Many people have had a tummy tuck procedure (Abdominoplasty) because of saggy belly skin after pregnancy or obesity.
So what do you know about a tummy tuck procedure?
What is the tummy tuck procedure?
It is a cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of the abdomen, during which the doctor removes excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal muscles.
A tummy tuck procedure is suitable for both obese and healthy men and women.
There are two different types of tummy tucks:
Full Tummy Tuck (Complete Abdominoplasty)
The surgeon removes excess skin and tightens underlying muscles in both the upper and lower abdominal areas.
Mini Tummy Tuck (Partial Abdominoplasty)
The doctor resorts to it in cases of minor abdominal sagging.
He makes a small incision around the navel to remove excess skin and fat and tighten the lower abdominal muscles.
Medical reasons for a tummy tuck
Some of the causes of increased abdominal fat, lack of skin elasticity, or weak connective tissue in the abdomen are as follows:
- Pregnancy.
- Bodyweight changes.
- Cesarean delivery.
- Aging.
Tummy tuck benefits
This process is not limited to improving the appearance of the abdomen only but has many other benefits, such as:
- Weak or separated muscles repair.
- Itching and skin infection reduction. (caused by excess skin).
- Bladder function improvement.
- Pain relief.
- Abdominal hernia repair and reduction.
- Urinary incontinence reduction.
How to prepare for a tummy tuck?
Pre-surgery instructions include:
- Quit Smoking; since it reduces blood flow to the skin.
- Maintain body weight.
- Avoid taking certain medications such as aspirin and various blood thinners; To avoid increased bleeding after surgery.
- Take medications, such as anticoagulants prescribed by the doctor to; prevent complications.
Abdominoplasty procedure steps
The surgery takes one to five hours, and the patient may need to stay in the hospital overnight, depending on his condition.
First, the patient is anesthetized.
The doctor opens a curved horizontal cut close to the pubic hairline, then lifts the skin and fatty tissue from the underlying tissue.
After that, the doctor tightens and stitches the sagging abdominal muscles, removes the excess fat and skin, puts the navel back in place, and closes the incisions with stitches.
Furthermore, the lower abdomen can be tightened in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as breast surgery.
Post tummy tuck procedure
After the operation, the incision and the navel areas are covered with surgical dressings.
Drains may be placed along the incision site to withdraw excess blood or fluid.
The drainage tubes are left for several days after surgery, and the doctor is keen to explain how to empty the drainage tubes and take care of them for the patient or companion.
Moreover, the patient continues to take antibiotics until the drains are removed and takes anticoagulants for a short time after the operation.
The patient may feel pain in the area of the surgery, which can be relieved by painkillers.
Walking early on the first day helps prevent blood clots from forming.
Therefore, the nurse should help the patient walk during his stay in the hospital.
Tummy tuck home remedies
There are some health instructions to be followed after the operation, such as:
- Rest as much as possible during the first six weeks after the procedure.
- Avoid certain positions that may expose the incision to stretching or opening.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid foods that cause bloating and gas.
- Follow wound care instructions.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or weight lifting for at least a month.
- Call your doctor immediately if bleeding, severe pain, or unusual symptoms occur.
- Wear a compression bandage over the surgical site for six weeks, as it reduces the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal area and supports the muscles during the recovery period.
- Wear compression stockings on the legs for seven to ten days after the operation to prevent clots.
Who should not get a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck procedure is not suitable for everyone.
Doctors warn against tummy tucks if the patient has;
- Future pregnancy plans.
- Chronic illnesses, for example, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- A body mass index greater than 30.
- Significant abdomen scarring due to previous surgeries.
- Heavy smoker habits.
- Future weight loss plans.
Tummy tuck cons
Tummy tuck cons include various risks and complications, for example:
- Fluid accumulation under the skin.
- Infection requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Poor wound healing after operation.
- Discomfort and difficulty bending forward.
- Hematoma at the surgery site.
- The appearance of scars.
- Tissue damage.
- Blood clots.
- Changes in body skin color.
- Anesthesia-induced vomiting or nausea.
- Frequent skin loosening.
- Change in skin sensation due to cutting some nerves.
- In some cases, death may occur.
How does a tummy tuck affect pregnancy?
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that does not affect a woman’s ability to conceive.
However, pregnancy after a tummy tuck may have a negative impact on the procedure’s outcome.
Because pregnancy causes weight gain and abdominal skin stretching, it is recommended that women who plan to undergo a tummy tuck procedure wait until they have finished having children in order for the abdominal area to remain firm and taut after the surgery.
Tummy tuck alternatives
If you are afraid of undergoing surgery, but dream of getting rid of excess fat, here are some options:
- Follow a healthy, low-fat diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Wear clothes that help flatten the abdomen.
Tummy tuck surgery cost in Egypt
The price of the operation in Egypt varies according to the following:
- Degree of sagging the patient suffers.
- The reputation and competence of the doctor or medical center.
- Health care provided by the nursing staff.
The price of a tummy tuck procedure in Egypt ranges from 35 to 50 thousand Egyptian pounds, and this cost is much lower than in other Arab countries.
Finally, a tummy tuck procedure is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries and has become less complication-prone and safer in recent years.
All the patient has to do is choose an experienced surgeon and the right place to ensure the quality of the operation.
After surgery, the patients need regular follow-up to avoid dangerous complications.