WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?

Tummy Tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty, is a transformative body contouring plastic surgery. Often mistaken for a weight loss procedure, it focuses on body contouring by tightening loose skin around the abdomen. Specifically, the surgery aims to tighten the abdominal muscle wall, address wrinkles, sags, and excess skin, resulting in a more toned appearance in the abdomen and waist.

Sagging skin in the abdominal area may result from significant weight loss due to factors such as pregnancies, strict diet and exercise, weight loss surgery, or liposuction. Tummy Tuck surgery can be combined with liposuction, pending approval from the plastic surgeon, to achieve a tighter abdomen.

There are two approaches to Tummy Tuck surgery:

Partial Abdominoplasty

Also known as a mini tummy tuck, this procedure targets the area below the belly button. It is suitable for those with sagging or excess skin in the lower abdomen. Notably, a partial abdominoplasty is more focused on skin tightening, making it an effective solution for specific concerns without the need for extensive abdominal wall fixation.

Full Abdominoplasty

This comprehensive procedure, also called complete or total abdominoplasty, addresses both upper and lower abdomen areas. It involves not only tightening sagging skin but also addressing stretched abdominal muscles beneath the skin. Full abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction to remove accumulated fat, contributing to a firmer appearance.

CANDIDATES FOR TUMMY TUCK

Candidates for Tummy Tuck surgery typically meet the following criteria:

• Presence of fatty lumps or excess skin in the abdominal area.
• Maintenance of an ideal weight, ensuring that fat mass doesn’t exceed 30% of the average weight.
• Women with pregnancy-related stretch marks or cesarean scars.
• Individuals with sagging skin post significant weight loss.
• Freedom from diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or immunodeficiency.
• It’s crucial to note that Abdominoplasty focuses on tightening stretched abdominal muscles and the wall, not on weight loss.

PRE-TUMMY TUCK SURGERY TIPS

Before undergoing Tummy Tuck surgery, following these tips is essential for desired results:

• Conduct thorough research and choose a board-certified plastic surgeon.
• Avoid blood thinners like alcohol, green tea, or vitamin combinations containing vitamin E and A to prevent bleeding during surgery.
• Eliminate stimulants such as caffeine, as they can complicate anesthesia.
• Discontinue medications causing blood dilution a week before surgery.
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet before surgery to minimize complications.
• Abstain from smoking for a month, as it impacts oxygen levels crucial for recovery.
• Consider Tummy Tuck surgery only if future pregnancies are not planned.

POST-TUMMY TUCK SURGERY TIPS

After surgery, strict adherence to the surgeon’s instructions is crucial for optimal results and a healthy healing process:

• Wear a medical abdominal corset for eight weeks to reduce swelling and expedite recovery.
• Avoid strenuous activities or exhausting exercises for up to two months.
• Refrain from smoking for two months post-surgery to support recovery.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects for eight weeks to prevent tissue damage.
• Skip moisturizing creams on the abdomen and waist to prevent allergies.
• Follow a specific sleeping position recommended by the doctor based on the patient’s condition.
• Refrain from lying flat.
• Avoid pregnancy post-Tummy Tuck.
• Stay away from swimming for at least two months.
• Keep the drain for a week to eliminate fluids in the abdominal area.

STAGES OF TUMMY TUCK

First Stage: Conducting Clinical Examinations

• Examination of the abdomen and waist area to determine the procedures required for a tightened abdomen.

Second Stage: Conducting Necessary Tests

• Blood tests to identify sugar levels and ensure the absence of conditions hindering the surgery.

Third Stage: Preparing the Patient

• Sterilization of the abdominal area, followed by general anesthesia administered by the anesthesiologist.

Fourth Stage: Breaking Down Fat

• In surgeries combining abdominoplasty with liposuction, the surgeon breaks down fat in the abdomen and waist areas, which is then suctioned out.

Fifth Stage: Tightening the Abdominal Wall

• A simple incision is made to tighten the abdominal wall and stretched muscles, achieving a tightened belly.

Sixth Stage: Bandaging

• Application of a fixed rubber band, or bandage, to reduce swelling.

Patients typically stay in the hospital for one to two days to ensure good health and facilitate a complete recovery.