You might not be familiar with the term abdominoplasty, but if you heard the term tummy tuck you would know instantly what is being referred to. Many people believe that abdominoplasty surgery is a simple procedure that is used to correct the appearance of the stomach. The truth is that a tummy tuck is not a simple procedure and should be considered very carefully before you decide to go ahead with the surgery.
Like any surgery, there are risks and complications with an abdominoplasty surgery. The tummy tuck will involve a long incision in the abdomen from hip to hip. This incision is in the shape of a V with a flattened line at the bottom of the V. Once the incision is made the skin will be separated from the abdomen, which will expose the muscles. These muscles will be stitched into a new position to tighten up the area and minimize the appearance of the waist. When the muscles are in their new position, the skin will be stretched and the extra skin removed.
The doctor will have to replace the skin that had the naval as it is usually cut away during the tummy tuck. The doctor will create a new naval in a proportional position.
You should expect that the tummy tuck surgery will require a good deal of recovery. It is a major surgery and at least one week of recovery to three weeks is needed to return to normal activities. Although, you might not have to remain in the hospital overnight, you will have to make sure that you can recover at home. There are patients who remain in the hospital for a couple of days to begin their recovery. This is usually decided on a case by case basis. The area will be swollen and painful and you should be given pain medication for the pain.
This is a very invasive surgery and is not right for everyone. Women who are planning to become pregnant again should consider waiting until after the last child is born to have a tummy tuck done. The patient who is the ideal candidate for this surgery is one that is in good physical condition. This usually includes those who have fat or excess skin in the abdominal area that is resistant to exercise. Abdominoplasty can help to eliminate this problem. Women who have had pregnancies and have muscles that are stretched beyond the place where the stomach can return to a normal position. Abdominoplasty is also an ideal choice for older patients whose skin and muscles are sagging due to the aging process.
Patients who still have more weight to lose or are considering another child should consider waiting for abdominoplasty until they have lost the weight or had the last child. The doctor should discuss your options with you when you visit for a consultation. If you are an ideal candidate for the procedure the doctor will discuss what you should expect from the tummy tuck surgery.