Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that aims to remove extra skin and fat from the stomach area, restoring a smoother, stronger, and unwavering profile, which is also known as a tummy tuck. Those who have weak muscles or loose skin after losing weight or becoming pregnant frequently seek this therapy. It improves physical shape and boosts self-confidence, but it requires recuperation time and has surgical risks.

Patients should think about having their stomachs tucked if they have loose skin or extra fat around their belly button or lower abdominal wall. The appearance of the surrounding muscles can be significantly altered by tightening them. To lose extra fat and skin around the stomach, both men and women can get a tummy tuck. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the entire process could take two to five hours.

The recovery from the treatment can differ from person to person. Yet, most patients return to work within 2 – 4 weeks and normal activities within four to six weeks.

Why is it Done?

There are several reasons to have surplus fat, weak connective tissue in the abdomen or loose skin. These include:

Aging
Body type
Abdominal surgery, such as a C-section
Pregnancy
Changes in weight

Types of Abdominoplasty

There are different tummy tuck options. Surgeons may recommend helping patients reach their goals. Types of abdominoplasties may include:

Full or complete abdominoplasties

It involves a longer cut or slit that reaches from the pubic area to the navel and it is suitable for people who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area.

Partial or mini abdominoplasties

In this case, a small cut is less invasive than others. It is applied to the fat deposits beneath the navel.

Extended tummy tuck

Surgeons change the shape of the body from all sides. A specialist will make a long cut from the front to the back of the body.

Circumferential abdominoplasty

In this procedure, there is a T-shaped slit that extends around the whole torso. This is suitable for those people who require large body contouring.

Which Type of People Opt for Tummy Tuck?

This procedure is suitable for both healthy men and women. Excess fat and loose skin around the abdomen can be promptly removed with the fat removal process.

A person who has lost significant weight, particularly after any surgery. Individuals may benefit from abdominoplasty to remove excess skin and fat around the abdomen.
Men or women who have good physical condition but are upset by the large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin.
Individuals who have experienced changes in their weight. It may require abdominoplasty to address excess skin and fat around the tummy.
Women who have had multiple pregnancies and have lost abdominal muscle tone and firmness. They may benefit from this activity.

Risk of Abdominoplasty

There is a risk of infection at the incision area. It also may require antibiotics or additional treatment.
Some of the scars may be noticeable, especially if healing is not optimal.
There may be extreme bleeding during or after the operation, which may require medical attention.
Seroma, or fluid growth, can occur around the surgical area.
Additional procedures may be necessary for some patients whose wounds heal slowly.
A nerve injury can cause numbness in the stomach. It may be for a short period or permanent.
The side effects of anesthesia, such as skin allergies or some other complications.
Developing of blood clots or lumps in the legs is the major risk of pulmonary embolism.

Benefits

This process removes excess skin and fat, which results in a slim and trim tummy.
It can bring big changes in the body shape of women after pregnancy or weight loss.
Core strength can be improved by tightening and restoring weak or separated muscles.
Individuals feel more confident and satisfied with their appearance after the post-surgery.

Each and every person has a different reason for undergoing this procedure. The benefits may vary from person to person.

Various Procedures of Abdominoplasty Treatment

Consultation: In this situation, the plastic surgeon will review and discuss the medical history of the patients. After this, a plastic surgeon will examine the individual’s abdomen. At last, the doctor will explain the risks and benefits of the surgery.

Before Procedure

The doctor will recommend that the patient stop smoking before the operation. The chances of tissue damage can delay the healing process.
Patients should stop taking herbal supplements, aspirin, and drugs posing a threat to inflammation as it may increase bleeding.
If the patient is overweight, then the doctor may suggest loosing weight before the operation.

During the Process

The steps of a tummy tuck vary based on the surgeon’s experience. Plastic surgeons can:

Make a small cut on the skin of the abdominal area.
Pull down the upper stomach skin.
Then excess skin can be removed.
After opening, settle the belly button into position.
A drainage tube is inserted.
At the end, the incision area is covered with bandages.

Recovery

Improvement of a person’s can varies, as do individual factors such as the extent of the procedure and overall health.
Instructions should be followed by the patients, which is required for better results.
A balanced diet and regular exercise are important for best results and an effective recovery as soon as possible.