Remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles to reveal a flat, firm, and toned midsection.
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a “tummy tuck,” is an aesthetic surgery designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tighten weakened or separated muscles to restore a firmer profile.
Several factors contribute to the loosening of abdominal muscles and skin prolapse (sagging), including:
Pregnancy
Significant weight fluctuations (gaining and losing weight)
Lack of regular exercise
Genetic predisposition
If accompanied by excessive weight, fat accumulation often occurs in the front of the trunk, the waist (flanks), sides, and the pubis. During an abdominoplasty, a more aesthetically pleasing appearance is achieved, often by incorporating liposuction to remove these stubborn fat deposits.
Abdominal lifting surgeries are generally performed using one of two methods:
1. Full Abdominoplasty In a full tummy tuck, an incision is made extending towards the hips, typically along the cesarean section line. The skin and subcutaneous tissues are lifted off the abdominal muscles up to the costal margin (rib line) and sternum (breastbone).
Muscle Repair: If there is separation or loosening of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), they are tightened and sutured together.
The Navel: While the navel stalk remains attached to the muscle wall, the surrounding skin is moved. A new opening is created for the navel in the tightened skin.
Tissue Removal: Excess skin and tissue are stretched and removed.
2. Partial Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck) This procedure is less invasive. The surgical area does not extend above the navel. Only the excess skin and fat located below the belly button are removed.
Medications: If you are using anticoagulants (blood-thinning drugs), you must stop taking them 7 to 10 days prior to surgery, in consultation with your doctor.
Supplements: Inform your physician about all vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal teas (e.g., slimming teas) you consume, as some may have blood-thinning effects that could increase bleeding risks.
Allergies: Please inform your physician of any known drug or substance allergies.
Smoking: Patients are strongly advised to stop smoking at least three weeks before surgery to ensure proper healing.
Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol for one week prior to the surgery.
Fasting: You must be strictly fasting (no food or water) for at least six hours before the surgery.
Medical Records: Please bring any requested medical imaging (CT scans, Ultrasound, Mammography) with you to the hospital.
Personal Preparation: Do not wear makeup, nail polish, or jewelry/piercings to the surgery. Please leave valuables at home.
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Pre-operative screenings are crucial for safety and include:
Blood Work: Analysis of blood levels, liver function, renal (kidney) function, clotting values (coagulation tests), and viral markers.
Imaging: Pulmonary X-rays to check lung status.
Cardiac Health: Electrocardiography (ECG) to check heart rhythm.
Consultations: If the patient has pre-existing conditions, specific tests and consultations with relevant medical departments are conducted to ensure they are fit for surgery.
How long does the surgery last? (Note: This was missing in your original text, so I have added the standard medical estimate below.) The surgery typically lasts between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether liposuction is included.
How long is the hospitalization period? (Note: This was also missing in your original text.) Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days for monitoring, though partial abdominoplasty may sometimes be performed as an outpatient procedure.
How long is the recovery period? Recovery varies by individual.
Social Life: Patients can often return to social activities within 4 to 5 days.
Work: If your job does not require physical exertion, you may return to work in about 7 days.
Physical Labor: For jobs or activities requiring physical strength or heavy lifting, we suggest resting for at least one month.
Will there be permanent scarring? Yes, a scar extending horizontally across the lower abdomen will persist. However, the incision is strategically placed within the bikini/underwear line, so it is generally not visible when clothed or in swimwear.
Can the scars be completely eliminated? It is not possible to completely eliminate surgical scars. However, over time, they fade into slight traces that are not noticeable at first glance.