What is Tummy tuck?
Tummy Tuck, scientifically known as Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to restore the abdominal contour which has been deformed due to some or the other reason.
Tummy Tuck
The commonest reason of a deformed abdomen is PREGNANCY. During Pregnancy, the uterus has to expand to accommodate the growing baby. The abdomen (inside which the uterus is there) thus increases in size accordingly.
The skin stretches considerably, the muscles of the abdominal wall relax so as to decrease the pressure on the uterus. Also associated is the massive weight gain. After the birth of the child, these structures shrink but they are not able to go back to the pre-pregnancy level and leave a deformity.
To restore the shape or the anatomy and to bring the structures to the pre-pregnancy levels, the muscles have to be tightened and excess skin has to be removed. These changes can be brought about by the surgical procedure which is called Abdominoplasty surgery (repair of the abdomen) or Tummy Tuck surgery.
Obviously thus, no nonsurgical method can be helpful in bringing about tightening of the muscles and removal of the skin. The abdominoplasty surgery involves hospitalization for a few days and is carried out under anesthesia usually regional anaesthesia.
The surgery of tummy tuck is generally very safe with gratifying results and the changes are well appreciated by most of the patients. In fact the changes are so much pleasing, that one can safely say that it is one of the best reshaping procedures ever evolved
Postoperatively, the pain is also not too much and the surgery is well tolerated mostly. In fact, the lower portion of the skin may be numb for a few weeks.
The surgical incision for the tummy tuck is taken in the panty line and is not visible. That is the biggest plus mark. There are drains which are put in the lower abdomen to drain out the postoperative fluid and usually removed in 3 to 4 days, after which the patient is discharged. A corset or a compression dressing has to be worn by the patient for achieving a good shape and for faster recovery.
Types of Tummy Tuck :
The tummy tuck surgery can be broadly classified as Complete Tummy Tuck and Mini-tummy Tuck.
Mini Tummy Tuck involves the correction of a lower portion of the abdomen usually below the umbilicus) where the excess skin below the umbilicus is removed. The lower abdomen muscles are tightened at the same time. The umbilicus is not repositioned. The incision is in the lower abdomen just like cesarean section.
Complete Tummy Tuck surgery means that the deformity of the whole of the abdomen, both above and below the umbilicus is corrected. The cut for abdominoplasty is taken in the panty line inferiorly.
The dissection is carried out below the umbilicus, around the umbilicus, protecting the umbilical stalk and in the upper portion of the abdomen.
The umbilical stalk is detached and freed. The abdominal skin both above and below the umbilicus is thus free to be stretched. Excess skin is then removed after taking key stitches. Umbilicus stalk is then reattached at the appropriate new place giving a complete makeover. The stitches are usually dissolvable stitches.
Endoscopic Tummy Tuck involves minimum incision for correction of the muscle deformities using endoscopic instruments. Usually done along with mini tummy tuck or alone, the upper abdomen muscles can be tightened well endoscopically.
At La Transformatione’ you have the luxury of choosing any one of the above because we have the expertise for giving abdominoplasty surgery in Mumbai for all of the above.
Liposuction along with Tummy Tuck: This is a very contentious issue. Limited liposuction can be done very safely along with tummy tuck in Mumbai. But aggressive liposuction of the abdomen is contraindicated along with Tummy tuck because it increases the risk of complications. Liposuction temporarily disrupts and reduces the blood supply of the skin. So if combined with the tummy tuck, the blood supply of the skin flaps of the tummy can get compromised leading to skin necrosis. If at all liposuction is planned along with tummy tuck surgery one has to be very sure that it is limited to the love handle area and it is not aggressive in the upper area.
Other causes requiring Tummy Tuck: Apart from Pregnancy, massive weight lost after a weight gain, either surgically by bariatric surgery, a gastric balloon or medically results in the loose hanging skin which requires a tuck procedure. Also, very obese patients may have a hanging tummy requiring a tuck.
