A tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the looks and shape of the abdomen, making it flatter and tighter.
This procedure removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen. Sutures are also used to tighten the connective tissue and abdominal muscles. The extra skin is removed to provide a more toned appearance.
If you have extra skin or fat around your belly button, a weak lower abdominal wall, or both, you can benefit from an abdominoplasty. A tummy tuck might also enhance your sense of being fit.
Continue reading for more details about the procedure.
Why People Choose a Tummy Tuck
You can have extra body fat, skin that isn’t very elastic, or weak connective tissue and stretched muscles in your abdomen. An abdominoplasty can tighten the weak fascia and remove loose, extra skin and fat (through liposuction).
Stretch marks in the lower abdomen beneath the belly button may also be removed during this procedure. However, a tummy tuck won’t remove stretch marks that are not in this region.
If you’ve undergone a C-section, your plastic surgeon may be able to merge that scar with the one from the tummy tuck.
Risks of the Procedure
Risks associated with tummy tucks include the following:
Fluid buildup underneath the skin.
After surgery, drain tubes can aid in lowering the chance of fluid buildup. Your plastic surgeon may also drain fluid using a syringe.
Poorly healing wounds.
On occasion, the incision lines surrounding tissues heal slowly, and taking antibiotics as prescribed by your plastic surgeon will greatly reduce any risk of infection.
Unwanted scars.
Tummy tuck incision scars are permanent, but they fade almost completely over time and they are usually disguised under the bikini line. Individual differences exist in the scar’s length and degree of visibility.
Changes in skin sensation
The repositioning of your abdominal tissues after a tummy tuck may have an impact on the skin sensation in the abdomen. You’ll probably experience numbness or diminished sensation for a while. Typically, this gets better in the months following the treatment.
Procedure Aftermath
Your belly button and the abdominal incision will probably be covered with surgical dressing following a tummy tuck. Small tubes may be positioned close to the incision site to drain any extra blood or fluid.
After surgery, drains could remain in place for a few days. Your plastic surgeon or another medical team member will show you how to clean and maintain your drains. You might have to continue taking an antibiotic as long as the drains remain in place.
Sometimes, you’ll receive painkillers to deal with discomfort after surgery. Swelling in the surgery area is typical.
Following your tummy tuck, you will need to wear an abdominal binder or compression belt for a few weeks. This prevents fluid accumulation and offers abdominal support as you recover. How to take care of your scar will be explained by your plastic surgeon or their medical staff.
After a tummy tuck, you must use caution when moving around or resuming strenuous exercise for the first few weeks. To protect the wound from reopening, you’ll also need to avoid positions that put a strain on the incision line, like quickly bending at the waist.
Conclusion
A tummy tuck can enhance your stomach’s shape greatly by removing extra skin and fat and strengthening your abdominal wall. If you keep your weight stable, the effects of a tummy tuck are typically long-lasting.
Peninsula Plastic Surgery can give you a high-quality tummy tuck in Torrance. We provide mommy makeovers, breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reconstruction, facelifts, eyelid lifts, abdominoplasty, liposuction, and rhinoplasty. Contact us now to learn more.