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Abdominoplasty
Generally referred to as a "tummy tuck", abdominoplasty flattens the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. This procedure is great for those in generally good physical shape but are concerned about fat deposits and/or loose skin th at does not respond to diet and exercise. This can be especially so for women whose skin and muscle has been stretched by pregnancy, making it extremely difficult, in some cases, to return to the same shape that they were before giving birth.
 
Surgical procedure
It depends on the amount of fat, shape of the abdomen, looseness of the skin, and strength of the muscles underneath the skin. If, for example, your fat deposits are only in the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, or “mini-abdominoplasty”. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done at the same time as liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better bodyshape.
 
Mini- abdominoplasty:
During the operation, a large cut is made which runs across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall between the incision above the pubic hair right up to the navel. Fat deposits are removed and the skin is stretched down to the incision line, with the excess skin removed before it is restitched. If the navel is not repositioned, it can be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.
 

Full Abdominoplasty:
During the operation, a large cut is made which runs across the lower abdomen, usually from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is then made to free the navel (tummy button) from surrounding tissue. Next the skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribcage to reveal the abdominal muscles.
The muscles are then pulled and tightened and stitched into position to provide a firmer abdominal wall which provides the foundation for a slimmer waistline. Fat deposits may also be removed.

The skin is then stretched down, with the excess skin again being removed. A new hole is then usually cut for your navel. Next, the navel is stitched back into place and the original incision is closed as the tightened skin is stitched back into place.

After an abdominoplasty, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the area of surgery. Firm elastic bandages are then applied to support the area.

 

Anesthesia
Abdominoplasty is usually performed under a general anesthesia.

 

Duration of operation
Tummy tuck usually takes about two to four hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.

 

Hospital admission
Two night hospital admission are required for full abdominoplasty.

 
Possible risks and complications
For the first few days following surgery, the abdomen will feel swollen and tight with some pain and discomfort. At first you may not be able to stand up straight without feeling a tugging sensation. Like all surgical procedures, there is always a possibility of complications and, although rare, these can include infection, a reaction to the anaesthesia, blood or fluid collection underneath the skin, nerve damage, blood clots, and an irregular or a “lop-sided” appearance after the operation.
The surgery does produce a permanent scar which, depending on the extent of the procedure, may extend from hip to hip. Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in colour. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing.
 

After care
For the first few day, you should start walking as soon as possible with slightly bending position to lessen the wound’s tension. An abdominal support garment should be worn for several weeks after removing the stitches. Light exercise is usually recommended as it helps with the healing process, but you must not undertake strenuous exercise routines.

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