Are you tired of the stubborn fat in your midsection? If so, you should consider going for a tummy tuck consultation. Abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and sagging skin from your tummy and waist to restore weakened muscles for a smoother, stronger abdominal profile.
Once the fat and skin have been removed, the connective muscle tissue, commonly referred to as fascia, is tightened with sutures and the remaining skin repositioned to give your midsection a more toned feel and appearance. Before you go for a tummy tuck, make sure you have all the necessary information about it. This article discusses the entire tummy tuck procedure from start to finish.
Anesthesia
Because a tummy tuck procedure is quite invasive, your doctor will administer general anesthesia to help you relax. Therefore, you are going to be asleep for this procedure. There are two main types of anesthesia used for this procedure: intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the right option for you.
Incision
If you have a full tummy tuck, the surgeon will make a horizontal-oriented incision between your pubic hairline and navel. The incision’s size and shape depend on the amount of excess fat and skin to be removed. After lifting your abdominal skin, the surgeon will repair and tighten the underlying weakened muscle tissue.
Sometimes, a second incision may be done slightly above your bellybutton to enable the surgeon to get rid of excess skin in your upper abdomen. Once the excess skin has been removed, the remaining skin will be pulled down and stitched together. Then, the surgeon will create an opening for your navel. The belly button is popped through the opening and stitched into position.
Closing the Incisions
Once all the excess fat and skin have been removed, the doctor will close the incisions. They can use stitches, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips to close the underlying layers of tissue and the overlying skin. They might also insert drains along the incisions and dress the surgical site with a bandage or tape.
Undressing the Wounds
After one or two months of recovery, your doctor will undress the wounds and allow you to see the results. You should expect to have a flatter and firmer tummy that is proportionate with the rest of your body. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions throughout the recovery period so that you can have the best results.
