Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Posted: Wednesday 1 December 2010 09:52am
QUESTION:
My stomach is very flabby and stretched-looking after having three children and wonder if I would be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. But I’ve also heard it can be a dangerous operation and very painful. What would you advise?
ANSWER:
“Tummy tuck” is the more common name for abdominoplasty, the procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten and improve its appearance.
The best candidates are women (or men) who are concerned by loose abdominal skin and fat deposits that have not improved after diet or exercise. This procedure is particularly helpful for women who have stretched and excess abdominal skin after childbirth.
If you are planning to lose a large amount of weight or become pregnant the procedure is best performed after this.
The best candidates for any cosmetic surgery are those who want to enhance or improve their appearance, not those who seek perfection. You will be satisfied with the results of surgery if you have realistic expectations. It is important that you make the decision to proceed with surgery for yourself, not anyone else.
Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed each year and results are very gratifying with patients being very happy with results.
The surgery involves an incision being made across the lower abdomen, extending out to the hips. Skin and fat are elevated up to the rib cage. Excess skin and fat are removed and upper abdominal skin is stretched down to the lower abdomen. A new opening is made for the navel which is resited in its normal position.
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic and takes around three hours. A device called a “pain buster” is used to minimise discomfort along the abdominal wound line during the hospital stay. Usually two nights/days are required in hospital.
For six weeks after surgery a compression garment is worn to provide support to the abdomen. Stitches are all absorbable except those around the belly button which are removed a week after surgery in my rooms.
Usually 2-3 weeks are required off work although some people require a longer recovery. Gentle exercises can be commenced after 3-4 weeks, however, vigorous exercise should be avoided for 6-8 weeks. It may take 2-3 months before returning to completely normal activity.
As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of complications, most commonly related to infection or reaction to anesthesia. However when proper precautions are taken by the surgical team, complications and risks are very low. Patients can also reduce complications by closely following instructions before and after surgery.
Whatever questions you have about abdominoplasty should be answered by a reputable surgeon. Well-meaning friends are not a good source of information. A well informed patient is a happy one.
Comments (0) Print Send to friend Share or bookmark this page