Abdominoplasty is the most common procedure for flattening the stomach. The tummy tuck is helpful to women who have stretched muscles and skin after pregnancy, for women who have lost a great deal of weight and for those who have excess of hanging fat and skin at the lower belly part.
The aim of the procedure is the removal of the excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Along with the tummy tuck, we may often recommend liposuction to remove excess fat deposits, creating a more desirable body contour.Although the resulting scar is permanent, it is very thin and can be hidden below the bikini line.
Patients who plan to loose a lot of weight should probably postpone having a tummy tuck until their weight is stabilized. On the contrary, sometimes the decision is made to perform the procedure in order to help overweight patients lose weight easier from other parts of the body.
Patients planning future pregnancies are also advised to postpone the tummy tuck procedure due to the damage the pregnancy is going to make again. It is absolutely right that the tummy tuck operation does not affect the ability for pregnancy.
A special pressure garment is always worn following this procedure and must be worn continually for 4 days. Washing and wearing again after shower for 2-3 weeks is highly recommended.
As with any surgery, complications may arise following this procedure. We repeat that in the hands of an experienced doctor, who has a good reputation, the complications are rare and usually mild and easy to treat.
This procedure can be performed in 2 to 3 hours under general anaesthesia and we may recommend hospitalization for 1-3 days.
The recovery period is usually 1-2 weeks. Light activity can resume after 4-5 days, but common and strenuous activity after 3-4 weeks.
