Abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgery performed to remove excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

• Extended abdominoplasty: The surgeon makes incisions around the waist to remove fat and sagging skin and the remaining skin is then flattened over the abdomen and the muscles are tightened during the procedure. Patients can expect a flatter abdomen and a smaller waist size with this extended abdominoplasty.
• Mini abdominoplasty: This procedure is for patients with a high torso and smaller amounts of excess skin and adipose tissue, especially above the belly button. The operation allows for a minimal incision just above the pubic area and along with the bikini line; incision then continues laterally to the hip. These surgery provides more impact than liposuction and can be done on an outpatient basis.

Tummy tuck surgery is performed to improve the appearance of a prominent lower stomach region, which is often caused by loose, excess skin and slack abdominal muscles, and in many instances, unyielding deposits of lipid in and around the abdomen can also be removed.

Abdominoplasty generally involves the excision of excess skin, the tightening of abdominal muscles, and the removal of fat via liposuction. Its risks are:

• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Poor wound healing
• Skin loss
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Unfavorable scarring
• The recurrent looseness of skin
• Fat necrosis which means the death of fatty tissue found deep in the skin
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Asymmetry
• Suboptimal aesthetic result
• A possibility of revisional surgery
• Persistent pain

Depending on the technique and extent of work involved, the operation generally takes approximately 2 to 4 hours to complete.

Both full and mini tummy tucks involve the tightening of abdominal muscles and the removal of excess skin, and the main difference is that the full abdominoplasty is typically employed to rejuvenate the areas both above and below the belly button whereas the mini tummy tuck is generally limited to the lower abdomen below the belly button.

Mild to moderate discomfort may be possible in the days following the tummy tuck surgery, but any pain can often be managed and even alleviated with the prescription.

General anesthesia is administered through an IV and is typically used for high invasive procedures such as tummy tuck.

Following the abdominoplasty, drain tubes need to be left in place for about one week. Most patients experience some bruising or swelling, though these symptoms should subside over the course of a  few weeks. The majority of individuals are able to return to non-strenuous activities or jobs after about one to two weeks; however, heavy lifting and physical labor should be avoided for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

Incisions for abdominoplasty are made low on the belly, often near the pubic region, therefore, any potential scarring can often be concealed by most articles of clothing, including bathing suits.

The starting cost of tummy tuck in India is INR 130000.

A. Abdominoplasty is performed by a plastic surgeon in consultation with a bariatric surgeon.

A. Abdominoplasty is an extremely safe and trusted procedure that helps in achieving a smooth and flat abdomen.

A. Abdominoplasty involves the reconstruction of the muscles underneath the abdomen and the removal of the excess skin, whereas, liposuction is a type of surgery performed to remove the excess fat of a person. Liposuction cannot treat the excess sagging, loose, or hanging skin.

A. The surgeon recommends wearing a bandage and compression garments for at least six to eight weeks after an abdominoplasty. The bandage needs to be worn throughout the day during this period.

A. No, an abdominoplasty will not affect your chances of getting pregnant or giving birth in the future. Once your body has recovered from the trauma of undergoing abdominoplasty, you can plan a pregnancy.

A. At the most, the patient can be 10 kg heavier than his or her recommended weight to undergo abdominoplasty.

A. Abdominoplasty is done under anesthesia and hence the patient does not feel any pain during the surgery. However, once the effect of anesthesia fades out, the patient may feel pain and soreness around the abdominal area. The pain usually disappears within a few days of the surgery.

A. Yes, getting scars after abdominoplasty is inevitable. Although the scars will fade with time and the use of certain medications, they will not disappear completely.

A. The surgery is normally performed under general anesthesia, that is, the patient is made unconscious before the procedure.

Abdominoplasty may be performed in the following different ways:

1. Complete abdominoplasty:
An incision or cut is made by the surgeon at the bikini line, at approximately the same level as the public hair.
The surgeon will then manipulate and shape the skin and muscle as required.

An incision is also made around the belly button area to make the navel free from the surrounding tissue.

2. Partial or mini-abdominoplasty:
This procedure is performed using shorter incisions.
The belly button is usually not moved during this type of procedure.
The skin is separated between the incision line and the belly button.
This procedure normally takes one to two hours to complete.

3. Circumferential abdominoplasty:
This type of surgery includes the back area.
When there is excess fat in the back and abdomen this procedure may be performed.
This procedure allows the removal of both the skin and fat from the back and hip areas, which helps in improving the shape of the body from all sides.

Following a partial or complete abdominoplasty, the incision site is stitched and bandaged.
An elastic bandage or compression garment will be given to be worn after the surgery.

A. The recovery period following an abdominoplasty will vary depending on the body type of the patient, but it usually takes up to eight weeks before the patient can feel his or her normal self again.

A. Normally, the doctors recommend waiting for anywhere between six to twelve months after pregnancy before undergoing abdominoplasty. This time allows the woman’s body to heal completely after pregnancy and allows her to return to her normal body weight.

A. If the patient undergoes a mini tummy tuck surgery with a smaller incision, the patient will need about one to three weeks of bed rest in an elevated sleeping position. Patients undergoing full-tummy tuck may need about four weeks of bed rest and about six weeks of limitations in performing any strenuous exercises or doing any heavy lifting.

A. The following criteria should be met for you to be considered to be a good candidate for undergoing abdominoplasty:

• Healthy
• Non-smoker
• Stable weight or in close proximity to the desired body weight
• Have realistic expectations
• Understand the possible risks and complications of abdominoplasty 

A. Most patients can fly within two to four weeks of an abdominoplasty.