Abdominomplasty, commonly known as ‘tummy tuck’ is a major surgical procedure involving the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdominal region with the aim of tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. It can significantly reduce the protrusion of the abdomen.
Who is a candidate for an abdominoplasty procedure?
Men and women, who are otherwise in good shape, but have a protruding abdomen due to fat deposit or loose skin that has not improved even with exercise, may be candidates for abdominoplasty. It is particularly popular among women, who, due to multiple pregnancies have lost the tightness of their tummies beyond the point where diet control and exercise can restore it.
The Dangers of Abdominoplasty
This procedure when performed by a physician who has the necessary qualifications, is almost invariably a success. All surgery does carry some risk of complications; abdominoplasty is no exception in this regard. These risks should be understood by the patient before undergoing the procedure.
Blood clots and infection, though rare, can occur after the operation. This, though treatable, will extend the patient’s stay at the hospital. Sometimes, there is poor healing, resulting in prominent scars. In such cases, a second operation may be required. Smoking can also increase complications.
Hoe To Plan and Prepare for an Abdominoplasty Procedure
The surgeon must first determine how large any fat deposits in the abdomen of the patient are. Skin tone will also be looked at, with the surgeon recommending either a partial or complete abdominoplasty procedure depending on these two factors. If the deposits occur just below the navel, a partial abdominoplasty is likely what will be called for. The surgeon may instead recommend, especially if the deposits are not limited to the area below the navel.
You will be given specific guidelines with respect to diet, drinking, smoking and medications before the surgery. If you develop an infection or cold, your surgery will likely be postponed. Complete abdominoplasty usually takes about 2-5 hours while partial abdominoplasty may take 1-2 hours.
In a complete abdominoplasty a long incision will be made from one hipbone to the other, just above the pubic area. Another incision will also be made to free the navel area from the abdominal tissue. Partial abdominoplasty needs a much shorter incision, and the second incision may not be required at all.
