A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and sag skin and is commonly prefered after birth, after weight loss or because of saggy skin due to genetically associated reasons. In most cases, also the weakened or separated muscles are recreated, so the abdominal profile appears smoother and firmer. Many patients are striving for a flat and well-toned abdomen trough exercise and diet, but those methods may not lead you to achieve your goals.
We observe that even patients with average weight and body proportions have an abdomen that protrudes or sag and undergo a tummy tuck surgery.
These are the most common causes for a abdominoplasty:
It is important to mention, that a tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and should be well-considered and should be only prefered to fullfil your own desires and ideals, not thouse of external influence or ideals.
Abdominoplasty is recommended when...
Although the results of an abdominoplasty procedure are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals planning substantial weight loss or women who consider a future pregnancies are warmly advised to postpone abdominoplasty surgery.
What you should not expect from a tummy tuck:
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Trough tummy tuck operations we cannot correct stretch marks, but remove them, if they are located on the areas of the excess skin, those are generally the treated areas below the belly button.
How do we proceed with a tummy tuck operations?
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the abdominoplasty surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – The incision
A full tummy tuck procedure requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of the required corrections.
This incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured while excess fat, tissue and skin is removed.
A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips closes the skin incision.
Recovery
After your surgery, bandages may be applied to the incisions, and your body will be wrapped with elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen during the healing process.
Aditionally, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect to minimize swelling after the surgery.
Final Result
Your abdominoplasty procedure will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.
The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete.
Within one to two weeks you can stand up straight and resume your daily activities with your leaner and tighter body.
