Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that is used to remove excess fat or skin from the abdomen area. Also known as tummy tuck, this procedure involves the removal of fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscles of the abdomen wall.
“Abdominoplasty is the removal of fat from the middle and lower abdomen to tighten the abdomen wall muscles”
Abdominoplasty is performed if regular exercise and diet have no effect in reducing the fat deposited in that area. It is usually preferred by pregnant women whose tummies become loose after delivery and also by both men and women who have suddenly shed a lot of weight. If one is considering on having more children, has to stabilise their weight or has some form of illness, they should reconsider getting abdominoplasty done. Visit Apollo Cosmetic Clinics to meet abdominoplasty experts who perform these surgeries.
A tummy tuck is done under general anaesthesia and takes up to four-five hours. Usually performed as an outpatient procedure, abdominoplasty is divided into different categories depending on the extent of the surgery.
- Complete abdominoplasty: Here, an incision is made from hip to hip. The skin is removed from the abdominal wall to disclose the muscles that need to be tightened. The muscle wall is tightened with sutures.
- Partial abdominoplasty: A small incision is made and only a limited amount of skin and fat is removed from the muscle. The skin is then stretched downwards and excess skin removed. The flap is stitched back into place after the excess fat is removed.
- Circumferential abdominoplasty: This surgery combines abdominoplasty with a butt lift. The surgery is also called a body lift with the scar running around the body. This surgery is typically performed on those who have lost a lot of weight suddenly.
- Extended abdominoplasty: This is a complete abdominoplasty as well as a thigh lift. The scar runs from the posterior axillary line.
Side-effects: Like in any surgery, there will be pain and some swelling soon after the completion of the surgery. Soreness will last for at least a few weeks as well as numbness and tiredness. Some of the other side-effects include:
- Bleeding
- Loss of skin
- Blood clots
- Change in skin colour
- Swelling
- Accumulation of fluids
- Poor wound healing
- Numbness
- Wound separation
- Nerve damage
- Death of fatty tissue
After the surgery, care must be taken till the sutures heal. The patients are usually given juices and soft foods the same day of the surgery. Pain relief medication and antibiotics are administered for at least a week after the surgery. The patient is advised to refrain from playing sports and other rigorous activities for at least eight weeks after the surgery. It is advised for the patient to come with someone in order to drive them home after the surgery. Those interested in getting abdominoplasty done must remember to consult their doctor before going for the surgery.
