Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a procedure performed to remove unwanted excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. Women that have saggy skin with or without fat, product of weight loss, pregnancy or aging can remodel the contour of their abdomen and flanks and in some degree the upper abdomen. This is not for women only, men can also benefit from this procedure. Women should not have the procedure unless their childbearing is complete. Do not have a tummy tuck if you are planning to become pregnant in the future.
This procedure can also surgically tighten the underlying muscles of the abdominal wall, when indicated. The resection of the skin from the abdomen eliminates any previous scars or stretch marks caused by pregnancy or changes in weight.
It is not designed or intended for weight loss. Patients should be at normal or near normal weight before surgery. Abdominoplasty procedures may vary according to individual patient´s needs. Patients at normal weight with excellent skin tone can have the incision placed above the pubic hair, some times called mini-abdominoplasty or mini-tummy tuck. In other patients, who need correction of the muscles of the abdominal wall or removal or a larger amount of skin and fat will require a full tummy tuck. The incision is also low, near the pubic hair, the incision might be longer, and the work performed on the abdominal tissue is much more extensive. In some cases the patient might require an incision that is place perpendicular to the other, forming an inverted T. This incision allows for a better approximation of the skin after a larger resection of tissue.
An incision is placed around the navel, but is hardly visible after healing. Another type is the circumferential tummy tuck, also known as lower body lift. This procedure involves an incision all around the body, low like the regular tummy tuck, which removes skin and fat from all the circumference of the body at that level.
The quicker patients start moving after surgery, the better they will heal. Get out of bed, sit with your legs up on a chair, go to the bathroom, this will help you fell better. A light diet is recommended for the first few days, and later to avoid gaining weight. Some discomfort can be felt, but you will be provided all the pain medication you need. Shower daily after the second day post procedure. Drains are kept in for a few days. Most stitches are internal and absorbable, outer stitches will be removed five to seven days after surgery. You need to wear a tight compression garment day and night for a month after surgery, and another month only during the day. This helps reduce swelling and improves end results. Some patients may have altered sensibility on parts of the abdomen. This disappears slowly over several months.
Tummy tuck and liposuction can be combined when the patient needs a little extra help on other areas of the body like back, hips, thighs to complete the contouring of the body.
Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in Costa Rica www.plasticsurgery.co.cr
