Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty has been defined as a cosmetic procedure that entails the removal of excess fat and skin in the abdominal wall as well as tightening of the muscles. It is intended to sculpt a leaner and firmer stomach area that has the v-shaped look to it.
A tummy tuck is kind of a “renewal” surgery for a woman’s stomach location which can be targeted to:
Weight loss
Pregnancy
Aging
Genetics
Previous surgeries
Tummy Tuck Surgery Procedure
Anaesthesia:
General Anaesthesia is administrated to make sure you are fully unconscious and not experiencing any pain.
Incision:
An incision is made across the abdomen, but not right at the line of the stomach, rather a little below it or above the pubic area.
Sometimes a second incision around the navel (belly button) may also be used especially where the tummy tuck surgery is complete.
Skin and Fat Removal:
Excess skin is lifted.
Diastasis rectus is the term given to lax or separated abdominal muscles, which are either sutured or tightened in this step.
If required, liposuction may be done with a view of eliminating the excess fat deposits.
Skin Repositioning:
The rest of the skin is draped downwards.
It is brought out anteriorly and a new opening is made for the belly button that is then stitched.
Closing Incisions:
Wounds are sutured, glued, or otherwise stapled with skin adhesive tapes.
Suctions may be put as a temporary measure to drain fluids that have accumulated.
Tummy Tuck Before and After
Before and After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Before the Procedure:
1. Consultation
The first thing the patient should do is see a board-certified plastic surgeon.
The physical exam and medical history includes disclosing general treatment plans, therapeutic aims and expectations.
The surgeon will then study your abdomen and may take pictures that will help him/her in the surgery.
2. Pre-Surgery Prep
Complete routine laboratory tests, if the patient has been a smoker, urge that he/she should quit, do not use blood thinners.
You may be required to keep your body weights for a few months before coming to clinic.
Timing of leaving work and domestic care after the operation.
After the Procedure:
Immediate Results (Weeks 1–4):
Expect less skin and a flatter stomach but the belly will be puffy and will be bruised.
You will wear a compression garment to prevent thrombosis associated with baptizing swelling.
You may have drains to drain the fluid — typically it is removed in one to two weeks.
Early mobilisation is promoted but no weight bearing or intensive labour.
Mid-Term (Months 2–3):
Swelling continues to go down.
Stitches dissolve or are removed.
There will be scar by then but it will not be a gory scar as it would have been healing and fading gradually.
You start to become more like the previous version of you.
Long-Term (3–6 months+):
Its’ end shape is somewhat easy to perceive.
Then after a few weeks or even up to a year, the scar becomes pale and turns into a line that is less conspicuous.
You can maintain the results for many years, if you do not gain weight and lead a healthy life.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Time
First Week (Days 1–7):
Pain, swelling and tightness are regular – treated with the medications that the doctor prescribes.
Complications will make it so that you require assistance in mobilizing and performing everyday tasks.
Mobility is allowed (limited to slow and short walks) in order to avoid development of blood clots.
Clip holders and drains, if used, are clinically most commonly removed within postoperative week 1–2.
Most important, one should take a lot of rest, especially if he / she needs to sleep with the upper body in the inclined position (for example, in a reclining chair, which reduces the pressure on the suture seam).
Weeks 2–3:
Swelling begins to go down.
They can engage in light exercise, however, they still cannot lift any things, bend down, or do any kind of exercises that affect the abdominal region.
Sutures might be taken out if they are not of the absorbable type.
In Week 1, people often go home after class and sit in an office but it ranges from week 2 depending on one’s recovery.
Weeks 4–6:
You’ll feel much better physically.
Compression garment still worn most of the day.
Limited physical activity without discomfort – light exercise such as walking or gentle manoeuvring in the area can now be done.
Do not perform intense activities that call into use of your stomach muscles such as lifting heavy weights or doing any core exercises until your doctor clears you to do so.
Weeks 6–12:
The shoulder exercises to be avoided are those for the rotator cuff; however, you can usually begin full physical activities such as working the core (pending doctor approval).
Generally, most of the swelling is reduced; now the true results start emerging.
Scar would still be present but the usage of scar creams or treatments can be done if recommended.
3–6 Months:
Swelling continues to subside.
Tingling and stiffness will be less severe over time.
The results will again be more natural and less conspicuous or abrupt.
6–12 Months:
Final results are usually visible.
Discoloration and elevation will reduce but can take at least one year or more.
The follow-up visits may therefore comprise of scar check and possibly, scar revision in the event of any complications.
Tummy Tuck Scar Therapy
Silicone Sheets or Gels (Gold Standard)
When to start: It is ideally starting after the incision has healed which may take about 2-3 weeks after surgery.
In how it helps: Broadly, it can help to moisten the scar, reduce the raised appearance of the scar as well as make such a scar less noticeable over the long run.
Popular brands: ScarAway, Cica-Care, Mederma Silicone Gel
Usage: Apply daily for several weeks to months
Scar Creams & Ointments
Such ingredients as onion extract, vitamin E, hyaluronic, or aloevera should be found in a product.
Some people use it to help to relax scars and make the texture less coarse, but will have no effect on the overall size
In some cases, the frequency of using the formula is two times a day.
Example: Mederma, Bio-Oil, Cicatricure
Massage Therapy
Compression of the scar area also modifies tension of dense vertical collagen fibers to the skin.
Improve and increase the flow of blood within the body and in injuries.
After the wound has started healing, the massaging should be done softly in circular motion for 5-10 minutes every day.
Sun Protection
The last tip of avoiding the application of any cosmetic on the scar, especially sunscreen — you can end up permanently appearing that scar
It is better to use sun block that is at least 30 and for those with scar, ensure that it is well concealed by clothing.
It is suitable to apply on raised, older or dark scars.
Types: Fractional laser Phototherapy, CO 2 laser, Pulsed dye laser.
Usually done 3–6 months post-op by a dermatologist or surgeon
Steroid Injections
With hypertrophic or keloid scar, their size and discomfort may be reduced by an injection.
Factors Affecting Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost
The overall cost of tummy tuck surgery may depend on the following factors. Here are some of the factors that may help you to realize why such amount is charged:
Location
Surgeon's Expertise
Hospital or Clinic Facility
Type of Tummy Tuck
Operating Room & Anaesthesia Fees
Pre & Post-Surgery Costs
Medical Tourism Costs
Why Choose Tummy Tuck Surgery in India?
It is advisable for many international patients to opt for tummy tuck surgery in India because of prices, treatment quality and availability. Below are the features:
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