The medical term for a tummy tuck is an abdominoplasty. It is typically a cosmetic procedure meant to enhance the appearance of the abdomen. Some people find that the abdomen starts to sag or become flabby with age or after significant weight loss. Women who have had one or more pregnancies or people who have had abdominal surgery may notice similar changes. The purpose of an abdominoplasty is to reverse changes such as these.
An abdominoplasty primarily involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It is not the same thing as liposuction, although both procedures can be performed at the same time. It may also involve creating a more toned look by repositioning the skin and/or using sutures to tighten the connective tissue of the abdomen, also known as fascia.
Patients who choose to have an abdominoplasty can have a couple of different options. There are two basic types of tummy tuck:
This procedure involves a cut across the entire abdomen, from one hipbone to the other. It involves moving the navel as part of the process of contouring the muscles, skin and tissue.
People whose fat deposits are primarily below the navel may be candidates for a partial abdominoplasty, also called a mini-abdominoplasty. At approximately two hours, this procedure takes less time. Unlike a complete abdominoplasty, it does not involve repositioning the belly button.
An abdominoplasty is a major surgery that carries with it a risk of developing complications. These include changes in skin sensation due to the repositioning and poor wound healing that could result in infection. Additionally, excess fluid may accumulate underneath the skin following the procedure. A doctor may use a needle and syringe to remove the fluid. Another option is for the surgeon to place drainage tubes under the skin during the surgery.
Abdominoplasty is not intended to help a patient lose weight and does nothing to help a patient keep the weight off. Patients who are planning a substantial weight loss should delay abdominoplasty until after this takes place because such fluctuations can diminish the positive outcome of a tummy tuck. The same holds true for women who may be planning future pregnancies.
Tobacco use can impede healing and increase the risk of damage to the fatty tissue of the abdominal skin. If this occurs, it may require additional surgery to correct. Due to these risks, a surgeon will usually require the patient to stop smoking prior to the procedure.
A tummy tuck is usually an elective surgery performed for cosmetic purposes, though the procedure may be performed, at least in part, to correct a medical condition. For example, an abdominoplasty could be used to correct a hernia. In either case, the same considerations about surgery apply. A plastic surgeon can explain more about this procedure and its benefits.
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