Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy tuck is a surgical treatment to straighten and strengthen the muscles of the abdomen. Abdominoplasty is the medical term for tummy tuck. It is a cosmetic sort of surgical procedure. The surgery is performed to firm the sagging skin of the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin from the lower and middle abdomen. Another utility of the treatment is to tighten the fascia and muscle of the abdominal wall. Women whose tummy weighs heavy with loose tissues and excess fat after pregnancy undergo this surgery. Individuals who develop sagging skin after heavy weight loss can also benefit from abdominoplasty.
Procedures
It takes time to execute abdominoplasty, as it is a surgical treatment of the abdomen. An X-ray image of the abdomen is the pre-operative procedure. It is done to locate fat tissue and deposit in the abdomen. First of all, the surgeon administers an anesthesia to the patient in order to keep him or her insensitive to the pain during the surgery hours. The type of anesthesia is decided by keeping in view several physical factors of the patient.
The surgeon uses sterile surgical tools to make incisions in the abdomen. Incisions are usually made in the lower portion of the abdomen. Then, the surgeon inserts a laparoscopic tube with a camera attached to it into the abdomen through the incision. This tube is called catheter. The camera provides the picture of the surgical procedure in the interior of the abdomen.
Some sharp-edged clinical tools are inserted into the abdomen to remove excess fat tissues and deposit. The muscles of the abdomen get straightened due to fat removal. Then, an antibacterial ointment is applied on the treated part and incisions are closed with stitches. The place of incisions is dressed with a sterile bandage.
Procedure of complete abdominoplasty
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Incisions are made in the upper portion
of the pubic area from hip to hip. |
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The navel is detached from the skin surrounding
it, through another incision. |
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The skin is separated from the wall of the abdomen
to reveal the fascia and muscles. The fascia and
muscles are tightened with sutures. |
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Excess fat is removed to tighten the skin of
the abdominal wall. |
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A new incision is made to bring out the old belly
button stalk. |
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The transition zones of the abdominal sculpture
are refined through liposuction. |
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Excess fluid is drained out of the abdominal
cavity through a catheter tube. |
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Sometimes compressing garments as a dressing are
applied. |
Procedure of Partial Abdominoplasty
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Smaller incisions are made in the
lower abdomen to perform partial abdominoplasty. |
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The fat and skin are removed from the fascia
and muscle in the lower abdomen. Excess skin is
removed to stretch down the remaining skin. |
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Another incision is made down the abdominal wall
to separate the belly button stalk from the abdominal
muscles. |
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The transition zone of the abdominal sculpture
is contoured through liposuction. |
Recovery
The recovery process and period depend on surgical technique, physical factors of the patient and the problem treated. Patients without complications generally recover within one to four weeks. It is advised to avoid heavy and hectic activity during the post-operative period. It is natural to experience discomfort and swelling for a few days after the surgery. Intake of nicotine is strictly prohibited for fast recovery.
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