5 hours) to complete.

After the surgery

• After surgery, you will be monitored for any complications and then discharged with medications for pain, healing, and recovery.
• You will be given a supportive abdominal garment for about 6 weeks after the surgery, which helps prevent fluid build-up and provides abdominal support for recovery.  

Benefits of abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck has many benefits for your health and appearance. Some of them are,

• It removes excess fat in the abdominal area.
• It helps you feel more confident and makes your appearance better.
• It tightens weak muscles.
• It creates a flatter and more toned abdominal appearance.
• It repairs weakened and separated abdominal muscles.
• It removes the stretch marks in the abdominal area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a life-changing procedure for you with loose skin and persistent belly fat, especially after pregnancy, ageing, and obesity condition. It greatly improves your quality of life by boosting your self-esteem and sense of empowerment.