March 9, 2007

Abdominoplasty – all about the tummy tuck

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When most people think about plastic surgery for removing fat deposits from around their midsection, they think of liposuction. However, liposuction is most often used for small deposits of fat localized around the body. An...


When most people think about plastic surgery for removing fat deposits from around their midsection, they think of liposuction. However, liposuction is most often used for small deposits of fat localized around the body. An abdominoplasty may be a better method for removing the fat around the stomach area. In this article, we'll take a look at the cosmetic procedure known affectionately as a 'tummy tuck' so that you can learn more about the surgery and be able to differentiate it from liposuction.

Where liposuction involves the use of a small incision, a tube, and a vacuum-effect to remove the fat from the body, tummy tucks involve a large incision that is to be made above the pubic area so that the surgeon can get to the layer of fat that is present around the abdomen. It will cause a huge change in the appearance of the abdomen, but the surgery also comes with the problem of the scar. The scar left by the surgery will be different depending on your body shape and appearance, but it is almost always noticeable. The best candidates for this plastic surgery procedure include those who are in good shape with the exception of a layer of fat around their midsection that they can't seem to get rid of through diet or exercise. It's also a great procedure for women who have had multiple pregnancies to get rid of some of the excess stretching that is involved in the childbirth process. If you're looking for a method to lose weight fast, you may want to look elsewhere. Those who are looking for a drastic improvement in their size should first do all that they can in order to eliminate the weight through a natural method.

When you're getting ready to get an abdominoplasty performed, you're going to want to make sure that you don't smoke cigarettes for at least a week to two weeks before the surgery, as well as for at least two weeks after the procedure. You should also be sure to avoid getting a lot of sun around your abdomen area, and you should eat a healthy diet in order to ensure that your body's ability to heal is not hindered. The surgery itself can take anywhere from two to five hours, with the difference in times being related to the extent of the operation. The incisions for the procedure are usually made first from hip bone to hip bone, and then another to separate the navel from the area of skin that is about to be lifted. The surgeon then will lift the layer of skin away from the body, exposing the layer of fat present on the abdomen. The fat is removed, and the muscles are tightened, as well as the skin. The skin is then stitched back into place, and recovery is generally expected to take between two and four weeks before you can get back into regular activities such as work. It will take between nine months and a year for the scars to reach a healing point in which they will be lessened to a decent extent.

Recommended Reading

  1. The Tummy Tuck Procedure
  2. An abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure. A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the...
  3. Mini-Tummy Tuck
  4. It is not always strictly necessary for a patient to undergo a full-scale tummy tuck. In certain circumstances, the procedure...
  5. Your New Look After Your Tummy Tuck
  6. The tummy tuck procedure, despite its drawbacks can have a major impact on the body and the mind. Patients will...
  7. Preparing for your tummy tuck
  8. As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) requires a degree of pre-op preparation to aid the surgery...
  9. Risks of The Procedure of a tummy tuck
  10. As with any surgical procedure, the tummy tuck (or 'abdominoplasty') carries some potential risks and complications. Although these risks are...

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