Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
"Abdominoplasty,” commonly referred to as Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure designed to flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall to achieve a smoother, flatter appearance. Tummy tucks can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. The resulting scar is permanent but can be hidden below the bikini line.
A tummy tuck may dramatically tighten the abdominal muscles as well as remove sagging, excess skin and accumulated fatty tissue. as an added benefit of tummy tuck, not only will the abdominal region be firmer and flatter, but the waist will be smaller as well. Tummy tuck is usually long lasting if the patient follows a balanced diet and regularly exercises.
Most tummy tuck procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Lately, ummy tucks are combined with Liposuction and can be performed under local ansthesia. In what many surgeons refer to as a full tummy tuck procedure, a surgical incision is made across the lower abdomen right above the pubic area. Following the creation of this initial incision, a second incision is made around the patient's belly button as a means of loosening the surrounding skin. Next, the patient's skin is separated from the wall of abdomen. Following this surgical maneuver, the surgeon pulls the loose abdominal muscles from the left and right flanks and sutures them together This action results in tighter abdominal muscles, creating a stronger, firmer abdominal wall as well as a smaller waist. Directly after the tightening and suturing of the abdominal muscles, excess skin is removed and a new opening is made in the correct position for the belly button.
It takes 2 to 5 hours. A partial tummy tuck may take 1 to 2 hours. Patients may go back to work 2 to 4 weeks. However fading and flattening of scars is between 3 months and 2 years.