People today are getting more and more figure-conscious. As a result, the demand for cosmetic surgery has increased manifold. Abdominoplasty, popularly known as tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from a patient’s abdomen. It also restores loosened muscles, giving you a trimmer and firmer look. You may not know that even individuals who have an otherwise normal body weight can develop a loose and sagging abdomen. Some of the common causes behind this occurrence include - pregnancy, aging, inheritance, and any prior surgery. In this article, let me share with you some of the basic information that you should know before undergoing abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty is not traditional liposuction It is to be borne in mind that abdominoplasty is different from the more traditional liposuction. In liposuction, excess fat is carved out. Abdominoplasty is a much advanced surgical technique that involves tightening of muscles in addition to removal of excess fat. Muscles that have become loose are pulled and stitched together to result in a trimmer and tighter abdomen. Patients who have relatively tight abdominal muscles may not need full-fledged abdominoplasty. For them liposuction is enough. Abdominoplasty does not suit all Another important fact about abdominoplasty is that it is not suitable for everybody. Patients who haven’t had children yet and haven’t gained weight significantly do not qualify for true abdominoplasty. If the patient’s underlying muscles are true and firm, liposuction will be a better alternative. People who are otherwise physically healthy, who do not smoke and have a stable weight, are good candidates for abdominoplasty. Recovery might be lengthy Recovery from abdominoplasty can be lengthy. You may need weeks to recover from the surgery. Proper care must be followed as per the surgeon’s advice so that you recover well as per the recovery plan. During the initial 7-10 days after the surgery, there will be swelling and bruising. The drainage tubes inserted immediately after the surgery will be removed along with the stitches. After a few weeks, your physical activity will slowly increase; however you will not be allowed to perform strenuous activities. The bruising and swelling will also ebb. After a few months, you will be able to realize the fruits of your toil. The sensation will be much better and your incision line will gradually fade. In due course, you will start enjoying a trimmed and tight abdomen. Words of caution Remember that after your abdominoplasty, you run the risk of regaining your old shape unless you are willing to change your previous lifestyle. You need to follow strict dietary habits and an exercise routine. For lady patients, it is highly advisable to wait for abdominoplasty until you have had children. Abdominoplasty, though an effective measure to trim down your potbelly, is not free from post-operative risks. Complications may arise in sporadic cases and your plastic surgeon must let you know about the possible consequences in advance along with mitigation strategy. Limitations of abdominoplasty Do not confuse abdominoplasty to be a substitute for weight loss. It is also not an alternative for exercise routine. The treatment will also not be able to eliminate stretch marks (as a result of past pregnancy) fully. The aim of my article was to give you a heads-up on abdominoplasty. Your plastic surgeon will be in a much better position to explain you in more details and guide you effectively so that you can get back your trimmed tummy.
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