What is a Tummy Tuck and how is it done?
One of the common effects of getting rid of excess fat on your tummy and around your waist is that you might be left with sagging skin. This can affect your confidence since the whole essence of losing weight is to have a flat tummy and a well-toned body. So, the question is: What do you do with the excess skin? Currently, the best option is to get rid of the skin through a cosmetic surgical procedure known as tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
With this procedure, the stubborn belly fat and excess skin are removed, and the abdominal connective tissue (fascia) is tightened with stitches. The rest of the skin is then tightened to give you a more toned appearance. Other reasons why you might have sagging skin and excess fat in your tummy include pregnancy, abdominal surgery, aging, and your body type.
While this cosmetic procedure has numerous benefits, it is not for everyone. Therefore, it is important to seek your doctor’s opinion before you go for a tummy tuck. Here are some of the reasons why your doctor might advise you against having a tummy tuck.
- Planning to lose weight
- Planning for future pregnancy
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease
- Body mass index higher than 30
- You smoke
- A significant scar left by previous abdominal procedures
How It Is Done
There are various types of tummy tuck procedures that you can choose depending on the change you want to see. In a typical tummy tuck procedure, the plastic surgeon makes a horizontal oval or an egg-shaped incision between your tummy button and pubic area. Then, they surgically remove the excess fat and skin in this area. The abdominal connective tissue lying over your stomach muscles is then tightened using permanent stitches to create a tight, well-toned tummy.
The surgeon then repositions the remaining skin around your tummy button and brings the navel out by making an incision and stitching it in its normal position. You might be given antibiotics during and after the procedure to prevent bacterial infection. The whole procedure takes about two to three hours. After the procedure, the incision will be covered with a surgical dressing and small tubes placed along the site to help drain any excess fluids and blood.
Finally, make sure you follow the instructions given by the doctor for your recovery. The results of a tummy tuck procedure are usually permanent if you maintain the right body weight.
