Tummy Tuck Procedure And Its Types To Enhance Outer Beauty

by Yusuf Sidi Medical tourism Consultant

What is tummy tuck procedure?

It is a cosmetic procedure to restore toning or to flatten the abdomen. Various types are complete abdominoplasty, partial abdominoplasty, extended abdominoplasty, high lateral tension tummy tuck, floating abdominoplasty or FAB technique and circumferential abdominoplasty. Other surgeries can also be combined to achieve a desired look.

Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is widely used cosmetic procedure to reshape & enhance the appearance of the abdomen. It involves removing of excess skin and fat from middle and the lower abdomen in order to tighten muscle & fascia of the abdominal wall. Pregnancy, aging, hereditary factors and fluctuations in weight can cause skin sagging and disfiguration. Tummy tuck surgery is the most sought procedure by the patients to tighten their abdomen skin after pregnancy.

Am I the Candidate For Tummy Tuck Surgery?

An ideal person is the person experiencing massive weight loss with saggy skin, is physically healthy and active, have realistic expectations, a non-smoker and having realistic goals about ‘now & then’ appearance of your abdomen.

What are the different types of Tummy Tuck Procedures?

The Abdominoplasty mainly depends on person’s goal, age, skin type, weight and overall health. A complete abdominoplasty can take from 3-4 hours and mini-tuck abdominoplasty can be completed within 2 hours.

Complete Abdominoplasty

In complete abdominoplasty surgeon makes two incisions, one from hip above the pubic area and another is to free the navel from the surrounding skin. The detached skin reveals the loose muscles and fascia, which are then tightened with sutures. There may be need of liposuction to sculpt the abdominal portions. Dressing or a compression garment is applied and any excess fluid is drained out.

Partial Abdominoplasty

In a partial abdominoplasty, surgeon makes a small incision to detach the skin and fat of the lower abdomen from fascia. Skin is stretched down to get rid of excess skin. Occasionally there may be a requirement of dividing belly button stalk from the muscle below where it slid down lower on the abdominal wall and abdominal muscle fascia wall is tightened. There may be need of liposuction to sculpt the abdominal portions. Later the flap portion is stitched back.

Extended Abdominoplasty

It is a comprehensive abdominoplasty comprising a lateral thigh lift where resulting scar runs from the posterior axillary line. This method completely contours abdomen of a complete abdominoplasty which also improves appearance of waist or flank and upper lateral thigh.

High lateral tension tummy tuck

The procedure takes 4-5 hours in which muscles are tightened horizontally in addition to vertical-line tightening. The final outcome is absolutely flat abdomen with significantly better-defined waistline

Floating Abdominoplasty or FAB Technique

It is also called as an extended mini abdominoplasty which involves tightening and shaping of abdomen through a smaller incision. Through a smaller incision excess skin is removed and the belly button is temporarily detached. The incision is not made around the belly button. It floats above the muscles during procedure. The loose muscles and skin are pulled back and reshaped from sternum to pubic area. The belly button is again attached, or adjusted for desired look. There may be need of liposuction to sculpt the abdominal portions.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty

It is an extended abdominoplasty along with buttock lift where the incision runs all the way around the body. It is also known by the Belt Lipectomy or Body Lift. It is very suitable for the patients who have undergone massive weight loss.

Combination procedures

Abdominoplasty can be combined with lot of surgeries to enhance overall appearance of the body. Liposuction, breast reduction, breast lift, hysterectomy, breast enhancement are some to name.

Recovery

This totally depends on various factors like person’s health and age. Initially there may be bruising and discomfort but it takes 4-5 weeks to heal therefore patients are advised to take off from work for quick recovery.Any heavy activity should be avoided.

Initially there may be bruising and discomfort.Supportive abdominal binder or compression garment helps in minimizing swelling or bruising, supports repaired tissues and to confirm to its new shape. All forms of nicotine should be avoided. Scars will fade gradually after 6-7 months.

Conclusion:

The article covers the importance of tummy tuck procedure and its types. The importance of this procedure is to restore toning and firmness of the abdomen skin. Tummy tuck can be combined with many other cosmetic surgery procedures to enhance overall appearance of the body. The recovery period depends on person’s overall health and other factors.