Sometimes even with consistent diet and exercise, it becomes hard to get rid of stubborn fat especially around the belly area, and flaunting a well-toned flat stomach remains a dream for many people. This stubborn bulging fat makes it difficult to wear well-fitting clothes and affects one’s physical appearance and confidence as well. Tummy Tuck surgery or Abdominoplasty is the perfect solution for such problems as it gets rid of all the excess fat around your belly area with effective and permanent results!
What Is Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck or medically known as abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to get rid of excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the muscles in the abdominal wall. The Plastic Surgeon usually performs liposuction along with tummy tuck, to give the best-defined shape and contour to your lower body.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Abizer Kapadia, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, has provided guidelines as to who can receiveTummy Tuck :
- If you want to remove excess fat around the abdominal area that won’t go away by diet and exercise, then Tummy Tuck is the answer for you.
- If you want to get rid of loose skin around the belly or your skin has lost its elasticity in that area due to weight-loss or pregnancy, then also you can opt for Tummy Tuck.
- You are an ideal candidate for Tummy Tuck if you are not planning a pregnancy in the future as the final results of Tummy Tuck surgery may be reversed as pregnancies can cause the surgically tightened vertical muscles to separate.
What To Expect At The Consultation With Dr. Abizer Kapadia?
Dr. Abizer Kapadia gives the utmost importance to the consultation as it is the step where you understand the procedure, all the aspects of it, and analyze your comfort level with the doctor and his/her staff. During the consultation, Dr. Abizer Kapadia will guide you through the whole process with all the details and will discuss different procedures, the suitable procedure for you, preparation for the surgery, and its recovery process, helping you make an informed decision. Dr. Abizer will also discuss and understand your reasons for getting surgery and help you have realistic goals and expectations from the surgery.
During the consultation, you should prepare yourself to discuss your medical history, previous surgeries, drug allergies, medical conditions, and other such topics concerning your health. Dr. Abizer also urges his patients to ask questions and queries to resolve any doubts they may have regarding the surgery, procedure, risks involved, results as his utmost priority lies in the safety and satisfaction of his patients.
How To Prepare For Tummy Tuck?
- Dr. Abizer may ask you to undergo a few blood tests to avoid the occurrence of any risks or complications.
- Before the surgery, pictures of your nose will be taken to analyze the results and for comparison purposes.
How Tummy Tuck Surgery Is Performed?
There are different ways of performing a Tummy Tuck surgery:
- Mini Tummy Tuck : Mini Tummy Tuck is performed on patients with fat deposits located only in the lower abdomen, below the navel. The incision involved is much smaller. Only above the pubic area. In this procedure, the belly button is generally not moved unless the patient wants to change the location or the shape of it.
- Complete Tummy Tuck : In a complete Tummy Tuck method, the incision is made hip bone to hip bone, excess skin, fat, the tissue is excised and the skin, tissue, and muscle are contoured as needed. In some cases, if the patient has excess skin in the upper abdomen, a second incision is made around the navel to remove the excess skin. In a complete tummy tuck, the belly button of the patient may also be removed and reattached.
- Extended Tummy Tuck : When there is a good amount of skin excess on the flanks and beyond the anterior torso, the surgeon will need to extend the incisions laterally reaching the back area. This is done to ensure a complete body tone up, removing excess skin and fat from all areas of concern. The Final result is very pleasing in carefully selected patients giving an overall waist enhancement with smooth and toned body shape.
Procedure:
- After the consultation and understanding of the aesthetic goals of the patient, Dr. Abizer Kapadia will decide whether to perform a mini/partial abdominoplasty or a complete abdominoplasty, or an extended Abdominoplasty.
- The tummy tuck is usually performed under general anesthesia. The length of the incision depends on the amount and location of fat and skin in the abdomen.
- After the incision is made, the excess abdominal skin is pulled down and trimmed.
- Connective tissue, known as fascia that underlies the abdominal muscles is then tightened.
- The incision is then closed using sutures, surgical tape, or staples. The incision will leave a scar but it is well hidden in the natural crease of the underwear line.
What Are The Risks Associated With Tummy Tuck?
- Excessive bleeding
- Fluid accumulation
- Swelling or numbness in the site of the surgery
- Infection
- Prolonged pain
- Undesirable results
All these risks are very uncommon and will not occur in one patient. Dr. Abizer takes utmost care to avoid the occurrence of any risks and complications during the surgery.
How Is Recovery After Tummy Tuck?
- Tummy Tuck is a Day- Case procedure. In some cases, however, the patient may need to stay overnight in the hospital.
- In some patients, thin tubes, called drains, may be placed under the skin to help drain excess blood or fluid that may collect.
- One can resume normal daily activities from Day 3. Strenuous activities including exercise or lifting should be avoided for a minimum of 6 weeks.
- It is advisable to wear a compression garment post-surgery for 4-6 weeks to help control post-operative swelling and maintain the contours and results of the surgery.
After the surgery, you will be able to appreciate the results immediately. The swelling and bruising will continue to diminish in the coming few days. The abdomen will look flatter and firmer giving more proportionate contours. The Results improve significantly with the passage of time. Also, it is advisable to maintain a healthy stable weight post-surgery, else the results may be reversed if the patient gains weight later.