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For many individuals, achieving a flat, well-toned abdomen can be a struggle. Despite every attempt at diet and exercise, sometimes we simply cannot meet this goal. A protruding, loose or sagging abdomen can be present even in individuals of normal body weight and proportion, and may be due in part to pregnancy, aging, weight fluctuations, heredity and previous surgery.
The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty as it is also known, creates a smoother, firmer tummy by removing excess fat and skin. In many cases, the muscles of the abdominal wall which have weakened or separated are repaired as well.
You may be a candidate for abdominoplasty if you feel that your tummy is too large and you would like to improve it. While some stretch marks located below the belly button and in the areas of excess skin to be removed will be eliminated, in general the tummy tuck does not improve stretch marks. If you are considering this surgery, you should be physically healthy with a stable weight, realistic in your expectations, and you should not smoke. It's important to recognize that the tummy tuck does not replace weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. While the results are permanent, significant changes in your weight after surgery can negatively affect the outcome. Those who are considering future pregnancies or any substantial weight loss are usually advised to postpone surgery.
The tummy tuck may be performed with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. For a full tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is made between the pubic hairline and navel. For women who have undergone cesarean section, the new incision is often incorporated into the existing scar. Working through the incision, the surgeon will repair weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess fat, tissue and skin. A second incision is often made around the navel in order to reposition the navel and address excess skin in the upper abdomen. The incisions are then closed with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips. A partial or mini tummy tuck is a less extensive version of a full tummy tuck with a single, shorter incision.
After your tummy tuck surgery, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night. You may have dressings or bandages applied to your incisions after your surgery, and an elastic bandage or compression garment may be applied to minimize swelling and to support the new abdominal contours. Drains are sometimes placed at the incision sites to collect excess blood or fluid. Pain and discomfort can be minimized with pain medication. The abdomen may appear swollen and bruised for several weeks. Most patients find that they can return to work within two to four weeks, however more strenuous activities and exercise should not be resumed for at least four to six weeks. |
Rhinoplasty
