Tummy tuck is a procedure that aims at removing excess fat and skin.
In some cases, the procedure can also be used to separate or even reestablish weakened muscles.
The end result of the procedure is an abdominal profile that is firmer and smoother.
How the procedure is done The procedure is done by a qualified surgeon.
In traditional tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is usually made at the lower abdomen; just above the pubic hairline.
The length of the incision is usually determined by the amount of excess skin that you have where the more the excess skin that you have, the larger the size of the incision that will be required to be made.
Once the incision has been made, the skin is then dissected towards the rib cage then the muscle is tightened.
The belly button is then repositioned and excess skin removed.
In some cases you may find that the loose skin extends towards the back.
Here the incision has to be lengthened into the back area.
To ensure that you don't feel pain, the procedure is usually done under anesthesia.
The good side is that the procedure takes just a short time to complete; around 2-3 hours.
The surgeon observes you for sometime after the procedure and after he confirms that you are in stable condition, he allows you to go home.
Since its common for fluids to come out following the procedure, you are provided with tools to aid their removal.
If there are any complications after the procedure, you are supposed to return to hospital and have the problem solved.
Types of abdominoplasty Depending on your condition, there are different types of surgeries that can be done on you.
The different types of surgeries include: Complete abdominoplasty: this type involves making of an incision above the pubic hairline (to remove excess skin) and tightening of the rectus abdominis muscles.
If you have many fat deposits, liposuction may be performed at the same time as the surgery.
Partial abdominoplasty: the procedure is done on patients with moderate tummy contour changes.
The procedure is also common in those with little skin excesses or minor weaknesses of their abdominal wall.
Here, navel incision is avoided.
In rare cases, liposuction may be performed at the same time as the procedure.
Circumferential abdominoplasty: the procedure is done when you have significant excess fat both at the abdomen and at the back area.
The main benefit of the procedure is that it aids in removal of skin and fat in the hip and at the back region thus resulting to improvement of the body contour three dimensionally.
Risks involved Abdominoplasty is an invasive procedure that comes with a number of risks.
Some of the common risks involved include: unsightly scaring, infections, blood clotting, poor wound healing, cardiac and pulmonary complications, excessive bleeding, among many others.
Although, these risks are common with the procedure, you should note that the surgeon you hire plays a vital role in reducing the risks.
This means that if you want to reduce the risks, you should hire a high quality surgeon.