Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

by Dr Anshu Verma Clinical Nutritionist

“easy way to loose belly fat”

Abdominoplasty, also called "tummy tuck" is a cosmetic surgery procedure used for making the abdominal muscles firm

People with loose abdominal skin and fat concentrated in or around the abdomen may benefit from this surgery.

Sometimes these conditions are hereditary. In other cases, significant weight loss may cause skin of abdomen to become flabby and loose.

“Achieve perfect shape”

Muscles weakened and separated due to any reason like pregnancy can also be tightened by abdominoplasty

Indications for abdominoplasty

Vertical muscles are tightened during surgery. During pregnancies, these muscles can separate and cause hernia.
So woman planning for children in future should undergo abdominoplasty after having children
Those people planning to lose weight
Tummy tuck can cause scarring over abdomen that is prominent and long. So discuss with your doctor, if scarring is a major concern for you

Preparation (Pre-operation)

Have well balanced diet.
Do not go on drastic diet before surgery. A healthy diet will help in better healing.
Inform your surgeon about any medicines you are taking like herbal medications, prescription drugs or any other supplements
Your surgeon will get your full body check – up done to ensure you are fit for surgery.
Complete blood count with ESR.
ECG
Urine routine
Chest x- ray
Renal function tests

There are 3 types of abdominoplasty:

Full abdominoplasty – removes extra skin and tightens muscles underlying the whole area of abdomen, including those around the navel.
Partial abdominoplasty – removes extra skin below the navel and tightens the muscles of lower abdomen only.
Circumferential abdominoplasty - Skin and fat from the back and hip region is also removed in circumferential abdominoplasty resulting in improvement in shape of the body from all sides

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Time required usually for the operation is around 3 hours.
Steps of abdominolpasty:

A horizontal, curved cut / incision is made by the surgeon near the hairline of pubic area pubic running from one hip to other hip.
The surgeon lifts the skin and fat over the underlying tissue.
Separated or loose muscles of abdomen are tightened or stitched by the surgeon.
Removal of excess fat
Trimming of excess skin
Repositioning of the navel.
Stitches, clips or tapes are used to close the wounds.