Abdominoplasty surgery by Dr. Wim Danau

Tummy tuck versus liposuction

A tummy tuck is the procedure that offers a solution and allows an individual to achieve that flat stomach they’ve always wanted. There are options to the traditional tummy tuck procedure. A mini tummy tuck, or simply liposuction, can gain the appearance of a firmer abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is designed to help those who are dissatisfied with their abdominal appearance below the navel. Liposuction removes just the fat from the abdominal area to gain a flatter appearance. A tummy tuck is more invasive than liposuction and is considered more effective because of its ability to reshape and recontour the midsection.

Procedure

A full abdominoplasty takes between two to four hours depending on the extent of work involved and whether or not it is combined with some degree of liposuction. After the incision is made, the abdominal skin above the umbilicus is lifted. The umbilicus is cut free from this skin and left on its attachment. This is later brought out through a new incision. The abdominal muscles are tightened with heavy sutures to help narrow your waistline. Excess skin and fat are removed and the incision is closed. An abdominal binder or compression garment is placed to support the abdomen and help to decrease swelling during your recovery.

Recovery

Drain tubes are left in place for approximately 3 days after surgery. Showering is permitted once the drain tubes have been removed. Patients should plan at least one to two weeks of recovery at home after a tummy tuck. It can take several weeks to feel completely back to normal after the surgery. Some bruising and swelling will accompany the healing process; any residual pain can be alleviated with medication. During your recovery, you will remain somewhat flexed at the waist and the knees to feel comfortable and to minimize tension on your incision. Heavy lifting, aerobic activity, and vigorous exercise should be avoided for six to eight weeks. Lifting should be limited to fifteen to twenty pounds during the first six weeks. Patients are encouraged to walk around as soon as it feels comfortable in order to prevent blood clots, as this will aid in their recovery. The abdomen feels “tight” for several weeks after surgery. Numbness is common in certain areas and may be permanent for some. The scar begins to fade two to three months later and may take one to two years to reach its final appearance, but they will never disappear completely. Swelling will resolve within six weeks by 75 percent, and the remainder will be gone after six months.

Risks

All surgical procedures involve risks, and abdominoplasty is no exception. Risks of tummy tuck include:

• Blood clots

• Asymmetry of scars

• Reaction to anaesthesia

• Infection

• Slow healing

There are a number of ways patients can minimize the potential risks of abdominoplasty. Dr Danau will discuss risks and possible complications of the procedure at your initial tummy tuck consultation.

Benefits

Abdominoplasty is a proven, effective cosmetic surgery procedure, and our patients have achieved highly satisfactory results. Some of the benefits of a tummy tuck include:

• Flatter, firmer abdomen

• Decreased waistline

• Reduced appearance of stretch marks

• Tighter abdominal muscles

• Increased self-confidence

A tummy tuck can often be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, arm lift and thigh lift to provide a more complete body contouring effect.