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An abdominoplasty is commonly known as a tummy tuck. As the
name implies, it is used to create a flatter, smaller-sized abdomen.
This cosmetic surgery involves getting rid of excess skin and fat
as well as tightening the muscles in the abdominal area.
Some people achieve weight loss through diet and exercise, but end
up with a protruding abdomen or loose, baggy skin. The latter is
particularly the case in older people, because the skin loses its
elasticity with age. Also, women who have undergone more than one
pregnancy sometimes have loose abdominal skin and excess fat in
the region that does not respond to normal exercise and diet. Such
people may find abdominoplasty a useful surgical option.
This procedure is not recommended for women who wish to get pregnant
subsequently. This is because pregnancies can reverse the gains
brought about by a tummy tuck. People who have had abdominal surgeries
previously are also not good candidates for this procedure. To be
able to successfully undergo abdominoplasty, the person should be
in good overall health, not be a heavy smoker and not have serious
diseases.
During the tummy tuck operation, the patient is given general anesthesia.
This is essential because the procedure can last from two to five
hours; it is better that the patient remains unconscious during
lengthy surgeries. General anesthesia relaxes the muscles, which
is necessary for abdominoplasty.
The surgeon makes an incision along the lower abdomen, stretching
from one hipbone to the other. The skin is then lifted away from
the muscles right up to the ribs. The surgeon will make another
incision to free the belly button.
To reduce the tummy size, the surgeon will tighten the vertical
muscles of the abdomen and stitch them together. He will remove
extra fat accumulation and excess skin. The belly button will be
stitched into position through a new incision in the skin. A drain
may by put in place to avoid fluid accumulation under the incision;
this is removed later. The surgeon completes the abdominoplasty
by suturing all the incisions to close them. The area is covered
with dressing.
Some persons have excess skin and fat only in the area of the lower
abdomen. In those cases, a shorter procedure called partial abdominoplasty
may be used. The muscle walls are not tightened as in the full procedure.
Instead, an incision is made above the pubic hairline. Excess skin
is removed and the incision stitched to close it. Because the belly
button is not repositioned, it may change shape as the skin is stretched.
After abdominoplasty, the patient usually remains in the hospital
overnight. He may be instructed to remain flexed at the hips. This
will help avoid putting extra strain on the area operated upon.
He may be asked to start walking as soon as possible to prevent
blood clots from forming and to speed up recovery. He should not
shower till the temporary drain has been removed, although sponge
baths are fine.
Abdominoplasty usually results in a better abdominal shape. One
study showed that as many as 95% of patients reported that their
symptoms improved and fully 86% would not hesitate to recommend
the procedure to a friend. For persons who are unable to reduce
excess fat through diet and exercise, abdominoplasty might be an
option to consider.
The average price of a tummy tuck is
$5,000-$10,000
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