What is an abdominoplasty?
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is the common term with which the surgical procedure to correct a flaccid and protruding abdomen is named. The areas to be treated include the center of the abdomen, and may extend to the whole area between the lower rib cage and the pubic bone or even the sides and the back part. This procedure may include different surgical techniques depending on the result wanted. When the reason for the intervention is localized fat, theliposuction would be the appropriate solution to shape the abdomen.
When we add a large weight loss, these would create an excess of tissue and skin, the tummy tuck removes skin and fat with an incision. The weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis) may also be corrected with anabdominoplasty or tummy tuck.
The results achieved with this surgery do not replace those of a regular workout or of loosing weight with a balanced diet. Even though the results of this procedure are permanent, these may diminish greatly if your weight fluctuates or if your lifestyle changes suddenly.
Am I a good candidate?
The tummy tuck is an adequate procedure for people of any age which are healthy, close to their ideal weight and size and possess a good muscular tonicity. They must not have any diseases that compromise their health nor smoke and have clear and realistic goals to improve their physical appearance.
Short Description:
Surgical procedure performed to flatten the abdomen by removing excess of fat and skin. It could also tight abdominal muscles.
Are there other options?
The liposuction could be an alternative, as long as Dra. Robles deems it preferable, according to the patient’s characteristics. In any case, the results will be different to those achieve with anabdominoplasty ir tummy tuck, since the liposuction does not remove excess skin, which would give it a flaccid appearance.
What does the surgery consist of?
During the first consult, any doubts will be answered by the surgeon. Dra. Robles will inform you of all the specifics of the treatment, always taking into account realistic goals and expectations.
Once the patient is ready to go into de operating room, the surgeon will mark the areas that will be treated and then he will take some photos of them to compare the status previous to the surgery with the one after it. After this is done, the patient will be sedated and locally anesthetized. The surgeon will proceed with the incisions. A full abdominoplasty needs horizontal incisions in the area between the pubic hair growth line and the belly button. Both the shape and the size of the incision will depend on how much the body needs to be corrected. Through this incision, the weakened abdominal muscles are repaired, while the fat and skin excess are removed. In case it is necessary to remove any excess skin of the higher abdomen, a second necessary will be needed. When the correction needed is in the area below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck or mini abdominoplasty, which has a very tiny incision, is usually recommended. It could also be done with a liposuction. When excess fat is the only issue, then a simple liposuction may have better results.
How is the recovery from the tummy tuck surgery?
In order to make the recovery as fast and satisfactory as possible, you will need to use bandages and compressing bands as indicated by the doctor. While a certain discomfort in the incision areas and swelling are common, they can be easily controlled with prescribed medication. You will be encouraged to go back to doing moderate activities as soon as it is possible, to avoid complications related to the procedure.
You should avoid doing heavy efforts in order to prevent any stitches to be affected until they heal and it is recommended that you remain semi sited when you sleep, or with some pillows under your legs to rise your knees.
In order to carry out an inconvenient-free post-operatory and achieve the results you desired; it is mandatory that you follow all the doctor’s instructions.
Initial wounds will last between 5 and 10 days. After that, some of the stitches will be removed if necessary. Approximately two weeks after the surgery, you’ll feel and see that your abdomen is harder and thinner. The healing will continue for several weeks while the swelling disappears and the incisions start to fade. Once the procedure is done, you will have to use sun screen on the area and go to all the medical checkups the doctor prescribes.
Which are the risks?
The possible risks are blood clotting, hematomas, fluid accumulation, infections or anomalous healing. There are some risks related with anesthesia.
How long will the results last
The results of the tummy tuck are visible almost immediately, though you will see the final results several months after the treatment. The numbness and the hardness feeling of the skin will wear off in the following months. Approximately one year after the surgery is done; the incisions will become much less visible. Even though these are permanent, they are easy to hide.
Your new looks, with a firm and flat abdomen will be almost permanent, as long as you maintain your weight and keep up with the workout plan. Although with time you will feel that some of that firmness will be lost overtime, it will be minimal compared to the condition corrected with the surgery.
What do I need to get the surgery done?
After all the details have been confirmed with Dr. Robles, you will be given some documents related to the procedure. There, you will find the informed consent for the surgery, which is a written statement that you’ve been fully informed of the surgery you are about to be practiced, as well as the risks involved. You will also be given a sworn statement of your medical history. Both must be read and filled when they are given to you, however you’ll sign them the day of the surgery on Clínica Robles.
In order to assure your safety and to be certain that the surgery will go without any complications, Dra. Robles will perform some routine pre-surgical tests, including blood tests, ECG, surgical risk tests, and whenever necessary an ultrasound scan.
It is of the utmost importance that you have all of the medication and other elements that Dra. Robles had asked you in previous consults. A fast recovery will depend on that. Medication varies according to the type of treatment or your medical history. This is why that information must be the trustworthy.
