Tummy
Tuck...
is a
surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the mid and lower
stomach area and to tighten the abdominal wall muscles. A tummy tuck is
designed to firm and smooth the abdominal area, providing patients with
a slimmer profile. Men and women with large fat deposits and loose skin
around the stomach that have not responded to diet and regular exercise
are the best candidates for abdominoplasty. Multiple pregnancies can
result in stretched abdominal muscles and loose skin, and women with
such conditions will also benefit from a tummy tuck. Prospective
candidates should be in decent physical condition as abdominoplasty is a
major surgical procedure. It can be used alone or in combination with
liposuction to achieve enhanced results.
During surgery, an
incision is made across the lower abdomen, slightly above the pubic area
and below the bikini
line. Another incision is made around the belly button to free it from
the surrounding skin. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall
and lifted up above the rib cage, exposing the vertical abdominal
muscles. The muscles are stitched into a new position, tightening the
muscles and creating a smaller waistline. The remaining skin is pulled
over the abdominal area and sutured in place. Patients are asked to wear
a strong elastic dressing for a few days, which will later be replaced
with an abdominal supporter. Full recovery can take anywhere from two to
four weeks and the results are usually permanent as long as patients
maintain a stable weight.
It may take up to
nine months before the surgical scars smooth out and lighten in color.
Although they will never completely disappear, the scars are easily
hidden by clothing. Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general
anesthesia, though local anesthesia is an option. The surgery can last
anywhere from two to five hours.
