Tummy Tuck surgery, known scientifically as abdominoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess fat and skin, as well as restores weakened muscles. Common causes include pregnancy or dramatic weight loss, that leave the lower abdomen weakened with a pouch of loose or hanging skin. While exercise can improve this condition, sometimes a flat stomach cannot be achieved through natural means. The tummy tuck will address this issue creating a flatter, smoother, and firmer abdominal profile.
Other factors that make you a good candidate
for tummy tuck surgery include:
- If you are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- If you do not have a life-threatening illness or condition that impairs healing
- If you are a non-smoker
- If you are unsatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen and exercise and diet make no difference
What are the steps of the tummy tuck surgery?
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Your doctor will administer medications for your comfort during the surgery based of what is right for you. This could be intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
Step 2 – The incision
While the shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin, a full tummy tuck requires a horizontal line across the abdomen. The incision is made between the pubic hairline and belly button. Once opened, the abdominal muscles will be repaired and the skin is pulled down like a window. Any excess skin is trimmed and the remaining is tightly sutured together. A new opening for the belly button will be made, and the internal structure is sutured to the surface. In some cases, a second incision is also made around the navel to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
A number of different tools may be used for closing the incisions. This can include sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips. Your doctor will use what they think is right for you.
Step 4 – The Results
The final results of a tummy tuck will provide you with a firmer, slimmer figure. Initially, this can be hard to see, due to swelling in the area and the inability to stand upright while internal healing happens. Around the two-week mark, you most likely will be able to stand and see a smaller profile that is visibly firmer. The tummy tuck scar itself can take up to several months to fade and will never disappear entirely. Despite living with a scar, most patients are extremely happy with their outcome, as the produce will leave you with a better abdominal contour, that is more proportional to your frame and weight.