Tummy Tuck
Sometimes simply dieting and exercising are not enough to take care of waistline problems. In such cases, a patient may wish to consider a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty). A tummy tuck is the surgical removal of excess skin or fatty deposits from the abdomen, along with the repositioning of abdomen muscles into a tighter formation. This bodily enhancement procedure is designed for those who wish to have a flatter and tighter stomach. It is also helpful in remedying the vertical separation of abdomen muscles known as diastasis, which can occur following pregnancy.
Reasons for Considering an Abdominoplasty:
• Inability of dieting and exercise to improve the abdomen area.
• Excessive accumulation of skin following weight loss.
• Loss of skin elasticity or diastases (loose abdomen muscles) due to pregnancy.
• The removal of unsightly skin and fat deposits as well as the proper alignment of the abdomen
muscles to produce a more flattering look.
General Procedure
Abdominoplasty surgery usually takes 2-4 hours, depending on the desired look and the patient’s unique anatomy. To begin the procedure, an incision is made just above the pubic bone area. This incision goes horizontally across the lower abdomen and sometimes around to the back. The skin is then elevated away from the muscle tissue. The abdomen muscle tissue is tightened to provide a firmly contoured stomach and well-defined waistline. A circumumbilical incision is made leaving the umbilical stalk at its normal place, the skin is pulled down and then the umbilicus is brought back to the skin at its normal position with is about 10 cm above the incision. The incision is closed and drains are put in place after the excess skin is removed.
The scar is kept low and not higher up on the abdomen where the scar could be visibly seen. Important considerations for a tummy tuck:
1. Be sure to ask your surgeon where he or she places the scar as the scar placed too high above the groin can show above bathing suits, even the fairly large ones, and are not concealed by the bathing suit styles worn at a younger age.
2. Question whether they are going to suction the abdomen to remove the excess fat and suction over the hip to contour the abdomen back over the upper portion of the hip or buttocks.
3. Maximum fascial or muscle tightening is imperative to give a flat, contoured look.
Recovery Process
Medications will be prescribed to relieve pain caused from the procedure. The patient will be required to sleep in a flexed position with the knees bent and pillows behind the back and walk bent forward. Dr. Clement suggests a walker to help relieve the pain from the abdomen while the patient is walking around. The first two weeks, the patient just walks around the house for short walks, but does so frequently. Then, after three weeks, the patient will start doing minimal exercise like walking. In four weeks, increase that activity. At six weeks, the patient is able to perform any activity they please. There can be no abdominal exercises during the first six weeks to prevent rupture on the repair. With proper care and healing, the duration of this procedure can be up to 25 years. As the body recuperates, the patient can expect some pain, discomfort and swelling especially above the scar for 4-6 months.
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