Abdominoplasty Definition – Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck is the operation that corrects the excess and loose skin together with the underlying fat from the abdominal area, while at the same time restoring its loose muscle wall.
Along with plastic surgery on the thighs, arms and buttocks, it is part of Bariatric Medicine (Obesity Medicine) which deals with the problems that arise after large fluctuations in weight.
Who does Abdominoplasty – Abdominoplasty concern?
Abdominoplasty is aimed at women and men who have a loose abdominal wall (skin, subcutaneous fat and muscle), after large weight fluctuations or after pregnancies.
Tummy tuck is not a slimming method
Abdominoplasty procedure
On the day of the operation, the interested person comes to the clinic fasting. If necessary, some tests may precede the admission. Afterwards, the abdominoplasty is performed. It can be divided into the maxi or otherwise normal abdominoplasty (abdominoplasty) and the mini or otherwise small abdominoplasty (tummytuck). In maxi abdominoplasty, the relaxation of the skin together with the underlying subcutaneous fat is great.
The surgical incision begins above the adolescent and extends laterally (the scar is well hidden within the underwear). The skin is then stretched to a point above the navel. Then all that section of skin between the pubic bone and the navel is removed.
In this way, the abdominal stretch marks located around the navel are removed. At the same time, we strengthen the muscle wall by approaching the rectus abdominis (two parallel muscles on either side of the white line of the abdomen). This creates a natural support corset that presses on the viscera.
In mini abdominoplasty, the relaxation of the abdomen is less, and thus less skin is removed along with the underlying subcutaneous fat. The surgical incision – scar is shorter than in normal abdominoplasty.
Recovery – Abdominoplasty Surgery Recovery Time
After the operation, it is recommended that the person concerned wears a pressure corset for 2 to 4 weeks.
The sutures are intradermal and absorbable. The corset helps with internal healing.
Exercise and weight lifting are avoided for a month. After the first 15 days, a very gentle abdominal exercise is beneficial for strengthening the muscle wall and better internal healing.
The return to activities is allowed in 10-15 days, always with the instructions of the Plastic Surgeon. Full recovery after the abdominoplasty operation comes in 1.5 months.
Abdominoplasty results
The results of abdominoplasty are permanent and do not change, unless the body weight increases a lot.
Additional Information – Tummy Tuck FAQs
Abdominoplasty corrects the loose abdominal wall. It can be combined with liposuction of the sides of the abdomen and liposuction of the midline. The stitching between them, the rectus abdominis muscles, must be done in order to have the effect of a flat stomach.
A future pregnancy is not a contraindication for the abdominoplasty operation, as long as 2 years have passed since the abdominoplasty.
Side Effects – Tummy Tuck Complications – Tummy Tuck
The possible side effects – complications of tummy tuck surgery are inflammation, bleeding, misshapen scar, flap or navel necrosis (complication related to the existence of previous surgeries in the abdomen area), etc.
They occur rarely and are easily treated.
Cost – Tummy Tuck Surgery Price
The cost depends on the extent of relaxation and the surgical technique. This is a medium type of Plastic Surgery operation.
In mini abdominoplasty, the cost is lower than in maxi abdominoplasty.
Conclusion
Abdominoplasty is a fairly common operation in Plastic Surgery.
The good pre-operative control, the physical examination, the correct planning of the operation and the appropriate technique chosen by the Plastic Surgeon are a guarantee of the result.