Lipoabdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck

1.What factors contribute to a paunch?

A paunch, a pendulous skin fold or a protuberant belly are variations of a similar problem i.e. excess fat on the front of the tummy. The skin buckles like a hammock and forms a pendulous fold. Many times, a protuberant belly is due to excess intra-abdominal fat, or divarication of rectii (ventral hernia).

2.What is actually done in a Lipoabdominoplasty?

The first marking is done in the standing position. The amount of excess skin that can be removed is marked at this time. Depending on the amount of skin that has to be removed, the procedure could be either a limited, modified limited, or full tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty).

Abdominoplasty procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. Excess fat and skin is lifted off the abdominal muscles by using a low traverse incision, similar to a caesarian incision.

3.Who are the ideal candidates for Lipoabdominoplasty?

Adults with problems pertaining to abdominal contours, of any age, who are in good health, are moderately fit, and have good muscle tone overall, can undergo a tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty). They should not have any life-threatening illness or medical conditions. Women who have undergone caesarian section have the opportunity to have the existing scar revised. Patients whose weight has been stabilized after weight loss program, or who feel that they are at their ideal weight are also good candidates for a tummy tuck or lipoabdominoplasty.

Patients who smoke, however, can have an increased risk of complications. Previous abdominal surgery may also limit the potential results of the surgery.

4.What can I expect after the Lipoabdominoplasty surgery?

There might be bruising and swelling after surgery. This should subside in three to six weeks. You may have drains. These will be removed once the drainage stops. This usually takes two to five days. You should be able to go home from the hospital once the drainage stops. Your abdominal skin will be tight after surgery. You may have to walk stooped for a few days till the existing skin stretches. Wounds normally heal in seven days to two weeks.

You should expect a flatter, more shapely abdomen once all swelling and bruising have subsided. You can expect improvements in areas where liposuction has been done along with abdominoplasty.

A lipoabdominoplasty will improve your figure and posture. This will improve your clothing size. It would lead to a boost in your confidence. Ultimately, your self-esteem will improve.

5.How long will I be in the hospital after Lipoabdominoplasty?

You are usually hospitalized for two to five days, depending on how soon the drainage of fluids stops.

6.Abdominoplasty procedure?

Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure which corrects the protruding, loose, sagging or pendulous skin of the abdomen. The treatment area may include the lower abdomen or the center of the abdomen. It may also extend to the rib cage and sides.

Abdominal contouring can be done by liposuction alone if only localized fat is present. However, when there is excess fat along with loose, sagging skin, a tummy tuck helps to remove both the unwanted fat and the skin by excision.

The umbilicus is not disturbed in a limited abdominoplasty. Only the loose skin and fat under the umbilicus is removed. A full abdominoplasty is done when excess skin and fat above the umbilicus has to be removed. The umbilicus is re-sited post surgery. Once the skin and fat of the abdomen are lifted up, the muscles of the abdomen are tightened to improve the contour.

Liposuction may be used along with abdominoplasty to improve the contour. This is called lipoabdominoplasty. Excess skin and fat are removed and the skin is closed. A small thin tube may be used temporarily to drain any accumulated fluid.

7.Does the abdominoplasty procedure hurt?

The surgery is often done under epidural anesthesia or general anesthesia, so it is a painless procedure. After the surgery, the tummy area is mostly numb, but you may feel some discomfort from tightening of the muscles. Usually, oral painkillers are adequate to get rid of that pain. Most of the discomfort settles in a week or two.

8.Are there any risks and complications involved in the Tummy Tuck surgery?

● Possible risks include bleeding and collection of blood under the skin (hematoma), fluid accumulation, infection, or poor healing at the incision site. These risks are common to many operations and can be dealt with easily.

● Blood clots in deep veins of the leg are a problem associated with lying still for too long.

● Any surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. These risks are fully discussed with you prior to your consent for surgery.

● The low traverse abdominal scar usually heals very nicely. Occasionally, though, it may undergo hypertrophy. In a person with keloidal tendency it may become a keloid. Our surgeon at Advanced Aesthetics will advise you about ways to avoid and treat these, if they happen.