You may have heard of abdominoplasty from your body-conscious friends who, no matter how hard they exercise and maintain a proper diet, can’t seem to remove those flabby skin on their tummy. The indication to have abdominoplasty ranges from friends who were obese before or newbie moms who lost their weight and want to have their shapes back. Is the thought of getting a cosmetic surgery procedure to have those lean, flat tummy ever crossed your mind? Well, if it does, then you would have to answer the question, ‘what is abdominoplasty?’, and what are the important things you need to know before saying ‘Yes!’ to the procedure.
What is abdominoplasty?
Tummy tuck surgery, medically termed as abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that removes the excess fat and skin in the abdomen, as well as tightens the abdominal muscles to create a leaner, flatter abs. It has three major types: the traditional or complete, partial or mini tummy tuck, and circumferential abdominoplasty. Let us describe each for you.
Types of abdominoplasty
Complete abdominoplasty: Also called the standard, full, or traditional tummy tuck surgery, this procedure involves creating a horizontal incision along the bikini line (from hip to hip) as well as around the bellybutton so that removal of fats and skin can be performed without problems and then repositioning the navel to adjust t the new form of the abdomen.
Partial or mini tummy tuck surgery: The smaller version of the traditional tummy tuck involves having a smaller incision along the bikini line (much more like a bikini-type cesarean incision). This is ideal for people whose excess fat and skin are located below the navel. No muscle tightening can be done and no repositioning of the navel will be needed so the procedure and its recovery time are faster and simpler.
Circumferential abdominoplasty: Also referred to as lower body lift, belt lipectomy, or panniculectomy, this is a more invasive type of tummy tuck surgery where the removal of fat tissues and skin extends to the back of the patient. A horizontal lower abdominal incision that surrounds the whole abdomen to the back (hence the name ‘belt’) is performed to remove even the fats and skin that affect the patient’s lateral thighs and buttocks.
Preparation for tummy tuck surgery
Before you are able to undergo this major cosmetic surgery, you must have a comprehensive consultation with your chosen plastic surgeon to discuss what you need to know and expect before, during, and after the surgery. This includes, but are not limited to the following information:
- How the procedure is performed
- How one should prepare for the procedure
- The cost of the tummy tuck surgery
- The risks and complications of the surgery
- The realistic expectations of the results
- Wound care and work or activity restrictions and limitations
- The combination of other cosmetic surgery procedure to optimise results (liposuction, breast surgery, etc.)
Discuss all your concerns and questions with your surgeon and expect them to answer them in the best and clearest way they know-how. Their expertise and experience should give them an edge in answering your inquiries enough for you to be convinced that tummy tuck surgery is the right cosmetic surgery procedure for you.
Are you a good candidate for a tummy tuck surgery?
To make sure that you can handle the procedure itself, your surgeon would require you to have a comprehensive medical examination and assessment including an intensive interview about your past and present medical history, family history, allergies, current medications, among others. You can also expect that he will require you to submit the results of several laboratory tests and imaging to make sure that no current condition could affect the results of the surgery.
What to expect after the abdominoplasty
Immediately after the surgery, you can expect that your surgeon draped your surgical site with tight bandages and inserted thin tubes to facilitate blood drainage and prevent fluid buildup. Once you are allowed to go home, you will be given a set of strict instructions about wound care, work restrictions, activity limitations, as well as a prescription for pain medications to alleviate discomfort and tenderness. You will also be required to have a follow-up consultation with your doctor a few days after the surgery to make sure that the outcome is how it should be and no complications took place during your recovery.
What is abdominoplasty? If you feel that, after reading this article, you already know the ins and outs of the tummy tuck surgery and you are ready and are a good fit for this cosmetic procedure, give us a call to schedule a consultation with us so we can help you start your journey into a more beautiful and sexier you.
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