Designed to produce a tighter and more toned looking tummy area
A protruding abdomen or belly overhang is the result of pregnancy, weight fluctuation, weak abdominal muscles or genetic predisposition and causes distress to thousands of people. This condition does not respond well to diet or exercise primarily because the skin and underlying muscles have been stretched.
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to flatten a protruding abdomen through the tightening of abdominal wall muscles and removal of excess fatty tissue and skin.
The objective of the surgery is to improve the contour of the body by flattening and narrowing the abdomen. It is not a substitute for weight loss.
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved
Although there are several procedures from which to choose, the one most frequently used by surgeons involves a “u” shaped incision made below one hip bone and across the pubic area to under the other hip bone. It is placed low enough to be undetectable in bikini attire. A second incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding tissue. Next Dr. Bezic will separate the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your breast bone to expose the loose tissue or stretched out muscles in your abdomen. The skin is then lowered over the abdomen and excess skin and fat is removed. Often lax abdominal muscles are tightened by pulling them closer together and stitching them into a new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. Before the incisions are closed with small sutures, the navel is constructed and usually drains are inserted to eliminate fluid build-up. Finally firm, elastic bandages are then applied to the area.
During a consultation with Dr. Bezic for a tummy tuck, your complete medical history will be evaluated and the details of the procedure discussed. You will be able to look at before and after photographs of our previous abdominoplasty patients.
Pre-operative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs, which contain aspirin in order to minimise the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to surgery to prevent infection and patients may also be advised to bathe with an antiseptic soap for several days prior to surgery.
Abdominoplasty is usually performed in a hospital setting under general anaesthesia with the patient asleep. Pre-medication may be administered to relax the patient. Occasionally this procedure is done as outpatient surgery.
A full abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours depending on the extent of the work required. A partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.
Patients are often up and about the day of surgery though usually remain in the hospital for one to three days. If drains are used, they may be removed prior to discharge from the hospital or may remain in place for three to seven days until fluid levels decrease.
Sutures are removed approximately one week after surgery and bandages are applied. These bandages are later replaced with an abdominal support garment, which is worn for several weeks.
Patients may experience some mild discomfort for the first few days after the tummy tuck surgery, though this is controlled and alleviated with prescription pain medication.
Bruising and swelling, which occurs around the treated area, will disappear within a few weeks. Scars from the procedure will remain however will fade significantly over time.
The amount and speed of improvement is individual and depends upon the extent of the surgery, the patient’s skin tone, body, build and the healing process.
During the time you are wearing the abdominal support garment it is important to refrain from heavy lifting, straining or over-activity. Dr. Bezic will decide when normal activities may be resumed and this is based upon the extent of the surgery and the patient’s progress.