Tummy tuckor abdominoplasty is a procedure to remove skin and excess fat in the abdomen. Tummy tuck It is also done to tighten the abdominal muscles,so that the stomach looks slimmer.
Tummy tuck different from the liposuction procedure or liposuction. Apart from removing fat, tummy tuck It can also remove excess skin. While liposuction only removes fat deposits, without removing excess skin.
Indication Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck can be an option for someone who was once obese, but still has excess fat and sagging skin on the abdomen and in the surrounding area. This surgery can also be an alternative for women with sagging skin and abdominal muscles after several births.
Tummy tuck can also be done for people who are new to doing liposuction or liposuction. This is because the liposuction procedure only removes fat under the skin, but does not remove excess skin.
Please note, not everyone can live tummy tuck, especially people with the following conditions:
- Planning to get pregnant again
- Planning to lose weight drastically
- Have had stomach surgery which caused a lot of scar tissue
- Suffering from a chronic disease, such as heart disease or diabetes
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30
WarningTummy Tuck
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is not a procedure for weight loss. This procedure is only recommended in people with a healthy body mass index (BMI). For obese people, doctors will suggest other ways to lose weight safely and effectively.
BeforeTummy Tuck
Before undergoing tummy tuck, the patient should first consult with the doctor.
In the consultation session, the doctor will ask about the history of the disease, medications or supplements that are being consumed, and whether the patient has allergies to certain drugs. After that, the doctor will explain about the benefits and risks that may arise after undergoing tummy tuck.
The doctor will also advise the patient to do the following:
- Maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessively strict diets
- Stop smoking, because smoking can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of tissue damage
- Stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, which can increase the risk of bleeding
- Maintain body weight for at least 1 year before undergoing tummy tuck
- Ask family to drive home and accompany at least one night after surgery
- Taking anticoagulant drugs to prevent blood clots
On the day when you want to live tummy tuck, the doctor will first check the patient's body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen level, pulse, and breathing rate. Doctors can also perform a complete blood count and electrolyte level tests to make sure the patient is not suffering from an infection or other disease.
Procedure Tummy Tuck
Procedure tummy tuck starting with the administration of general anesthesia, so that the patient sleeps and does not feel pain during the operation. Doctors can also give you sedatives and pain relievers.
There are several types of operations tummy tuck What plastic surgeons can do are:
Tummy tuck partial or mini abdominoplasty
Tummy tuck Partial surgery is performed on patients who have little fat deposits or excess skin below the navel. The following are the steps carried out in the procedure: tummy tuck Partial:
- Making an incision along the lower abdomen
- Separates the layer of skin from the abdominal wall below the navel
- Get rid of excess fat and skin
- Reunites the remaining skin by stitching
Tummy tuck total or complete abdominoplasty
Tummy tuck Total is performed on patients who want to improve the overall shape of the abdomen. The following are the steps carried out in the procedure: tummy tuck total:
- Make an incision above the pubic hair area, following the contour of the hip bone
- Make a second incision to separate the navel from the surrounding tissue
- Separates the skin layer from the abdominal wall, then tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess fat and skin
- Make a navel hole in the new skin, then join the remaining skin by sewing
In addition to the two types of procedures tummy tuck Above, there is also a procedure called a circumferential abdominoplasty. Tummy tuck This type is done to get rid of excess fat and skin in the abdomen, waist, and back. Generally, the whole procedure tummy tuck lasts between 2-5 hours.
After Tummy Tuck
After operation tummy tuck When finished, the incision will be sutured and covered with a bandage. A small tube will also be placed in the area of the incision to collect if there is blood or fluid that comes out. While the tube is in place, the patient must take antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
To prevent the formation of blood clots in the surgical area, patients are advised to walk more frequently after surgery. If needed, the doctor can prescribe blood thinners.
Patients may feel pain in the abdomen after surgery. To overcome this, the doctor will prescribe pain relievers. The doctor will also ask the patient to wear a special corset to speed up recovery and reduce swelling.
In addition, the patient will also be asked not to do activities that put pressure on the abdomen, such as bending the body forward or backward suddenly.
Recovery process after surgery tummy tuck usually takes about 6 weeks. During the healing period, the patient should check his condition regularly to the doctor.
Complications Tummy Tuck
As with other operations, tummy tuck are also at risk for complications. Some of the complications that can occur as a result of tummy tuck is:
- Formation of scar tissue or permanent scars
- Fluid buildup under the skin (seroma)
- Changes in sensation on the skin of the stomach
- The healing process is quite long
- Damage or death of tissue in the skin of the abdomen
Although rare, tummy tuck It can also cause infection, blood clots, and bleeding under the skin folds.
