Prof. Dr. Goutam Guha (M.S., M.Ch)

Abdominoplasty

Full Tummy Tuck Surgery, or an abdominoplasty as it is technically referred to, is a minor cosmetic surgery designed to make the abdomen firm, smooth and flatter to achieve an enhanced appearance. Abdominoplasty increases the self-esteem and confidence. This minor cosmetic surgery removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. It may also be required to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. India has always been a preferred destination for such procedure.

A mini tummy tuck, or a partial abdominoplasty, is a similar cosmetic surgery procedure which addresses the lower abdomen specifically. This procedure is much less invasive and shorter than a regular, complete, tummy tuck.

Cosmetic Surgery, involving abdominoplasty can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen with an overhanging skin and fat apron that can be appreciated from the sides.

In some cases in order to achieve the aesthetic goals it might be required to perform liposuction (Fat removal) may be used in conjunction with abdominoplasty, to remove upper abdominal fat - depending on body condition. Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedures to siphon off unwanted fat deposits safely. All such procedures are quite commonly performed in India which confirm to acceptable international quality standards.

Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty Advised For Men or women who:

. Are concerned or have excess fat or loose abdominal skin.
. Women who have had multiple pregnancies and subsequently stretched their abdominal wall muscles and skin that has lost its elasticity.
. Similar conditions with older patients with slight obesity. You should consider this type of cosmetic surgery after any diet or a weight loss program or further pregnancies that you may be contemplating.

Treatment:

The surgery is performed in general anesthesia & removes excess skin from the lower abdomen after pregnancy or significant weight loss. This procedure can also be used to remove significant amounts of lower abdominal fat, and to thin the upper abdominal fat by elevating and re-distributing it. All stretch marks below the level of the belly button are removed along with full thickness skin and fat down to the abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscles are sewn / plicated together in the midline and/or along the flanks to strengthen the abdominal wall and accentuate the waist line before sharing the stretched remaining upper abdominal skin to resurface the entire abdomen up to the site of the initial incision.

If problem area is only below the belly button, one can go in for a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty or partial tummy tuck. In a partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place. It may necessitate at times to additionally perform a liposuction (Fat Removal) to eliminate fatty tissue in the area.

The result from abdominoplasty is a new and improved abdomen that is firmer, smoother and generally, more appealing to the eye. The low abdominal scar, which will hide in undergarments or a bathing suit normally fades with the passage of time.

Period Of Treatment:

Generally one should be prepared for a overnight stay at the hospital / clinic which may extend to a day or two depending on the procedure and patient's body response.

Post Operative Treatment:

Normally temporary silicone drains are attached to prevent fluid accumulation after the surgery, which would be removed.

It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. For the first few days, the abdomen will probably be swollen and one would experience a little pain and discomfort, which would be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of abdominoplasty and the general physical condition, one can resume most of the normal activities within two to five days after surgery. In many instances, one can resume most of the strenuous work and exercises after four to six weeks.