Tummy Tuck ( Abdominoplasty ) - What it is, Benefits, Procedure, Risks and Much

Posted by Dhanwantaris Chrysalis on March 11th, 2020

What is TUMMY TUCK?

Abdominoplasty is commonly and famously known as tummy tuck.

Generally with weight gain or obesity, excess fat and skin is accumulates around the abdomen region or the midriff.

A tummy tuck helps to flatten the abdomen. Abdominoplasty targets removal of undue fat and skin and also tightens muscles of the abdominal wall.

Along with the extra fat it can also shrug off some if not all of the stretch marks present on the lower abdomen area.

A tummy tuck is preferred mostly post pregnancy, or when one needs to undergo humongous weight loss or also when one has a flabby stomach with weak muscles impairing the body contour.

The biggest advantage of patients undergoing abdominoplasty is improved self-confidence as an outcome of the procedure.

It is extremely important to consult a renowned cosmetic surgeon who will guide and suggest the best suitable option with realistic expectations.

WHO NEEDS IT?/ CANDIDATURE FOR TUMMY TUCK

Who is the best candidate for TUMMY TUCK ?

• If you think this surgery will help you to feel better about your appearance and restore your confidence in your sexuality.

• If you think this surgery will make your appearance confident!

• If you think this surgery will give you feeling of “wholeness”!

• To allow you to wear certain clothes which you like !

Eligibility to undergo a TUMMY TUCK :

• Any of the above mentioned reasons makes you a suitable candidate to undergo TUMMY TUCK , But to be an eligible candidate for surgery you should also fulfill the following criteria:

• Every surgical procedure including plastic or cosmetic surgery involves certain risks. You should undergo a TUMMY TUCK only if you have a medical requirement or you feel that the particular surgery will enhance your quality of life.

• You shall be a good candidate for the TUMMY TUCK if you are healthy, you have realistic expectations from the outcome of the surgery and you are aware of all the risks associated with the procedure.

• You cannot consider undergoing a cosmetic surgery if you have serious health issues like diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders like haemophilia or depression.

• You shall not be a good candidate for the TUMMY TUCK if you smoke or drink too much alcohol.

• You should have positive attitude!

• You expectations from the outcome of the surgery should be realistic.

• You should be ready to miss at least a few weeks of normal activity.

Benefits Of Tummy Tuck

• You will look much smarter because your clothes drape better on your body.

• Rash or chafing caused by loose skin will be eliminated.

• Bulges and roll will be eliminated due to surgery. This will improve your attitude towards yourself.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:

Youthfulness

Ageing is a natural process which everyone goes through. Visible wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes are signs of ageing. Such skin flaws makes you look tired or aged. But with TUMMY TUCK like suitable treatment one feels younger, healthier and rejuvenated.

Natural

Nowadays TUMMY TUCK is gaining immense popularity because it produces results that blend extremely well with a patient's body aesthetics. Soon after the surgery, one gets back to the desired or normal shape of a treated body part. One does not have to wait long to see the result, which is the beauty of cosmetic surgery.

WEIGHT LOSS:

Liposuction is a process in which the body is reshaped by removing fats from that particular part of the body, and it typically targets problem areas that do not respond well to diet and exercise.

Patients seeking body contouring find it is easier to keep the weight down after lipoplasty. The positive results of liposuction can influence the patient to maintain a healthy diet and exercise program to keep their weight in check.

Appropriate weight control can lead to a healthier body and reduced risks associated with obesity and excessive weight gain.

INCREASED CONFIDENCE AND ENHANCED MENTAL HEALTH:

Self Confidence is a tool that helps us face challenges and tackle problems in life, with great certainty. When you look good, you feel good which in turn increases your self confidence. It leads to greater willingness to try new things or open up in social situations. You become more willing and open to wearing certain clothes or participating in activities which you avoided prior to surgery, due to discomfort in your appearance.

Certain clinicians and psychologists feel, few corrections in your body parts, by cosmetic surgery can not only lead to emotional wellness but also enhanced mental health.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

Studies do suggest that people that are more attractive benefit in their personal as well as professional lives.

Studies have also found, good looking people have a higher probability of getting promotions and making more salary.

