Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic plastic surgery used to make abdomen thinner and more firm.Nowadays junk food, sedentary lifestyle taking a toll on our health and body so, its quick fix is Abdominoplasty.

1. What is Abdominoplasty?

  •  Basically, this surgery involves removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscles and fascia of the abdominal wall.

2. Which patients can opt for this? 

  •  Usually patients with loose and sagging tissue after pregnancy or major weight loss men and women who are in good health 
  • Generally, women who have had several pregnancies may find this surgery useful for tightening their abdominal muscles and reducing skin.
  • This is also an option for men and women who were once obese and still have excess fat deposits/ loose skin around the belly.

3. Who should not consider tummy tuck? 

  •  If you are a woman who plans to get pregnant, then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you are done having children.As future pregnancy can separate those tightened muscles.
  • If you are planning to lose weight then this is not an option for you. It should be a last resort after you have tried everything else. As this is not an alternative to weight loss.

4. What to know prior surgery?

Types of Abdominoplasty

There are 3 types 

a) Complete Abdominoplasty  

  • This is for patients who need Abdominoplasty most, bikini level incision is taken and surgeon gives shape to your skin and muscles. Drainage tubes are put until few days.

b) Partial/mini Abdominoplasty          

  • These are performed on patients whose fat deposits are below the navel, a short incision is taken, skin is separated from the line of the incision and your belly button. This is performed with an endoscope.

c) Circumferential  Abdominoplasty           

  • When there is excess fat on the abdomen as well as back, this surgery is performed this allows removal of both skin and fat from the hip and back which improves the shape of your body 3 dimensionally.

5. Pre-care before Abdominoplasty   

  • Eat well-balanced diet, do not diet before surgery proper nutrition helps in healing·
  • If you are smoking, quit smoking at least 2 weeks before Surgery and after 2 weeks of surgery, it will delay healing· 
  • Take supplements prescribed by your surgeon.

6. Post-op care after Abdominoplasty  

  • For 1st few weeks after surgery, you need to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and encourage a smooth, compact abdominal shape. 
  • As per your surgeon's instructions, start walking around within 1st few days to encourage blood flow and healing.
  • Do not stretch/stand up straight during 1st 3 weeks of healing.
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages for 72 hours before and after treatment. 
  • Manage your drainage tubes as per your surgeon’s instructions.
  • Take medications like antibiotic painkillers as prescribed by your surgeon.Full Recovery takes 3-6 months 

7.    Complication and side effects of an Abdominoplasty

  •  As like any other surgery you will have pain and swelling. You may have numbness, bruising, overall tiredness for some period of time.
  • Risks    
  1. Scarring                                         
  2. Bleeding                                       
  3. Infection                                        
  4. Poor wound baling                                           
  5. Numbness                                        
  6. Skin colour changes                                      
  7. Asymmetry

8. Does insurance cover this surgery?

No, if you are doing it for cosmetic purpose. But if you have a hernia and it is getting treated by this surgery then you can have the advantage of that.

9. Difference between liposuction and Abdominoplasty?

  •  Generally, when men and women can’t reduce stubborn fat after adequate diet and exercise, its spot fix is liposuction. It removes excess fat from face and body including following areas,                   
  1. Cheeks                 
  2. Neck              
  3. Breasts                
  4. Abdomen  and waist                  
  5. Flanks and sides                   
  6. Back              
  7. Hips            
  8. Thighs                
  9. Legs 

Liposuction removes excess fat but no effect on loose skin  Abdominoplasty remove excess fat and loose skin and fat also. While both procedures are excellent body contouring procedures it’s important to determine what specific issue must be corrected. If the problem is loose Abdominal muscle and excess skin after excessive weight loss then Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is best for you.

10. What is the difference between bariatric surgery, liposuction and Abdominoplasty?

Bariatric is more morbid surgery as it involves surgery over intestine to reduce food absorption. In liposuction / Abdominoplasty, it involves only superficial part of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It does not involve any procedure involving intestine/opening of the abdomen so it has lesser side effects. Also after bariatric surgery when patients lose weight skin become lax and sag down so patient requires Abdominoplasty to remove that excess skin.

Still unsure which surgery would be best for you? Then please consult your Plastic Surgeon today.