Tummy tuck

Overview:

The tummy tuck is a plastic surgical procedure done to improve the shape of the abdomen. It is a cosmetic procedure of tucking the tummy to make it firm, tone, flatten, and smooth the abdomen. This procedure includes the removal of excess fat and skin and tightening the abdominal muscles to give a proper shape and structure to the tummy. It is also known as abdominoplasty. 

Indications:

A tummy tuck is advisable for an individual who wants to shape their abdomen. It is not a weight loss procedure. It is done for individuals who have lost the elasticity of the skin, have excess fat, and weak connective tissue in the abdominal area. It is for individuals who had a significant loss in weight and their skin lost elasticity and tightness, post-pregnancy induced body changes, after cesarean surgery, due to aging, and due to the body type. This can be done with other body-contouring procedures. It is indicated in those who are:

• Not having any life-threatening conditions
• Stable body mass index
• Stable weight for the past one year 
• Has no habits of smoking, vaping, or alcoholism
• Not planning pregnancy
• With realistic expectations

Tummy tucking can correct the following 

• Loose excess skin and fat 
• Tightening of the weakened fascia 
• Removes stretch marks between the area of belly button and the pelvis 

Contraindications:

A tummy tuck is not indicated for all individuals. It is not indicated:

• If an individual is planning to lose significant weight before the procedure 
• If an individual is planning a pregnancy or wants to get pregnant in the future 
• Has life-threatening diseases like heart disease or diabetes 
• A body mass index > 30
• Has the habit of smoking and alcoholism for a long time 
• Previous abdominal surgeries left significant scars on the body. 

Advantages:

It has many advantages:

• It helps to shape the body structure 
• It helps to build confidence
• Weak muscles are tightened 
• Excess skin and fat is removed

Types of tummy tuck surgery:

Based on the goals of the surgery tummy tuck surgeries are of various types. They are:

• Full tummy tuck abdominoplasty – cuts are made in the lower part of the abdomen just above the pubic area based on the amount of extra skin present. 
• Mini tummy tuck abdominoplasty – cuts are made between the lower part of the abdomen and the belly button area by using smaller cuts. This is preferred if the skin to be removed is less. 
• Extended tummy tuck – cuts are made in both the front and back parts of the body. This needs a longer cut as it changes the shape of the body from all directions. 
• Another surgery is where cuts are made up and down and from side to side in the abdominal area. This is done for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight. 

Before the procedure:

Before tummy tuck surgery an individual should discuss the expectations from the surgery with the healthcare professional (HCP). Complete details regarding the medical history, medications, or any history of previous surgeries should be informed to the HCP. Few blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies may be needed to understand the present physical condition of the individual. 

Diet will be restricted and a list of medications will be stopped and used before the procedure is given. Smoking, alcohol, and caffeine will interfere with the healing hence it is advisable to stop them before surgery. It is recommended to maintain a steady  weight for at least 12 months before the procedure to get better results. The surgery will be done on an empty stomach. Hence it is necessary to refrain from eating anything 8-12 hours before surgery.

During the procedure:

The tummy tuck surgery is done in a hospital under general anesthesia. The changes expected will be based on the type of procedure selected. Cuts are made to remove the skin and fat deposits in the portion between the belly button and the pubis. Sutures are used to tighten the weak muscles and other tissues. The length and shape of the cuts depend on the type of surgical procedure adopted and the amount of skin removed. The cuts are later sutured. The skin around the belly button is also corrected and tightened. 

After the procedure:

The entire procedure takes about 2-3 hours. An individual is monitored till the vitals stabilize. Medications are given for pain and to ward off infections. Surgical dressing is placed over the abdominal cuts and the belly button area. The excess fluid is drained through small tubes. 

Instructions:

• Medications should be taken regularly.
• The drain tube should be emptied and taken care of without getting any infections at the site. 
• One has to walk on the day of the surgery to prevent the formation of blood clots in the same area. 
• Supportive abdominal garment shave to be worn for six weeks after the surgery to prevent fluid buildup and support the abdomen. 
• One has to avoid positions that cause strain on the line of cuts. This can cause the reopening of the wound. 
• Regular follow-up visits are needed to check the healing. 

Effectiveness:

One can get a toned look after the tummy tuck procedure to strengthen the abdominal wall. The results generally last lifelong. 

Risks and complications:

Certain risks and complications include:

• Fluid accumulation beneath the skin called seromas can develop. Drains can help to subside them. 
• Infections along the line of cuts cause poor wound healing. 
• Scarring along the line of cuts.
• Damage to the fatty tissue located deeper in the body that may need additional surgery to correct it. 
• Nerve damage during surgery can cause permanent numbness or reduced sensation in the lower parts of the body.

Conclusion:

A tummy tuck is a commonly done plastic surgery procedure done after the body has undergone significant changes. It tightens the abdominal muscles and reshapes and tones the abdomen. It boosts the confidence of an individual when they have the body shape they desire. 

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