A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is cosmetic surgery to improve the shape of the tummy area (abdomen). Tummy Tuck Surgery provides removing excess loose skin, fat and stretch marks and tightening the abdominal muscles and creating a new belly button.
The target is to remove excess sagging skin on the tummy that cannot be improved through exercise – for example, excess skin caused by pregnancy or gaining and losing a lot of weight. The incision is made through underwear line, from hip to hip above the pubic area. The second incision is made to free belly button from the surrounding tissue.
The abdominal muscles are repaired and realigned. Excess skin and fat are removed while a new button is created where it’s naturally positioned. The last step is stitching the belly button and the incision on the underwear line. This way, incision is hidden where it cannot be seen. Operation lasts around 2-5 hours and the patient stays in the hospital over night or more. Tummy Tuck surgery is not ideal for patients who are overweight. Weight Loss Surgery is advised for patient’s whose BMI level too high.
Usually patients who had Weight Loss Surgery are later recommended to have Tummy Tuck Surgery to be free from excess skin. Liposuction can be combined with Tummy Tuck Surgery for the best results depending on the case. In some cases, just Tummy Tuck Surgery is ideal. Some patients can be happy with just having Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery.
Mini Tummy Tuck is only removing the excess skin on the lower abdomen to make the skin tighter and the belly button is not touched. Having Tummy Tuck Surgery by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is advised for a successful result. After a consultation, your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will provide you the personal treatment plan for the surgery. After care is supported by wearing a compression garment for 4-6 weeks. The swelling is expected but the results can be seen right after the surgery and will improve over time as the body heals.