Tummy Tuck Surgery in Delhi | Dr. Lokesh Handa

What is Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The tummy tuck surgery – also known as the ‘abdominoplasty’ – is a procedure meant to remove fat deposits and loose skin around the belly. The surgery helps remove extra fat – thus flattening and also tightening the abdominal wall muscles.

Women find the procedure extremely useful post multiple pregnancies as it helps to tighten the abdominal muscles whilst also reducing skin flabs. A much sought-after procedure – tummy tuck has been popular both amongst men and women fighting obesity and also post massive body weight loss.

Why is it done?

It is mostly done as a cosmetic surgery to help people achieve their dream taut abdomen. It helps reduced extra skin and fat, tighten abdominal muscles, give a fine shape to one’s belly along with a flat abdomen to flaunt.

Type of Techniques Used

The options available for a tummy tuck includes the following as the most common methods employed:

Partial or Mini-Abdominoplasty

Complete Abdominoplasty

Preparation

Choose your surgeon wisely after much deliberation and second consultation. One also ought to discuss at length about the scar placement and its possible length so as to avoid any future disappointment or anxiety at the aesthetics of it.

Procedure

Partial or Mini-Abdominoplasty

Performed on patients with fat deposits around the navel. Requires shorter incisions thus without a disproportionate change in the position of the belly button. Lasting for about an hour or two, the operation is usually done by lipo-sculpting the whole abdomen and then removing the extra flab of skin below the navel region and tightening the skin. Here, the belly button is not incised.

Complete Abdominoplasty

One might end up with a new opening for their belly button, if they opt for this procedure. The abdomen is dissected from one hipbone to the other with an incision made across the lower abdomen – and skin excised between the belly button and pubic hairline. After the surgeon tightens the muscles from the pubic bone to the breast bone through the incision, an hour-glass contour is achieved, belly-button comes out of a new opening and stiched there, drainage pipes are placed under the skin – to be removed a few days later.

Post-Surgery Care

The incision stays covered in surgical dressings that is to be changed at regular intervals. A “belly binder” will act as a compression garment to help your modified abdominal wall. Patients are advised to start walking from one day post-surgery. Antibiotics will take care of any possibility of infection while pain relievers would ease any discomfort if that were to arise.

Patients must check in with their doctor for the next 6 weeks to help monitor healing of the incision wound during this recovery phase. Abdominal extension such as bending backwards is to be strictly avoided.

Recovery

Lifestyle changes that help reduce post-surgical pain include, but not limited to, are:

Avoiding Exercise: Strenuous activities are to be avoided for at least 6 weeks, else one runs the risk of putting strains on their incision while the wound heals. Light exercises such as walking can be a great substitute to your fitness regime.

Everyday Tasks: Day-to-day tasks are not to be put on hold and patients are encouraged to carry out daily tasks while walking around home. This helps prevent harmful blood clots in legs as opposed to a sedentary bed rest.

Diet: High fibre food is suggested in order to reduce the chance of constipation – a common occurrence from narcotic medications. Add to that regular ample fluid intake and one has a perfectly balanced dietary habit to avoid abdominal pain brought on by constipation, nausea or fatigue.

Contraindications

Pregnancy: Women planning to get pregnant should postpone this procedure till the time they have started a family. The vertical muscles get tightened during this operation thus leaving it at risk to get separated thereafter during any future pregnancy.

Weight Loss: Tummy tuck should never be your go-to option in case you are looking to lose a lot of weight. It is but a last resort after you have tried your hand at all possible dietary regimen and weight loss exercise – which thus indicates a physiological and/or hormonal obstacle in place.

This particular plastic surgery is suited to women and men who are healthy by all accounts. One should also skip it if their body mass index is over 35 or they currently suffer from a heart condition.

Wrapping it Up!

A tummy tuck surgery is not as simplistic as say a Liposuction surgery but definitely comes with a marked improvement in the appearance of your midsection. It is always advisable to weigh in on the pros and cons of this procedure via consultation with your doctor as you decide to zero in on this operation.