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What is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen more firm. The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Tummy tuck is usually sought by patients with sagging after major weight loss, or by women after pregnancy.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Abdominoplasty is the 4th most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States (2008 stats).
What types of Tummy Tucks are available?
- Standard (complete) tummy tuck:
Surgical cuts will be made in your abdomen and above your bikini line. Your belly button will be cut from the surrounding skin. Your surgeon will pull stretched or torn muscles together and stitch them in place. The surgeon will then remove excess fat, pull down the skin and trim off the excess. Your belly button will be repositioned.
The cuts will be closed with stitches and your lower abdomen will be firmly strapped with bandages.
- Mini (partial) tummy tuck:
Only the skin and fat below your belly button is removed.
- Extended tummy tuck:
Excess skin and fat from your abdomen and back is removed.
Will it leave have a scar?
- Standard tuck:
you will have a long curved scar along your bikini line, and around your belly button.
- Mini tuck:
you will have scar along your bikini line.
- Extended tuck:
you will have scar along your bikini line, around your belly button, and around your back.
Duration of procedure/surgery:2 - 3 hours
Days admitted:1 - 4 days.
May vary according to the patient's condition and duration of the operation.
Anesthesia:General anaesthesia
Recovery:- Your stitches will be removed after 1 or 2 weeks
- Return to work: after 2-4 weeks
- Can do physical exercise: after 4-6 weeks
Risks:- Infection
- Bleeding under the skin (haematoma)
- Significant scarring because of bad healing
- Skin damage
After care:First 2-4 weeks: a dressing is worn, and no heavy weight should be lifted.
Learn more about Tummy Tuck