Tummy tuck/ Abdominoplasty – How To Do It Right
Having a child is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding events for any parents. One of the possible consequences of a pregnancy, however, can pose a challenge to women. During pregnancy as well as any other type of weight gain the skin, soft tissue and muscles of the abdomen are stretched. After delivery or massive weight loss, an unsightly abdominal skin flap can remain, which does not respond well to conservative treatments or sport. Apart from the skin flap quite often the muscles of the abdominal wall are overstretched, too thus reducing the power to keep the abdominal content at bay.
As a consequence, the patients develop a bulging of the entire abdomen in addition to the skin flap in the lower abdomen. In less severe cases of skin and muscle overstretch a liposuction with muscle training can help. The advantage is less downtime and almost no visible scars like hypoxi solutions.
For all more severe cases the only solution to achieve a massive, long-lasting and effective improvement is an abdominoplasty, also called tummy tuck.
How Abdominoplasty is performed?
During the surgery (of a full abdominoplasty e.g.) the total excess of fat and skin below the navel will be removed, the skin above the navel will be pulled down to cover the entire area and for a harmonization of the proportions, the belly button will be re-positioned.
In order to top off the surgical effect and to create a truly flat and toned abdomen with a long-lasting to permanent effect, I tighten routinely the abdominal muscle which will function as an internal bodice. Depending on the case and necessity a liposuction can give the final touch.
What happens after Abdominoplasty?
This procedure is performed in general anesthesia at a hospital. The patients stay for one or 2 nights. A supportive garment is applied after the surgery to protect the wound and release pressure from the abdominal wall. At discharge, the patients are able to walk and take care of themselves. Sutures are removed after 2 weeks and daily routine can be established after that. Due to the muscle healing time lifting of heavy weights or sportive activities should not be performed until 6 week after the surgery.
The effect of a skillfully performed abdominoplasty is not only visible immediately, but due to the double tightening up, it can be long-lasting or even permanent. When standing the abdomen is truly flat and even when bending over the upper abdomen does not show bulging or skin laxity. Testimonials from patients confirm the longevity of the effect many years after surgery.
In conclusion: For those, who are not happy with their abdominal shape, I would advise consulting a plastic surgeon with a broad professional experience, who is capable to evaluate what kind of surgery will give the desired result. Unfortunately, I see many patients coming to a consultation with me and having had numerous ineffective procedures on their abdomen elsewhere. Assessing their initial preoperative photographs I can very often confirm that they should have been advised for the abdominoplasty surgery right away. This would have spared them time, discomfort and expenses.