Tummy Tuck (Lipo-Abdominoplasty) Q and As
What is an Abdominoplasty or a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy Tuck or as it is medically called an Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure that achieves a narrower, slimmer, and an aesthetic abdomen (belly)
How does it help in my shape and overall figure?
Abdominoplasty is performed when you have loose abdominal muscles, excess fat and loose skin that give you a protruding abdomen. The procedure removes excess skin along with fat and tightens the abdominal muscles. The result is a smoother, tighter and flatter belly.
What is Lipo-Abdominoplasty?
Lipo-abdominoplasty is the latest abdominoplasty technique in which liposuction is done to reduce the extent of scarring and invasiveness of the procedure. Using liposuction instead of more traditional surgical removal and contouring reduces the impact of the procedure on your body, decreasing your healing time and reducing your risk of complications. It does not however decrease its effectiveness for contour improvement. This is especially done on the love handles and combined with a shorter scar Abdominoplasty.
Can I just do a liposuction instead of a Tummy Tuck?
For some patients, liposuction is an ideal procedure for getting a flat abdomen. Liposuction is recommended if your protruding belly is composed primarily of fat, and your skin tone is good enough to ensure it will contract after the fat is removed. However, many people have excess skin and some degree of looseness in the abdominal muscles that prevents liposuction from giving ideal results. During your abdominoplasty consultation, Dr Sreekar Harinatha will perform an examination to determine which procedure is right for you.
Does Tummy Tuck sort out the stretch marks?
Stretch marks generally occur following pregnancy or weight fluctuations. And since they are in the skin, some stretch marks may be removed because some skin is removed during an abdominoplasty. Others may be repositioned lower on the abdomen, while still others may be unaffected.
How many scars does a Tummy Tuck leave?
All surgery leaves scars, and abdominoplasty is no different. The length of the scar depends on the amount of skin being removed. However, the length of the scar is less of a concern because the abdominoplasty scar is in a very favourable location. It is located very low on the abdomen so it will be concealed under most types of underwear and bikini bottoms.
How safe is a Tummy Tuck?
The majority of abdominoplasty patients experience no complications whatsoever. Abdominoplasty is able to achieve some of the most dramatic results in plastic surgery, but its transformative power is balanced by a certain level of risk. However, careful planning and proper technique can significantly minimise these risks. During your consultation, the leading Tummy Tuck cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Sreekar will talk to you about how he works to reduce risk, including his use of the advanced technique lipo-abdominoplasty.
What’s the recovery time after a Tummy Tuck?
Most people take 5-7 days off work to recover from abdominoplasty, at which point they are ready to return to most normal non-strenuous activities. Although it is important to be moving around as soon as you are able, strenuous activities are limited for 3 weeks to allow for full healing.
Does abdominoplasty increase risks in future pregnancies?
No! Some people think that because abdominoplasty tightens the abdominal muscles it might interfere with future pregnancies, but abdominoplasty has not been shown to have any negative impacts on pregnancy. The same, however, cannot be said of the impact of future pregnancies on abdominoplasty results. If you become pregnant after an abdominoplasty, you may have stretching of the muscle and skin layers and may feel the need to have a smaller second procedure to restore your results.
How should I choose a Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon?
You should always work with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a procedure like abdominoplasty. The risks increase dramatically if you are working with a less-trained or less experienced plastic surgeon. Communication is vital to you getting the results you desire, so you should also work with a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable.
Dr. Sreekar Harinatha is a double board-certified plastic surgeon, whose compassionate and understanding manner has helped thousands of patients from India and across Africa to have a positive plastic surgery experience.
Are tummy tucks covered by Medical Insurance?
Medical Insurance will not pay for your plastic surgery unless it is a result of an abnormal event and you meet the strict criteria – it is causing infections, skin rashes, and leading to other medical conditions and is deemed necessary by your doctor or surgeon.
Will I need a tummy tuck after large volume weight loss?
It varies from person to person. Not all people are left with loose skin after weight loss. If you are left with unsightly hanging skin in your tummy area, you can opt for a tummy tuck.
What do I do before tummy tuck surgery?
- Quit smoking and drinking two weeks prior to the surgery
- Do not take aspirin or any other blood-thinning medications
- Eat healthily and drink loads of water
- Take a few weeks off from work in advance
- Get all the lab tests your surgeon has asked you to take
Is getting a tummy tuck worth it?
If the excess loose skin is affecting your confidence and causing problems like skin rashes and infections, having a tummy tuck is a great way to improve your body contour and life. Many studies and surveys suggest it is definitely worth it.
What are the different types of tummy tucks?
The most common types of tummy tucks are:
- Standard abdominoplasty
- Mini Abdominoplasty
- Fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty
- Extended Abdominoplasty
- Full Body Lift or Circumferential Abdominoplasty
What is a tummy tuck revision surgery?
A tummy tuck revision simply refers to secondary abdominoplasty surgery. It can take many forms, from minor trimming to complete tummy tuck. This especially follows poor tummy tuck results. Dr Sreekar can handle various problems arising out of tummy tucks done elsewhere too.
Can a tummy tuck fix an umbilical hernia or diastasis recti (split tummy muscles)?
Yes, a full tummy tuck is the most comprehensive treatment and is recommended for diastasis recti–muscle repair. in the same procedure, umbilical hernia can also be repaired.
How long is a tummy tuck surgery?
The surgery can take anywhere between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the technique used.
What kind of tummy tuck do I need?
The kind of tummy tuck you need can only be determined once you come in for a consultation. Each patient is different and requires a different kind of technique.
What is the recovery time after a tummy tuck?
Generally, patients recover 3 weeks after the surgery.