What is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Diagnosis and Procedure of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Diagnosis
The surgeon will go through your medical history, including any past surgeries, chronic conditions, medications, and general health.
An examination of your abdominal area will be done to check skin elasticity, fat distribution, and muscle tone. This helps our tummy tuck surgery doctor, Dr Anirban Ghosh, to understand the extent of the procedure.
Blood tests and other tests may also be recommended to check your health and ensure you are fit for surgery. In some cases, imaging studies (like abdominal ultrasound) might be used to review anatomical structures and guide the surgical plan.
While there is not a strict BMI requirement, having a stable weight within a healthy range is often recommended for the best results.
Surgeons often discuss your lifestyle, including smoking habits and exercise routines, as these can impact the recovery process.
Procedure
The steps involved in a tummy tuck surgery can differ depending on the individual’s requirements and the kind of procedure performed. Usually, the procedure involves the following steps.
Anesthesia: You will be given either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
Incision: Your surgeon will create an incision in your abdomen, usually below the bikini line. The location and extent of the incision will vary based on the amount of excess fat and skin to be removed.
Separation and Tightening: The abdominal muscles are separated and tightened to restore their natural position.
Fat Removal: Excess fat will be removed through liposuction or direct excision.
Skin Removal: The excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is pulled out and repositioned.
Belly Button: The belly button is repositioned and sutured into place.
Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures, staples, or skin adhesives. Drainage tubes may be inserted to eliminate excess fluid.
When is Tummy Tuck Surgery Recommended?
The best doctor from a tummy tuck surgery clinic in Kolkata recommends the procedure in the following situations.
Good health: If you are in overall good health but dealing with stubborn fat, you may consider tummy tuck surgery.
Stable weight: Before the tummy tuck surgery procedure, your surgeon may advise you to reach a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations could affect the results of the procedure.
Non-smoker: If you have a habit of smoking, you must quit before you undergo a tummy tuck surgery procedure.
How to Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Follow these steps to prepare well for your tummy tuck procedure.
Before Surgery
Physical Examination: Your doctor will perform a physical exam to determine your health and find the best approach for your procedure.
Blood Tests: You may require blood tests to check your health.
Medications: Inform your surgeon about all medications, vitamins and supplements you are presently taking. You may need to stop some medications before surgery.
Smoking and Alcohol: Avoid excess smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can interfere with recovery.
Weight Management: Maintain a stable weight before surgery for good results.
Skin Care: Avoid tanning or using harsh skin products in the area where the incision will be made.
Day of Surgery
Follow Instructions: Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully, including fasting guidelines.
Wear Loose Clothing: Choose comfortable, loose clothing to wear after your surgery.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck benefits include:
Improved body contour: Removes excess skin and fat that leads to a more toned and sculpted appearance.
Stronger core: Tummy tuck surgery tightens abdominal muscles, improving core strength and stability.
Reduced back pain: Can help reduce back pain caused by weak abdominal muscles.
Enhanced self-esteem: A more desirable body shape can boost one’s confidence and self-image.
Better fitting clothes: A flatter abdomen allows for a wider range of clothing options.
Benefits of tummy tuck for women
- Restoration of the pre-pregnancy body: Helps restore the abdominal area after childbirth.
- Removal of stretch marks: Reduces the visibility of stretch marks below the belly button.
Benefits of tummy tuck for men
- Defined abdominal muscles: Achieves a more sculpted and masculine physique.
- Elimination of love handles: Reduces excess fat in the body.
Recovery after Tummy Tuck Surgery
Immediate Post-Surgery
Pain Management: You will experience some degree of discomfort and swelling. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage this.
Drainage Tubes: These may be in place for a few days to drain excess fluid.
Compression Garment: Wearing a compression garment is advisable as it reduces swelling and provides support to the abdominal area.
Rest: Ample rest is essential for healing.
Later Recovery
Scar Management: Scars will fade over time. Scar care products may be recommended.
Return to Normal Activities: You can gradually resume your normal routine, but avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise for several weeks.
Final Results: It may take several months for the final results to become apparent.