What are the Tummy Tuck alternatives?
A Tummy Tuck(Abdominoplasty) is a major surgical procedure that strategically removes excess skin and fat from the lower and middle part of the abdomen. The surgical procedure also tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. The Tummy Tuck(Abdominoplasty) surgery dramatically reduces a protruding abdomen.
There is also a less complex procedure called a Mini-Tummy Tuck (or Partial Abdominoplasty). This may be appropriate if your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from either a partial or a complete Tummy Tuck(Abdominoplasty) done in conjunction with Liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips for a better body contour.
Thousands of Tummy Tuck's are successfully performed and the results are most often quite positive. It is imperative that your Plastic Surgeon be a qualified Plastic Surgeon who is trained in body contouring.
Who is the best candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Of course, the decision to have a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) should be a joint decision made by you and your doctor since everyone's physical history is different. The best candidates for a Tummy Tuck(Abdominoplasty) are men and women who are in relatively good physical shape but are still bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that stubbornly refuses to respond to diet and exercise.
Women who have had multiple pregnancies often find that their abdominal skin has stretched beyond the point that it can return to its normal size.
Who is NOT a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
If you are on a program to lose a great deal of weight, it is wise to postpone your surgery until you achieve your goal. Also, women who intend to have more children should postpone surgery.
If a women were to get pregnant after a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), the vertical abdominal muscles that are tightened during surgery could separate with the growth of the baby.
If previous abdominal surgery has left scars on your abdomen, your surgeon may recommend that a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is not an option for you, or may point out that your scars might be more prominent than you would desire.
The Scar
Please bear in mind, that a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.
The Risks
As with all surgery, there are always risks associated with surgery and there are a few specific complications associated with this procedure. Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your stay near the clinic. Your risk of blood clots can be minimized by becoming mobile as soon after the surgery as possible.
If you are a smoker, you will be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.
Remember that you can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to your post-surgery activities.
Making the decision
Now that you have a basic understanding of a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), we will walk you through the process. When you meet with your Plastic Surgeon at your initial consultation, he will thoroughly evaluate your health, assess the extent of the fat deposits in your abdominal region or excess skin and also evaluate your skin tone. It is important to tell your Plastic Surgeon if you smoke and whether you are taking any medications, vitamins, etc. Finally, your expectations will be discussed. You will want to make a realistic, informed decision, therefore, if there are any other alternatives, your Plastic Surgeon will present them to you, as well as explain all the risks and limitations of each. The procedure you choose will be one that is tailored for you so that your body contour goal is achieved.
Preparing for your surgery Your Plastic Surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the day of surgery. You will be given specific guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind prior to surgery, your surgery will probably be postponed.
Anesthesia
If appropriate, your Plastic Surgeon may select general anesthesia, so you will sleep through the entire operation or a local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy may be used. It is best to trust the surgeons judgment. If you have the local anesthesia, you will be awake, but relaxed. Your abdominal region will be insensitive to pain, however, you may feel some tugging.
The Surgery A complete Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. A PartialTummy Tuck may take an hour or two. The surgeon will make the first incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision will be made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. For a Partial Tummy Tuck, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved.
Next, your Plastic Surgeon will separate the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and then lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This part of the procedure will provides a firmer abdominal wall and will narrow the waistline. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new area is now cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
In a partial Tummy Tuck(Abdominoplasty), the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.
After Surgery
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you may feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. You will be monitored carefully to minimize your risks.
Your will be given instructions for showering and changing your dressings. You may not be able to stand straight at first, however, you should start walking as soon as possible. You will be given specific instructions on drainage tubes, if applicable, and your sutures.
Getting back to normal
Depending on the extent of your surgery, it may take weeks, or months to feel like your old self again. If you had strong abdominal muscles prior to surgery, recovery from a Tummy Tuck(Abdominoplasty) will be much faster. Some people are ready to return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate. Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
Your New Body
A Tummy Tuck(Abdominoplasty), whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. In most cases, the results are long-lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
If you are realistic in your expectations and you are prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) may be the answer for you.
www.plasticsurgeons-mexico.com offers a general overview of plastic surgery procedures and will help guide you through your Plastic Surgery experience. You should understand that the circumstances, experience and surgical results of every individual will be unique. When you do finally consult with your Plastic Surgeon we encourage you to talk with him about your chosen procedure and what you can expect. Additionally, please be sure to give your Plastic Surgeon an accurate medical history to insure that your Plastic Surgery will have no complications.
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