How Effective Is a Tummy Tuck?

Many men and women are troubled by flabby skin, fat and loose muscles that mar the shape and look of their abdomen and general physique. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is an effective way of resolving these issues. The procedure flattens the abdomen by removing extra fat and skin, and tightening the abdominal muscles.  

What is Involved in a Tummy Tuck

There are two types of abdominoplasty:

• Mini/Partial:

-For patients who require less correction
-An endoscopic procedure below the navel
-Abdominal muscles are tightened

• Complete/Full:

-For those who require more correction
-Through a long incision from hip to hip and also around the navel -
Loose skin is removed and abdominal muscles are tightened

Both these plastic surgery procedures are done under general anesthesia. The partial procedure involves less scarring than the complete one. Other cosmetic procedures like fat grafting or liposuction may be combined with tummy tuck to achieve a more enhanced body contour. The plastic surgeon recommends the suitable procedure and develops a custom plan for the patient.

The patient is thoroughly evaluated to decide on the kind of surgery that is needed and also to check for health issues. Ideal candidates are men and women in good health. Women who have stretched muscles and skin following multiple pregnancies can benefit as tummy tuck surgery tightens the muscles and removes the excess fat. The procedure can also help to reduce the excess fat deposits or loose skin that remains in the abdominal area following a weight loss program.

 Changes that Can be Expected after an Abdominiplasty

A flatter abdomen that is also firmer is the first thing that can be noticed after the tummy tuck. You can see that the body contour has improved and that the skin is tighter, with fewer stretch marks. There is considerable change in the waistline size. Recovery may take about six weeks. As with any other type of plastic surgery, there are certain risks and complications, but most of these can be avoided or resolved with the right plastic surgeon. Besides using the latest technology to achieve optimal results, a trained and experienced plastic surgeon can ensure your safety.

When you have tried every way to reduce the abdominal bulge and are unsuccessful, try going in for a tummy tuck. However, though this is a very effective way to achieve your goal of a well-sculpted abdomen, make sure to follow a proper diet and exercise regimen to maintain the results.

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Why Do Women Think About a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is usually sought after by women who have saggy skin in their abdominal area. They expect that the procedure to result in a flatter, younger looking abdomen and improved waistline. Women think about tummy tuck when the loose skin in the abdominal area mars their looks. This could be due to one of the following factors:

• Multiple pregnancies
• Post-pregnancy skin sagging
• Persistence of abdominal fat and loose skin despite a controlled and healthy diet and weight-loss regimen

So the procedure is ideal for women of normal weight who wish to get rid of loose or stretched abdominal skin.  

About the Procedure

There are basically two types of procedures: complete abdominoplasty and mini tummy tuck. The ‘complete’ surgery is meant for women who require extensive correction. A long incision is placed in the lower abdominal area, from hip to hip, and one around the navel. The partial or mini tummy tuck involves less scarring. An endoscopic procedure is used to tighten abdominal muscles Women who consider tummy tuck surgery need to be aware of the basics of the procedure:

• General anesthesia is applied
• An incision is made above the pubic hair line from hip to hip, or below the naval line
• Excess skin and fat is removed
• The abdominal tissue is tightened
• The incision is closed with sutures

After the procedure, result is a flatter abdomen with less stretch marks. A full tummy tuck is for those with lots of skin to get rid off. A partial or mini one requires shorter incisions, done for those having fat under the belly-button.

 Things to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

A tummy tuck should be performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. As with any other plastic surgery procedure, there could be risks involved. Having a qualified surgeon perform the surgery can minimize the risks. The right surgeon will do a thorough evaluation of your physical condition and medical history before going ahead. Choose a surgeon you are comfortable with. Here are some questions you may ask your physician:

• Is the surgery right for me?
• What result can I expect after the procedure?
• When will I recover completely?
• What kind of anesthesia is used?
• What are the risks involved in this procedure?
• When will I be able to resume normal activity after the surgery?
• How many abdominoplasty procedures have you performed?

You can also ask to see before and after pictures of previous surgeries, but remember that results may vary among patients.You might be asked to stay at the hospital for a day or two based on the time you might need to recover. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions for a fast recovery.