Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
If a patient’s abdominal wall is deformed and lost right proportions it can be corrected through abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The main causes of such deformation are rapid and massive weight loss, uneven deposition of subcutaneous fat, excessive muscles stretching.
Plastic surgeons consider abdominoplasty to be one of the most complicated plastic surgeries performed on a human body.
Abdominoplasty — tummy tuck plastic surgery:
Several types of abdominal plastic surgery are distinguished: microabdominoplasty, classic and endoscopic, extensive (360 torsoplasty body lift).
In the course of classic plastic surgery a surgeon makes a long semi-oval incision in the groin region. A number of procedures are carried out through that incision to shape the tummy as desired: fat removal using liposuction, excess skin removal, muscle suturing and lifting, transfer of belly button, etc. As a result a patient gets a flat and lifted belly.
Endoscopic abdominoplasty is the most sparing surgery for a patient as almost no scars remain after it. An endoscope and tiny surgical instruments are inserted beneath the skin through 3 small incisions (about 2 cm each). A surgeon monitors all performed operations on screen. During this procedure the abdominal wall tissues are not subject to dissection. Only the abdominal muscles and excess skin are corrected.
Microabdominoplasty is deemed to be a minimally invasive surgery as well. This procedure only includes liposuction, skin lift and suturing of muscles.
Body lift (360 torsoplasty ) is the most complicated type of abdominal plastic surgery. Fat is removed from many body parts: belly, waist, thighs and back. The scope of this surgery is huge and it takes a lot of time.
Preparation to abdominoplasty:
Preparation to abdominoplasty includes a general clinical examination. A patient should provide blood and urine samples for testing, undergo ECG and X-ray examination. Blood is also tested for such infections as AIDS, syphilis and all types of hepatitis. The blood sugar level, clotting ability and Rh factor are determined. Abdominal cavity ultrasound is performed. This preparation enables a surgeon to detect possible contraindications and draw up an individual treatment plan.
During a consultation the goals of the upcoming procedure and desired effect are discussed. Its method is selected. An additional consultation with an anesthesiologist is required to reveal possible allergic reactions to anesthesia.
A patient must drop bad habits and stop taking anticoagulants a few weeks before the procedure. A low calorie diet should be observed for 2-3 days prior to surgery. Eating and drinking are not allowed within 8 hours preceding the body lift procedure. Right before surgery the purging procedures are performed.
Surgery/procedure duration: 2-3 hours
Anesthesia: general anesthesia
Postoperative period:
Immediately after surgery a patient is transferred to in-patient facility where he stays for 2 to 3 weeks. Within this period pain or tension can be felt at the sutures. A doctor prescribes analgesics and antibacterial therapy to prevent infections. Sutures are treated with antiseptic solutions and bandages are changed daily. If no complications are observed during this period a patient will be discharged from the clinic.
As soon as the stitches are removed it is necessary to wear compression garments. They prevent suture line disruption and speed up wound healing greatly. They should be worn for at least 3 to 4 months. Any physical overexertions are contraindicated for a patient during this period. Sports and visiting sauna or solarium should be avoided.
The wounds will heal completely in 2-3 months. Nevertheless, the final result becomes visible not earlier than in a half a year. By that time all damaged tissues will heal and the belly will gain the desired shape.
