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by Dr. Louis Potyondy
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are men or women who are in relatively good shape.
The tummy tuck (a.k.a. abdominoplasty) is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove excess skin from the abdomen, while simultaneously tightening the abdominal muscles. It is indicated in cases where there is laxity of the abdomen resulting in bulging due to abnormal stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin. Unlike liposuction surgery, which just removes fat, this operation involves removal of skin and fat, with tightening of the abdominal muscles. For this reason, it is more extensive than liposuction. The actual extent of surgery will depend on the amount of excess skin and the laxity of the abdominal muscles.
Prior to tummy tuck surgery, the amount of skin that is to be removed is carefully.marked. The operation is usually carried out under general anesthesia. An incision is made in the bikini line and the excess skin is pulled down and inward, and is removed along with underlying fatty tissue. The muscles are tightened as required, the skin is carefully re-draped, and the incision closed with several layers of suture.
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are men or women who are in relatively good shape, but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which fre-quently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. As should women who plan future pregnancies, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against abdominoplasty or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.
For the first few days after surgery, the abdomen will probably be swollen and there will likely be some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. Although unable to stand straight at first, patients are encouraged to start walking as soon as possible. It may take weeks or even months to feel like your old self again. Patients, who start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, will experience recovery from abdominoplasty at a much faster rate. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate. Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles.
Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they’ll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
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