A 2012 study published in Applied Financial Economics revealed that good looking real estate agents were able to sell properties at a higher price than agents that were average looking.

TUMMY TUCK SURGERY PROCEDURE

Available options for a tummy tuck:

1.Full Abdominoplasty

Also known as traditional tummy tuck. It mainly involves a cut around the lower abdomen as well as the navel. Followed by removal of surplus skin and tightening of muscles. Sometimes a liposuction may be performed to reshape the abdomen. The prime aim of full tummy tuck is to remove skin from the navel area up to the pubic area which was detrimental due to pregnancies, genetic laxity or obesity.

2. Mini Abdominoplasty

As the name suggests a single and small cut is made in the pubic area. The cut is placed pretty low ranging a few inches to the entire span of your abdomen. With the help of the incision, the surgeon will remove surplus skin, tighten slack muscles and also might perform liposuction to further cleanse and fine tune the area. Suitable candidature for a mini-tummy tuck is person with laxity and protrusion below the navel. A mini-tummy tuck is mostly advocated for people who have always been in fairly good shape but are not able to obtain their aesthetic goals with diet and exercise.

3.Extended or High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty

An extended abdominoplasty is suggested if there is presence of excess skin in the love handles or hips. The surgeon might give a cut longer to rectify the issue.

The high lateral tension abdominoplasty was one of the earliest procedures developed to rectify skin excess after significant weight loss or pregnancy. The procedure uses a layer in the deeper tissue to aid and maintain the correction. This technique involves a tummy tuck from front of the abdomen till the lift over the hip to the side of the thigh to improve and reshape the area, suspending and improvising the hip and thigh region. The effect and outcome can be stimulated by grabbing the skin on the sides of the waist and pulling up as if putting on a pair of jeans.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Alternatives

You may achieve a partial result by diet and exercise. There is no such alternatives for Tummy Tuck.

Associated Risks

Complications:

The potential for complications while performing surgery persist, just as for any other operation.

Pain is probably the most significant drawback of plastic surgery, and recovery times can be as long as six months in a few cases.

Some individuals may be at risk of severe reactions to anaesthesia or may develop health problems such as bleeding as a result of their surgery.

You need to discuss with Doctor regarding risks involved in the procedure.

Severe side effects:

Any surgical procedures carries a certain amount of risk, which may include excessive swelling, bruising or bleeding , wound becomes infected, delayed healing of wounds, numbness, breathing difficulties, unfavourable scarring, extrusion of implants or sutures, pain, and the need for revision of the surgery.

Worsened Self Image:

Cosmetic surgery is not necessarily a purely aesthetic choice few choose it out of low self esteem and depression. If this is the true intention behind the surgery, than you will most probably never feel better after surgery because the underlying problems will still be unresolved.

All in all, however, if complications are few and the benefits far outweigh the risks then Cosmetic Surgery is a procedure that can change your life for the better.

Preparing For Tummy Tuck Surgery

If you are considering TUMMY TUCK , it is important to take the time to determine why you want the surgery in the first place. If you have a medical need, or if you truly feel that this treatment will improve your quality of life, then you are a good candidate if you meet the aforementioned criteria.

Although having a TUMMY TUCK is common for celebrities and those who work in the limelight, certain life circumstances can force you to go under the knife. Here are some medically-necessary reasons that require you to have TUMMY TUCK .

Appropriate Consultation

• The most appropriate way to consider your competency for any kind of cosmetic treatment is to schedule an appointment with a proficient doctor.

• During the first encounter the doctor will try to understand why you feel the need to have a treatment and also what are your expectations from the outcome of the same

• The physician will evaluate your medical history; inquire about your current medication and medical condition. Physician should also be aware of everything you take, including vitamin supplements or herbal products since they might interfere with other medicines used during treatment. The surgeon might ask you to perform blood tests and a few general lab tests to monitor your current health status.

• The doctor will perform a physical exam, to have a close look at the skin, associated muscles and bones, their quality and the kind of changes that can be made. doctor might also suggest an additional surgery which will enhance or compliment your look,

• and last but not the least; the physician will assess your mental fitness to check whether you are ready to undergo the treatment.

RECOVERY TIME

• Recovery is basically the time required to get back to a relatively normal routine.

