Belly Fat Reduction with Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery, which is known as Abdominoplasty in medical terms removes excess fat and skin, restoring the weakened muscles in the process to create an abdominal profile which is smoother and tighter than the original.
Tummy tucks are especially useful for people who have a tendency for fat retention in the waist area. A tummy tuck should however not be considered an alternative for the weight loss programs or treatments. The results of tummy tucks, though technically permanent tend to be heavily affected if the person’s weight fluctuates a lot.
Hence, people considering a strict weight loss regimen or pregnancy should not go for tummy tucks.
- The Ideal Candidate
- Tummy Tuck Procedure Steps
- Tummy Tuck Recovery
As such there are no restrictions on who should go for a tummy tuck but as mentioned earlier, if the person is considering heavy weight loss or planning a pregnancy, they should rather avoid it at the moment.
To put it in other words, any healthy person with a stable weight can undergo tummy tucking procedure.
Step 1 - Giving Anesthesia
Like any usual surgical procedure, anesthetics are given to ease out the patient to facilitate
easier operation. Based on the requirement, a general or intravenous anesthetic is given.
Step 2 – The Incision
An incision between the pubic hairline and the naval would be made to ensure an adequate
tummy tuck. The size of the incision would depend on how much of a tuck is required.
Now, with the skin being lifted, the necessity is to repair the abdominal muscles which have
loosened up owing to the excess stretching to accommodate the fat.
A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and
the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The
belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.
Step 3 – Closing the Incisions
Sutures are the preferred method for closing the incisions in some cases
Usually bandages/dressings, compression garments or elastic supports are wrapped around the treated area for giving it requisite support and expediting the healing process. Thin tubes may be temporarily placed to facilitate drainage of excess blood or fluids that might otherwise accumulate under the skin.
The doctor would provide post care instruction which would mainly include:- The medications to be applied topically or to be taken orally
- The exercises and rest periods required
- The routine check-up schedule if required
- Specific instructions for the person specific if any
