Postpartum Aesthetics
A flat and well-toned abdomen is an image that most of us try to achieve through exercise and weight control. However, despite efforts, these methods may not always achieve the goals. Even in people of normal weight and proportion, a protruding or loose and sagging abdomen may occur. The most important reasons for this are heredity, multiple pregnancies, previous surgeries, weight fluctuations, or congenital spinal abnormalities that affect posture. If you want a firmer, flatter abdomen, a tummy tuck surgery can help you achieve your goals. In general, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat and, in some cases, repairs weakened or separated muscles. This creates a flatter and tighter abdominal profile, increasing your view of your body and your self-confidence. This briefing provides an overview of tummy tuck procedures. The best way to learn how body contouring through a tummy tuck can help you achieve your personal goals is to consult a plastic surgeon. When considering plastic surgery, make sure of the following:
What is a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty or abdominoplasty is the general name for a surgical procedure performed to correct a protruding or loose, sagging abdomen. Areas to be treated may include the middle of the abdomen or extend from the lower ribcage to the pubic bone or even from the sides to the back.
Abdominal shaping can be accomplished using a variety of techniques. If the cause is localized fat, abdominal contour surgery can be performed using only fat removal techniques. If excess fat is combined with loose, sagging skin and tissue, a tummy tuck removes unwanted fat, tissue, and skin by excision. Weakened or separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis, can also be corrected with a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for a proper exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, positive results can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in weight. For this reason, people who plan to lose a large amount of weight or women who plan to become pregnant in the future are advised to postpone the tummy tuck to a later date.
A tummy tuck may be suitable for adults of all ages who are in good health, have a weight close to the ideal weight for their body type and build, are fit, and have good overall muscle tone. Eligible candidates are as follows:
Additionally, previous abdominal surgeries may limit the possible results of a tummy tuck. In women who have had a cesarean section, new incisions can be added to existing scars or progressed over them.
Where should I start?
A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step in learning how abdominal contouring surgery or abdominoplasty will improve your body image and abdominal contours. The consultation is designed to fully educate you about tummy tuck in a no-pressure environment and includes:
Your plastic surgeon will also answer your questions.
Evaluation
General health and personal outlook can greatly affect the results of abdominoplasty surgery. These will be carefully evaluated in your consultation with your plastic surgeon. For the success, safety and overall satisfaction of your procedure, you must:
Your tummy tuck procedure will be determined by your specific situation, which may include:
One or all of these conditions may be present and can be corrected surgically with a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck does not correct stretch marks, but if they are located in areas of excess skin to be removed, especially those below the belly button, they can be removed or slightly corrected.
Surgical removal of excess fat and skin may be combined with a liposuction procedure during a tummy tuck. There are different types of tummy tuck surgery; The technique chosen depends on the degree of correction required to achieve a flatter profile and firmer, firmer abdomen. The length and appearance of the incision depend on personal preferences and surgical considerations, as well as the amount and location of excess skin to be removed.
Along with a tummy tuck, liposuction can also be performed to shape other parts of the body by removing localized excess fat accumulation. Other body contouring procedures may be performed separately or in the same surgical procedure as a tummy tuck. However, not all patients are suitable candidates for combined surgeries. Your situation should be evaluated as appropriate for you.
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and the navel. The shape and length of the incision depends on the degree of correction required. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and excess fat, skin and tissues are removed. A second incision around the belly button may be needed to remove excess fat from the upper abdominal area.
The incision size largely depends on the amount of excess skin to be removed. If the correction is focused only on the area below the belly button, a limited or mini tummy tuck with a shorter incision at the pubic bone may be recommended. Liposuction can be accomplished with a mini tummy tuck, and in cases where excess fat is the only factor, liposuction alone can produce the desired results.
A tummy tuck produces results almost immediately, with a flatter, tighter abdominal line proportionate to your body type and weight. The final results may not be noticeable at first due to swelling and not standing upright until internal healing occurs. Within a week or two, you can begin to stand up straight and gain confidence thanks to your new, slimmer profile.
Preparation for surgery
Your plastic surgeon will carefully explain your tummy tuck procedure. Before surgery, you will be given special instructions that include the following information:
Postoperative care and follow-up
Additionally, you will be asked to sign a consent form to reassure your plastic surgeon that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and the potential risks and complications.
Possible risks of a tummy tuck include blood clots, collection of blood under the skin (hematoma), fluid buildup, infection, or poor healing of the incisions. All surgeries involve risks associated with anesthesia. These and additional risks will be explained prior to your consent.
It is important that all your questions are answered, and it is natural to feel a little excited about surgery. Discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon.
What to expect?
Abdominoplasty and breast reduction surgery will be performed by your plastic surgeon under operating room conditions in a hospital. The type of anesthesia will depend on the circumstances of your particular procedure and the preference of the patient and surgeon.
Your plastic surgeon and the supporting staff will do their best to ensure your complete comfort and safety.
After the surgery…
After your procedure is completed, your incisions may be dressed or bandaged and wrapped in an elastic bandage or wrap to support your abdomen and minimize swelling while you heal. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to absorb any excess blood that may collect. Before discharge, you and your accompanying family member, friend, or caregiver will be given special instructions, including:
Results and appearance
The results of a tummy tuck can be noticed almost immediately; however, it may take several months for final results to fully appear. The feeling of numbness and hardness on the skin surface disappears over time. It may take a year or longer for the incision scars to thin and fade somewhat. Although permanent, these lines can be hidden with most clothing and swimwear.
Your new profile with a tight and flat stomach is long-term, provided you maintain a stable weight and overall health. As your body ages, it’s normal for your belly to lose some firmness. But this is minimal when faced with your first condition corrected to get your new toned tummy.
