What Is Abdominoplasty?
If you want to get rid of belly fat and excess skin for good, an abdominoplasty might be right for you. Never heard of an abdominoplasty? This procedure is also known as a tummy tuck. Not only will an abdominoplasty remove extra skin and fat, but it can also tighten abdominal muscles.
This is a major surgery performed by your doctor while you are under general anesthesia. The surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, and patients are sent home the same day after recovering from anesthesia. You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you overnight to help you get around.
Who Should Get Abdominoplasty and Who Shouldn’t?
Abdominoplasty can be an excellent option for both men and women and is most commonly performed on people who have lost a large amount of weight or have had pregnancies that have caused loose skin and a weakened abdominal wall. This procedure can also be used to repair the abdomen muscles if they have separated in a condition called diastasis recti. If left untreated, diastasis recti can lead to lower back pain, poor posture, bloating, and constipation.
If you’re considering abdominoplasty, you may want to hold off on getting surgery if you are planning to have any more children or if you have a significant amount of weight you still plan on losing. You may also not be a candidate for surgery if you smoke, have diabetes, have poor circulation, or have lung, liver, or heart disease.
Types of Abdominoplasty
If you are considering an abdominoplasty, your doctor may recommend a few surgery options.
1. Mini:
A mini tummy tuck only targets the lower belly area under the navel. This procedure removes excess fat and skin to reduce the lower belly bulge but does not involve repairing abdominal muscles.
2. Complete:
During a complete abdominoplasty, your doctor will make an incision below the bikini line and then cut and shape the skin and navel on your abdomen. Your doctor will also repair your stomach muscles as needed so you can achieve that flat tummy look. Drainage tubes will be placed under your skin to help remove any excess fluid that may collect after surgery. Your doctor will remove these drains a few ways after surgery.
3. Extended:
This procedure is an excellent option for people who have lost significant weight. People with extended abdominoplasty surgery have excess skin and tissue removed from the abdomen, hips, thighs, and back. This procedure is quite extensive, and patients typically achieve drastic results.
What Are the Risks of Abdominoplasty?
With any surgery, there are risks and side effects. The most common side effect after surgery is pain and swelling. Your doctor will prescribe pain-relieving medications before the surgery and explain what pain to expect postoperatively. Soreness generally lasts a few weeks. Some patients can also expect numbness, tingling, and skin bruising after surgery, which usually resolves after a few weeks.
Other complications can include:
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling or fluid collection under the skin
- Poor incision healing
- Blood clots
- Sensation changes of the skin
- Uneven or crooked abdomen
Are You Ready for an Abdominoplasty?
Healing from abdominoplasty can take a few months, but most people love how they look after surgery. Abdominoplasty can give you a fantastic flat tummy look that will surely get you back to your life feeling confident in your new body.
Talk to your doctor to find out if abdominoplasty is right for you!