Surgical options for body reshaping
The surgial procedure is called an abdominoplasty, popularly referred to as a "tummy tuck." This procedure flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin, and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall and is done to tighten the loose skin of the abdomen and repair the weak muscles of the abdominal wall (rectus muscle). It is sometimes combined with liposuction to smooth the edges and improve the contour.
In general it is considered unsafe to suction the skin that is undermined because this may damage the blood supply of the skin and the skin may die. If the patient suffers from obesity the panniculus of fat is removed at the same time. A mini-abdominoplasty is used when there is localized fullness of the lower abdomen and a less extensive procedure is needed. The method of surgery is to tighten the skin of the abdomen by undermining the skin and stretching it. Excess skin and fat is then removed. The incision is placed across the lower abdomen but sometimes is like an upside down T. The scars are concealed by clothing. The operation is done under general anaesthetic (you are asleep). Often this is an outpatient operation but many patients choose to stay in the hospital overnight. Patients who are obese or have large amounts of loose skin may need a modification of this operation called a panniculectomy.
This is a major surgery and it should be the last resort for people who have exhausted all other measures, and the procedure should not be used as an alternative to weight loss. A tummy tuck is suitable for both men and women who are in good general health overall. Women who have muscles and skin stretched by multiple pregnancies may find the procedure useful to tighten those muscles and reduce the skin. A tummy tuck is also an alternative for men or women who were obese at one point in their lives and still have excessive fat deposits or loose skin in the abdominal area. If you're a woman who is still planning to have children, then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you're through bearing children. Here's why: During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened. Future pregnancies can separate these muscles. It's important to note that a tummy tuck can cause prominent, permanent scarring. If this is something you don't want, you may want to reconsider.
How a Tummy Tuck is DoneThe surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. The complexity of your particular situation also will determine whether you have it completed as an in-patient or outpatient procedure. You will receive general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep during the operation. It's important to have someone with you who can drive you home. If you live alone, you also will need someone to stay with you at least the first night after the surgery. There are two options for a tummy tuck. Complete abdominoplasty involves an incision from hipbone to hipbone in this procedure, the option for those patients who require the most correction. The incision will be made low, at about the same level as your pubic hair. Your surgeon will then manipulate and contour the skin, tissue and muscle as needed. Your belly button will have a new opening if you undergo this procedure, because it's necessary to free your navel from surrounding tissue. Drainage tubes may be placed under your skin and these will be removed in a few days as your surgeon sees fit. Partial or mini abdominoplasty. Mini-abdominoplasties are often performed on patients whose fat deposits are located below the navel and require shorter incisions. During this procedure, your belly button most likely will not be moved. Your skin will be separated between the line of incision and your belly button. This type of surgery may also be performed with an endoscope (small camera on the end of a tube). The procedure may only take up to two hours, again, depending on your own personal situation and the complexity of your needs.
After the operation, as expected, you will have pain and swelling in the days following surgery. Your doctor can prescribe a pain killer if needed and will instruct you on how to best handle the pain. Soreness may last for several weeks or months You may also experience numbness, bruising and overall tiredness for that same time period. You may experience insufficient healing, which can cause more significant scarring or loss of skin. If you do heal poorly, you may require a second surgery. As we mentioned before, the scars from a tummy tuck are fairly prominent and though they may fade slightly, they will never completely disappear. Your surgeon may recommend certain creams or ointments to use after you've completely healed to help with the scars. As with any surgery, there are risks. Remember, this surgery affects a very crucial part of your body. Though they're rare, complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap or blood clots. You may carry an increased risk of complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes or heart, lung or liver disease.
Whether you're having a partial or complete tummy tuck, your incision site will be stitched and bandaged. It's very important that you follow all your surgeon's instructions on how to care for the bandage in the days following surgery. The bandage used will be a firm, elastic band that promotes proper healing. Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease pain. If you are an exceptionally physically active person, beware: You will have to severely limit strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. Your doctor will advise you on this as you go through the process. You may need to take up to one month off work after the surgery to ensure proper recovery. Again, your doctor will help you determine this based on your personal situation. Generally, most people love the new look after they've undergone this procedure. However, you my not feel like your normal self for months after the surgery. You've gone through a tremendous amount to make this happen, both emotionally and physically, and it's very important that you follow proper diet and exercise to maintain your new look.
