Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to remove excess skin and fatty tissues from the abdomen and to tighten abdominal muscles. A tummy may be hanging or sagging due to weight gain or loss or child birth. The overall effect of the procedure is a tighter, smoother and flatter tummy.
The tummy tuck procedure is performed under local anesthesia and i.v. sedation. A horizontal incision is made across the lower abdomen and the skin is lifted upward towards the rib cage, saving the belly button by freeing it from the skin. The abdominal muscles are then tightened. The excess skin, which has been pulled down by the surgeon, is removed. The incision is then closed using very fine sutures. The surgeon then reattaches the saved belly button at the appropriate location. Firm elastic dressings are applied. In specific cases a tummy tuck procedure is combined with a tummy liposuction for better results.
The patient should recover from a tummy tuck surgery in one to two weeks to resume normal daily activities. However the patient is advised against lifting and workout for about 6 to 8 weeks. The patient should completely recover within 8 weeks of the surgery. Actual recovery time may vary from patient to patient.