• Patients who wish to undergo TUMMY TUCK must plan for time off to heal and to be comfortable being seen in public.

• The healing time can vary from person to person and will also depend on the type of surgery to be performed.

• It can take up to two three weeks to return to work and perform everyday activities. After consulting with the doctor, People can utilise this time to go on a vacation or nurture themselves.

THE OUTCOME:

• Sometimes the TUMMY TUCK doesn't produces the results the patient imagines. This gap between imagination and reality may frustrate patient.

• Expecting unrealistic results, like the surgery will make you look like a Hollywood or Bollywood star and automatically solve all of your problems, can be a significant drawback to having cosmetic procedures.

• To have a better experience, it is extremely important to consult a qualified doctor before planning the surgery and develop a rational idea of what the end result will look like.

After Effects Of Surgery

You need to ask your doctor about side effects of the treatment. FOllowing list is general and effects may vary based on surgery

Pain:

There are chances of having mild to moderate pain and discomfort post surgery. The pain can be easily regulated with oral medications.
The distress and pain should reduce within 72 hours after surgery. A reasonable increase in pain post 72 hours should prompt you to contact the doctor.

Swelling:

Swelling can differ from patient to patient. It might increase during first three to four days before subsiding.
Things that can be done to reduce swelling include keeping the head elevated as much as possible; avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects.
Prolonged sun exposure should also be avoided for the initial two to three months.

Discoloration

Most bruising and discoloration resolve within the first two to three weeks. Make up can be applied to cover up the discolouration when been seen in public.

Numbness

The body part that undergoes the surgery can be numb for few days. The feeling of numbness is normal and shall reduce over upcoming weeks. Unusual sensations and moderate discomfort can persist while the nerves are regenerating over time.

Bleeding

Sometimes bleeding can occur, post surgery. You can lie down with your head elevated but if the bleeding still persists at this point, it would be advisable to consult your doctor.

Depression

It is perfectly alright for patients to go through a period of mild depression after the cosmetic surgery as after some days or weeks which depends on surgery, patients generally becomes anxious and expects the results when swelling and bruising still persists. But the patient should realize that it is a temporary condition and things are bound to improve over a period of time.

Post Surgery Do's And Don'ts

Ask your doctor. for better and suitable guidelines. Following are the general instructions which should help you get the best results from your surgery.

Post Surgery do’s and don’ts:

• No vigorous exercise, contact sports and running for minimum of two weeks.

• No lifting heavy objects for at least 3 weeks.

• If you have face, neck related treatment then

• Avoid pullover clothing for two weeks especially if you have undergone a face surgery.

• Bypass hard chewing foods for a few days.

• Avoid yawning and wide mouth opening for two to three weeks.

• Avoid laughing, smiling, or other facial expressions that need a lot of movement.

• Use a soft bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth.

• Avoid driving a vehicle for a few days after surgery.

• No swimming for at least two weeks after surgery.

• Prefer using a mild soap and shampoo while taking a shower.

• It is essential to maintain the tape and cover on the surgery to keep it dry. Once the doctor advises to remove the tape you can to gently wash your surgery area twice a day to help reduce oiliness.

• You should be prompt enough to contact the doctor immediately, for any signs of bleeding that persist for more than ten minutes, infections, redness, swelling, fever, pain etc.

Exercising After Tummy Tuck

After cosmetic surgery many patients asks about post surgery exercise or when can they resume their gym activity. Patients needs to understand that, its extremely crucial to give enough time for proper healing of your body, for eg strain on muscles, excessive sweating, stretching of the skin etc. can delay the recovery.

You need to consult your doctor about

1. How soon you can start exercising?

2. What type of exercise?

3. How much time?

Don't start exercise without asking your doctor and follow guidelines given by your doctor as for complete healing, body needs time, and you need enough energy level for your routine and gym.

Seek Medical Help

IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. Development of a temperature elevation exceeding 100 degrees.

2. An unusual amount of bleeding from the surgery area

3. Significant reinjury of the surgery area

4. A significant increase in pain even after taking your prescribed medication

About the Author

Dhanwantaris Chrysalis
https://www.dhanwantarischrysalis.com/body-sculpting/abdominoplasty
+91 8980208978