Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Surgery
"Tummy Tuck" - known as Abdominoplasty
- is a weight loss surgical procedure to remove excess loose skin and
fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the
abdominal wall. Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) can dramatically reduce the
appearance of a protruding abdomen, although the surgery may leave a long
scar from hip to hip. A less complex
version is Mini-Tummy Tuck Surgery
- known as Partial Abdominoplasty.
Candidates for Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Good candidates for tummy tuck are adults
with a relatively good shape but who are bothered by a large fat deposit
or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. Tummy
tuck surgery is particularly beneficial for women who, after multiple
pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the
point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older
patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
When Tummy Tuck Surgery is Inappropriate
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight
should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should
wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery
can separate again during pregnancy.
Health Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed
successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is
trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive.
Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific
complications associated with this procedure.
Possible Complications of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Post-operative complications of tummy tuck
surgery such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection
can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital
stay. The risk of blood clots can be minimized by moving around as soon
after the surgery as possible.
Poor healing, which results in conspicuous
scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to
stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.
The risk of complications may be greatly
reduced by closely following the surgeon's instructions before and after
the tummy tuck surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should
resume physical activity.
Tummy Tuck Surgery: Procedure
A tummy tuck sugery operation usually takes
two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Typically,
the surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above
the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding
tissue. Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all
the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical
muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close
together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer
abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. The skin flap is then stretched
down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel,
which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched,
dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain
excess fluid from the surgical site.
More Information on Tummy Tuck Surgery
To find a plastic surgeon who performs this
procedure, visit the online referral service of the American Society of
Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic
surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic
and reconstructive plastic surgery. All ASPS physician members are certified
by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Weight
Loss Surgery Information
How
Weight Loss Surgery Works - Morbid
Obesity - Morbid
Obesity Surgery
Treatment of Obesity
- Bariatric
Surgery Health Risks - Abdominoplasty
Gastric Banding - Gastric
Bypass - Mini
Gastric Bypass - Gastroplasty
Laparoscopic
Gastric Bypass - Roux
En Y Gastric Bypass - Lap
Band Surgery
Lap Band - Lap
Band FAQs - Biliopancreatic
Diversion - Duodenal
Switch
Liposuction - Liposuction
Surgery - Superwet
Liposuction - Tumescent
Ultrasonic Liposuction
- Tummy Tuck - Mini
Tummy Tuck - Stomach
Stapling
|
