Fashion Behind the Scenes

Archive for September, 2009

In medical terms “tummy tuck” is called as abdominoplasty. It is a surgical procedure where the excess fat is removed from the abdomen and abdomen muscles are tightened. This procedure would help a person to look thin and improve the appearance, but it could leave a permanent mark on the treated body part.

Who should opt for abdominoplasty?

Men and women who have excess fat deposits and loose skin in their abdomen and who find it difficult to lose the excess fat through pills, exercise and dieting opt for abdominoplasty. Women who have had multiple pregnancies and stretched abdominal muscles and skin and are unable to return to their original shape can also choose abdominoplasty.

Women planning to become pregnant should not go for abdominoplasty, as the muscles in the abdomen would expand during pregnancy. People who have had any type of abdominal surgery should not opt for abdominoplasty. People who don’t mind having a permanent scar in their tummy and long recovery time can opt for abdominoplasty.Abdominoplasty enhances a person’s appearance and boosts self-confidence. Before going for a surgery discuss and clarify all the doubts in your mind and your expectations from the surgery. An abdominoplasty surgeon would be able to clear all your doubts.

Abdominoplasty risks

Whenever you opt for any kind of surgery, there is always a chance of risk. There are thousands of people who opt for abdominoplasty every year and are successfully treated. However, there is a chance of risk linked with this surgery and complications could arise during and after this surgery. Post surgery complications like blood clots are very rare, but infections could arise but they can be treated with antibiotics. Blood clots can be stopped after the surgery if you move around as soon as the surgery is completed. Smokers should stop smoking before and after the surgery, as this would delay the healing process. You need to consult your surgeon regarding foods to eat, when to start physical activity, when to commence exercises etc.

Points to keep in mind while planning your surgery

First you need to consult a surgeon who will assess you health and take into account the amount of fat in the abdominal area and the skin type. You need to give the right information to the surgeon and you should not hide any health related information. If you smoke, drink liquor products or take any pills then you should be frank and tell the truth. Hiding a health problem could worsen the health situation later, so make it a point to discuss everything beforehand.

If you are frank, the surgeon would also be equally frank with you and discuss the procedure, limitations, alternative treatments etc. Suppose you have huge fat deposits in your lower navel area then the surgeon would advise for a partial abdominoplasty and not a complete one. The surgeon may even suggest other forms of fat reduction processes like liposuction, depending upon the fat content, body structure and other reasons. The surgeon would recommend the best solution and it is best to follow the surgeon’s advice.

Whatever procedure you opt for, make it a point to discuss the treatment procedure, medications, anesthesia, cost of the treatment etc with the surgeon.

How to prepare for the surgery

The surgeon would provide instructions on preparing for the surgery. He would advise you regarding diet, drinks, medications etc., which needs to be properly followed. If you smoke then you have to stop smoking beforehand for 2-3 weeks before the surgery. You need to avoid overexposure to sun before surgery and if your have any problems or pain in any part of the body before the surgery then your surgery would be postponed.

Once the surgery is completed, you need to take proper rest for a day or two or as suggested by the surgeon.

On the day of the surgery

The duration of abdominoplasty surgery is 2-5 hours and partial abdominoplasty would normally take 1-2 hours. The surgeon makes an incision above the pubic area from end to end. The navel is freed from the adjoining tissues. The skin up to your ribs is flapped open and the muscles of the abdomen are tautened. The surgeon gets the muscles close and stitches them, which makes the muscles taut. Since the muscles are moved together the abdomen constricts and the waistline is reduced. If you have extra skin, it is removed and the flap is stitched. Dressings to the stitching are applied, and the surgery is complete.

In partial abdominoplasty the incision is shorter and the excess fat is removed before the flap is stitched back.

Post surgery

After the surgery is completed the abdomen part would be swollen and of course pain and uneasiness would prevail for some days, but medications would help you in this phase. Usually after the surgery is completed you need to rest in the hospital for a day or two, but in some cases you can move home, but you should not drive or do any other activity except rest for a day or two. Somebody should take care of you for a day or two.The surgeon would provide instructions on taking bath, dressings, walking, diet etc. The exterior stitches are usually removed in 5-7 days.

Recovery period

After the surgery it would take some weeks or even a month to get back to normal. If you have strong abdominal muscles the recovery could be quick. Some people take 2 weeks rest and start their daily routine, while some take 3-4 weeks. In this period people should do exercises prescribed by the surgeon, as it would reduce the swelling and not cause blood clots. Do not strain too much by doing vigorous exercise during this period. The scars would take about 9-12 months to flatten. The scar will not disappear completely but the scar color will lighten over a period of time.