What Is Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty or abdominal wall surgery is a surgery that has taken off and become more and more popular in recent years. Although most people consider it a procedure that contributes to weight loss, it is not.

This procedure is also known as abdominal plastic surgery. This involves removing excess skin from this part of the body, which is necessary for people who have undergone sudden weight changes.

In addition to removing excess flabby skin, tummy tuck can serve to remove some of the abdominal fat. It is even useful for correcting abdominal muscles, which can also be weaker than normal.

It is one of the most requested surgeries nowadays. It helps not only aesthetically, but also improves self-esteem.

Therefore, in this article, I will explain what abdominoplasty is and why it is performed.

What is abdominoplasty or abdominal wall surgery?

When we experience sudden changes in weight – both increases and losses – the skin undergoes changes due to excessive stretching. This causes it to lose its elasticity and no longer regain its natural shape, becoming flaccid and sagging.

Abdominal wall surgery involves removing excess skin to get a flatter and firmer abdomen. In addition, it also corrects excess abdominal fat and muscle defects.

There are different types of abdominal surgery, including the traditional type and mini-tummy tuck. Traditional abdominoplasty requires general anesthesia and a few days of hospitalization. It lasts between 2 and 6 hours and involves a fairly large incision.

Doctors perform mini-abdominoplasties when only the area under the navel needs treatment. It is a simpler and shorter procedure. The incision is smaller, as is the recovery time. Recovery is also easier than with traditional abdominal wall surgery.

Which patients can undergo abdominoplasty?

Although tummy tuck is believed to be a surgery that helps with weight loss, it is not its main goal. In fact, it is also performed on people who are thin but have excess skin in the area. The procedure is also used when there is excess fat that does not go away with diet or exercise.

The first candidates for this surgery are women who have had multiple pregnancies. After several pregnancies, the skin and muscles of the abdomen fail to regain their original shape.

Ideally, if abdominoplasty is performed for this reason, the woman should not become pregnant again. If the skin and muscles that have stretched are corrected, when a new pregnancy occurs, they can stretch far too much, making the operation meaningless.

Another group that may benefit from tummy tuck are obese people who have lost a lot of weight. In these cases, it is normal for the skin to hang and may even weigh several kilograms.

What to consider?

This procedure is very useful. After all, in addition to remedying an aesthetic problem, it can help improve self-esteem. It will also improve the comfort of the individual, given that major excess skin can be a real burden.

However, we cannot forget that it is a surgical procedure. Therefore, it is not without risks. First of all, it is important to understand that the remaining scar will certainly be very visible. It is a large incision that can change the position of the navel.

In addition, as with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection or poor healing. There are also risks with the use of anesthesia. Moreover, there is the possibility to change the sensitivity of the area.

Finally, it is essential to know that before undergoing abdominoplasty, it is advisable to have a stable weight for at least 6 months. You need to be properly informed and the doctor is the one who should help you make the decision.