Tummy tuck, Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty surgery is a popular procedure

A flat and well-toned abdomen many people strive for may not be possible to achieve with exercise and weight control. A protruding, loose and sagging abdomen can be a cause of distress for men and women alike. When conventional exercise and diet is not enough, there are still some possibilities to reach the desired results by surgical intervention. Plastic surgery offers a clearly visible and long lasting solution for aesthetically enhance the tummy. The popularity of this intervention proves the effectiveness of this operation.

The most common causes of a protruding, sagging abdomen include pregnancy (often with characteristic striations), significant fluctuations in weight aging, heredity, or in some cases previous surgery.

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened muscles resulting in enhanced abdominal firmness, tighter and flatter abdominal profile. The overall results can be greatly satisfying and also permanent, but it is important to note that fluctuations of the weight can diminish the results of the surgery. This means that patients who consider substantial weight loss or further pregnancy are advised to postpone this intervention. Also the operation does not prevent the normal process of aging, but generally it is very long lasting and it can be performed later if desired.

Tummy tuck surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The incision is made below the bikini line from hipbone to hipbone and around the belly button. The surgeon then separates the skin from the underlying tissues, creating a skin flap which is then lifted to allow access to the abdominal muscles.

The abdominal muscles are tightened with permanent sutures and excess skin and fat is removed. Your tummy tuck surgery should leave you with a slimmer and shapelier tummy. The operation is also tighten and smoothen the skin and prevents sagging.

Striations (vertical lines on the sides of the belly) caused by pregnancy or weight fluctuations should disappear. The horizontal scar hidden well below the bikini line is normally flat and fades to near invisibility in about 6 month time.

In rare instances there are risks associated with abdominoplasty such as bleeding, seroma(fluid build-up), infections, but usually respond well to local treatments and antibiotics. However the risks are manageable. Avoiding nicotine before the operation and during the recovery time – which depends on the procedure but generally lasts 3-6 month – is advised. Consulting the doctor and following his instructions can greatly reduce the majority of risks. Generally speaking the operation is considered safe.