Tummy Tuck and Mommy Makeover: Tummy tuck is one of the most important components of Mommy Makeover, a term used to describe a series of procedures to get women back to her pre-pregnancy figure. To accommodate the baby, Tummy tuck surgery takes the maximum brunt and hence it requires the maximum correction.
Tummy Tuck for Stretch marks: Most women who have stretch marks post pregnancy have it in the lower portion of the abdomen. This is the same portion which is removed during the abdominoplasty procedure (tummy tuck).
So in fact, the additional benefit of Tummy Tuck surgery is that the stretch marks are removed, majorly if not completely. Those stretch marks which remain are also stretched and so are less visible than before. This is really rewarding.
Umbilicoplasty (Umbilical recreation): In the process of Complete Tummy tuck procedure, the Umbilical stalk is detached and is brought out on the skin at a new place which is the appropriate place.
There are various types of cut which can be taken to bring out the umbilical stalk. These can be V, Inverted V-shaped, U shaped, circular and so on. It is important to discuss the same with the doctor.
Tummy Tuck and Medical Insurance: Usually Cosmetic surgeries are not covered under insurance. But there are occasions when there is a hernia in the abdomen either due to a cesarean section or otherwise. These hernias are medical conditions and not Cosmetic.
Hence there is quite a bit of chance that the procedure of abdominal hernia repair can be claimed under insurance. It is well advised to discuss this option with your doctor and insurance agent.
Our experience with Tummy Tuck procedure has been very rewarding and this is one abdominoplasty surgery where the satisfaction level of the patient is very high. It is not only cosmetically rewarding, it also helps in regaining a proper shape of the body and lower spine thus decreasing the pressure on the lower back and alleviating lower back pain.
The biggest word of caution is to understand that the word TUMMY TUCK is used very loosely in the society and often some medical treatment which are nonsurgical name themselves as Tummy Tuck and the public gets confused and gets lured into something which is highly ineffective.
Remember, Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure and other treatments are generally not effective to take care of the loose tummy.
A complete tummy tuck is a procedure which requires admission for a few days but Mini tummy tuck may be carried out as day care procedure.
Time Required for Tummy Tuck: Depending on the type of corrections, Tummy Tuck may take a couple of hours or more. Time requirements vary quite a bit, depending on the size of the area being treated, the amount of fat being removed, and the technique being used. But irrespective of the time, the procedure is very safe.
Side Effects of Tummy tuck: Tummy Tuck side effects may include temporary swelling, bruising, discomfort, numbness, and limited mobility. There may be broken down of stitches and skin necrosis rarely.
The durability of Tummy tuck results: Tummy tuck results are generally considered permanent. Unless one loss control of the diet and so on leading to excessive weight gain.
Recover from abdominoplasty surgery: Tummy tuck stitches take around 2 weeks to heal. Pressure garments are required to be worn for about 4 - 6 weeks. One can resume his/her duties after about 7 days in compete tummy tuck procedure and about 3 to 4 days in case of Mini tummy tuck.
Swelling & bruises require about a month to go. The final shape will develop over the 2-3 months following your abdominoplasty surgery in Mumbai.
Discomfort after Tummy Tuck: Any surgery has a component of pain in the postoperative period. These can be controlled with pain medication prescribed by the doctor.
Anesthesia for Tummy Tuck: Tummy Tuck can be done in spinal, Epidural or general anesthesia.
Tummy Tuck with: Limited Liposuction, Thigh Lift, Breast Augmentation or Reduction, Breast Lift.
WORDS OF WISDOM: Abdominoplasty surgery is a very rewarding surgery and hardly anyone is unsatisfied. But it is important to realize that every surgery has a limitation and so has a tummy tuck. Please do not go for aggressive liposuction on your tummy if you are doing a tummy tuck. The chances of complications related to wound healing increase manifold.
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