The Latest Info Regarding Tummy Tucks
Abdominoplasty, otherwise known as the tummy tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to rid you of the excess fat and skin around your midsection. As well it helps tighten the middle and lower abdominal muscles with the ultimate goal of giving you a firmer leaner waistline.
In the Chicagoland area the Women’s Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery offers abdominoplasty and other types of cosmetic and laser surgery. The Institute is a great example of a clinic available for women wanting effective, low risk procedures to change their body image. The Institute is an all female Illinois plastic surgery practice with medical offices throughout Chicagoland.
During an abdominoplasty, an incision is made across the abdomen, in the lower area of the stomach. The doctor makes a second incision to free the belly button from the belly button stalk. The skin is then pulled up along the rib cage, separating it from the abdominal wall and excess fat is removed. Next the surgeon tightens the underlying tissue and muscle by suturing it together, revealing a tighter, more toned waistline.
Sometimes at this point the surgeon performs liposuction to sculpt the abdomen, before cutting a new incision to replace the belly button. A partial, or mini-tummy tuck, is a less invasive procedure that focuses just on removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal area and takes about one to two hours to perform, while a complete tummy tuck can take between two and five hours.
Good candidates for this procedure include those who retain extra fat and skin around their midsections even if they follow to a diet and exercise program, particularly people who have lost a lot of weight, often after a pregnancy, and who have excess skin.
If you decide to consult a cosmetic surgeon about abdominoplasty, expect the doctor to begin by taking a detailed family and personal medical history that he will use to evaluate whether you are a suitable candidate for cosmetic surgery. The plastic surgeon will also explain the surgical process to you, including informing you of any anesthetic that will be used, and discuss risks associated with the surgery. Once you have been briefed on the surgical procedure the surgeon will talk to you about post-surgery recovery and what sort of results you can expect.
Should you choose to proceed with the plastic surgery, your doctor will give you detailed instructions prior to surgery, including not smoking for two weeks before and two weeks after the procedure to ensure that your abdominal area heals properly.
Swelling and pain are common and to be expected afterward. Your physician can give you medications to ease the pain, and you can expect to have your sutures taken out approximately a week after surgery. Scars will take a little longer to fade.