What is a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure done to improve the appearance of the abdomen.
- During a tummy tuck — also known as abdominoplasty — excess fats are removed from the abdomen.
- Connective tissue in the abdomen (fascia) usually is tightened with sutures.
- And the remaining skin is then repositioned to create a flatter look.
- A tummy tuck is done for: removal of excess fat or skin, boosting body image, or generally if you have a weak lower abdominal wall, getting rid of extra fats that come with age, for removing stretch marks around the area, incorporating a C-Section scar.
Cautions
Doctor’s might be cautious against a tummy tuck if you:
- Plan to lose a significant amount of weight
- Might consider future pregnancy
- Have a severe chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes
- Have a body mass index that’s greater than 30
- Are a smoker
- Had a previous abdominal surgery that caused significant scar tissue
Complications
- Complications can include:
- Scarring.
- Hematoma (bleeding).
- Infection.
- Seroma (accumulation of fluid)
- Fat necrosis (death of fatty tissue located deep in the skin).
- Wound separation.
- Asymmetry (unevenness or lopsidedness).
Risks Involved
According to the Mayo Clinic, tummy tuck poses various risks Some of them including:
Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma).
- Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid.
- Your doctor might also remove fluid after surgery using a needle and syringe.
Poor wound healing. - Sometimes areas along the incision line heal poorly or begin to separate.
- Antibiotics are given during and after surgery to prevent an infection.Unexpected scarring.
- The incision scar from a tummy tuck is permanent but is placed along the easily hidden bikini line.
- The length and visibility of the scar vary from person to person.
Tissue damage or death.
During a tummy tuck, fatty tissue deep within your skin in the abdominal area might get damaged or die.
Changes in skin sensation.
- During a tummy tuck, the repositioning of your abdominal tissues can affect the nerves in the abdominal area, and infrequently, in the upper thighs.
- You will likely feel some reduced sensation or numbness.
- This usually goes away in the months after the procedure.
- Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Things to be Aware of Before Doing a Tummy Tuck:
Stop smoking.
- Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process.
- In addition, smoking increases the risk of tissue damage.
- If you smoke, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before surgery and during recovery.
- Avoid certain medications.
You will likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.
Maintain a stable weight. - Ideally, you will maintain a stable weight for at least 12 months before having a tummy tuck.
- If you are severely overweight, your doctor will recommend that you lose weight before the procedure.
- Significant weight loss after the procedure can diminish your results.
- Take medication to prevent complications.
- Shortly before your tummy tuck, you will need to begin taking an anticoagulant to prevent blood clotting.
Arrange for help during recovery.
- Make plans for someone to drive you home after you leave the hospital or stay with you.