Tummy Tuck [Abdominoplasty]

Tummy Tuck

A flat and smooth abdominal contour with ideal waistline definition and shape boosts the confidence of any woman. Abdominoplasty or Tummy tuck involves removal of excessive  skin and fat,  tightening of abdominal muscles and repositioning and reshaping of the naval which gives a rejuvenated and youthful appearance.

3 simple steps to Abdominoplasty

1. Assessment

Our team of surgeons will examine you thoroughly regarding your general health and status of the abdominal wall (for the amount of excessive and sagging skin, stretch marks and quality of skin, tone of musculature, excessive fat and its distribution, position and shape of the naval, position of previous scars, any herniae) and then come to a conclusion about the comprehensive management.

2. medical history

Discuss about any of the medications you are using (blood thinners like Clopitab, asprin, Ayurvedic and herbal medicines, vitamin E, green tea) and you may be advised to discontinue these for sometime. If you are a smoker, you may have to stop atleast 2 weeks before procedure.

3. Surgery

You may be advised to follow some spirometric exercises to improve your lung functioning capacity. Those with excessive intra abdominal fat aren’t the ideal candidates and may be advised to lose weight through diet and exercise. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and/ or epidural anaesthesia.

How is Abdominoplasty performed?

Standard Abdominoplasty

This is a complete tummy tuck which involves skin incision extending from one hip to another hip. The surgery begins with liposuction of the flanks, upper central and mid abdomen to improve the definition of upper abdomen and waist.
The skin flaps are raised from the underlying abdominal muscles and fascia till the lower chest, the muscles are tightened through internal sutures, reducing herniae if any in the upper abdomen, then the skin flaps are pulled down and the overhanging and excessive skin trimmed off. The belly button is then repositioned to a higher level and reshaped, recreating the natural contours around it. The overlying skin is now repaired with fine sutures.

Mini Abdominoplasty

Here the incision is smaller than standard Abdominoplasty. Once incision is made, the skin flaps are raised from the underlying muscles and abdominal wall, excessive skin trimmed and sutured. This procedure is indicated in patients with minimal sagging without muscle laxity.

Post Operative Care for Abdominoplasty

Immediately after the surgery
  • Pain is well controlled with analgesics and rest.
  • Slight bending forward in upright position for 1 week helps to reduce tightness and increases comfort.
  • Dressing changes are mandatory once in 3-5 days for a period of 2 weeks. All sutures are absorbable and need not be removed.
  • Once the suture line is dry, you may be advised to start scar improvement treatments  through scar reduction creams and moisturizers.
  • You may feel some soreness, bruising, swelling in the operated area for 5-6 days.
The weeks that follow
  • You will be advised to have plenty of fluids to improve hydration.
  • Move around within the confines of your  house to avoid formation of blood clots in your legs.
Full recovery timeline
  • Avoid any kind of exercises like sitting on the floor, climbing stairs, lifting weights, gym, back stretching, sexual activity, contact sport for a period of 6-8 weeks.
  • Abdominal supportive garment is mandatory to be worn 24/7 for a period of 4-6 weeks.
  • You may be advised to follow lymphatic massages to improve the contours, reduce the swelling and pain for a period of 6-8 weeks.
  • You may be advised to take rest for 3 weeks and return to work after 3-4 weeks.
Seroma (Fluid Accumulation) and Bruising.
  • Very rare in our experienced hands because of sound surgical principle of preservation of lymphatic structures.
  • They are temporary and improve over a period of 2-3 weeks with massages.
Wound healing problems

They may occur in obese patients, smokers, patients who have restarted activities too early. They are usually managed by regular dressings and rarely require resuturing.

Scars
  • Scar is hidden in the underwear line, the healing and quality of scar depends upon the extent of surgery and patient’s  genetics. The scar may be improved by following strict scar management protocol.
  • Fat and pulmonary embolism are very rare but significant risks, as in any prolonged surgery.

You ask, we answer.

Abdominoplasty is a very gratifying surgery in patients who have excessive loose skin and fat in the lower abdomen as a result of pregnancy and weight loss. So, any healthy woman who is concerned about the lax skin in the lower abdomen may be benefited with tummy tuck.

The team of surgeons will suggest the appropriate procedure after thorough examination and comprehensive discussion of your requirements.



Usually patient will be able to return back to work in 3-4 weeks time.

You will find a fine scar well hidden in the natural crease beneath the underwear line almost similar to a  caesarian section scar.




 

        The belly button after any form of Abdominoplasty will be made to look more aesthetic depending on your present condition.