Abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures.
It is also known as a tummy tuck.
Here is a basic primer to the procedure for all those wishing to learn more about it.
Men and women with loose hanging skin in the abdomen region and stubborn deposits of fats in certain pockets are ideal candidates for the procedure.
The loose skin can happen with age or a large amount of weight loss from a surgical procedure.
Women experience changes in the appearance of the abdominal region after childbirth and many wish to restore the earlier taut appearance by getting rid of the loose skin and stretch marks.
You need to be close to your ideal body weight and in good health for the procedure.
It is important to remember that the procedure is not meant to be quick solution for weight loss though it can be seen as a useful complement to procedures such as liposuction.
Once the excess folds of skin are removed or "tucked" away, you can maintain the appearance with a regular regimen of healthy diet and exercise.
A well-defined stomach lets you wear clothes of your liking and also visit the beach and the swimming pool unabashedly.
As with any procedure, the initial consultation with the surgeon is of paramount importance.
It will help you understand the benefits and risks associated with the surgery.
The doctor will evaluate your readiness for the procedure based on your medical history, past surgical records, present health, etc.
You will have to give up tobacco use for a month before the surgery and also during the recovery period.
This is to minimize the risk of skin necrosis after the procedure.
Don't forget to understand the cost of the procedure and the cost of follow-ups that will invariably happen.
The procedure is a simple one and performed under general anesthesia.
One of the most commonly used techniques involves making an incision at the bikini line from one side to another and taking out extra folds of skin from the area between the pubic region and the navel after the navel is freed from the surrounding skin.
The navel is then repositioned.
The skin from the top is then pulled down and stretched and the incisions stitched.
The surgeon may place tubes to drain out excess fluid during the first fortnight after the procedure.
If the surgeon sees it fit then he may also make the abs taut by stitching these muscles with the tissue.
Most surgeons require their patients to stay overnight in the clinic for post-surgery observation.
Even though tummy tucks are generally considered safe procedures, there are risks to evaluate and you should be aware of these.
Swelling, risk of infection, blood clotting, internal bleeding, and an adverse reaction from anesthesia are risks that the surgeon has to evaluate and make you aware of.
It is up to you to decide whether you wish to go for the procedure after making a thorough risk to benefits analysis.
Post-procedure recovery period varies with the individual.
Initially, you will be advised against lifting heavy weights or do any activity that can stretch the abdominal skin and stress the stitches.
You can return to work in a fortnight.
Depending upon your progress the cosmetic surgeon may suggest an exercise routine that is light and designed to keep you active.
The scar can take up to twelve months to blend with the skin and form a hard to distinguish line.
Remember, before you commit to an abdominoplasty, research on the subject and be sure to get the procedure done with an established cosmetic surgeon.
It is also known as a tummy tuck.
Here is a basic primer to the procedure for all those wishing to learn more about it.
Men and women with loose hanging skin in the abdomen region and stubborn deposits of fats in certain pockets are ideal candidates for the procedure.
The loose skin can happen with age or a large amount of weight loss from a surgical procedure.
Women experience changes in the appearance of the abdominal region after childbirth and many wish to restore the earlier taut appearance by getting rid of the loose skin and stretch marks.
You need to be close to your ideal body weight and in good health for the procedure.
It is important to remember that the procedure is not meant to be quick solution for weight loss though it can be seen as a useful complement to procedures such as liposuction.
Once the excess folds of skin are removed or "tucked" away, you can maintain the appearance with a regular regimen of healthy diet and exercise.
A well-defined stomach lets you wear clothes of your liking and also visit the beach and the swimming pool unabashedly.
As with any procedure, the initial consultation with the surgeon is of paramount importance.
It will help you understand the benefits and risks associated with the surgery.
The doctor will evaluate your readiness for the procedure based on your medical history, past surgical records, present health, etc.
You will have to give up tobacco use for a month before the surgery and also during the recovery period.
This is to minimize the risk of skin necrosis after the procedure.
Don't forget to understand the cost of the procedure and the cost of follow-ups that will invariably happen.
The procedure is a simple one and performed under general anesthesia.
One of the most commonly used techniques involves making an incision at the bikini line from one side to another and taking out extra folds of skin from the area between the pubic region and the navel after the navel is freed from the surrounding skin.
The navel is then repositioned.
The skin from the top is then pulled down and stretched and the incisions stitched.
The surgeon may place tubes to drain out excess fluid during the first fortnight after the procedure.
If the surgeon sees it fit then he may also make the abs taut by stitching these muscles with the tissue.
Most surgeons require their patients to stay overnight in the clinic for post-surgery observation.
Even though tummy tucks are generally considered safe procedures, there are risks to evaluate and you should be aware of these.
Swelling, risk of infection, blood clotting, internal bleeding, and an adverse reaction from anesthesia are risks that the surgeon has to evaluate and make you aware of.
It is up to you to decide whether you wish to go for the procedure after making a thorough risk to benefits analysis.
Post-procedure recovery period varies with the individual.
Initially, you will be advised against lifting heavy weights or do any activity that can stretch the abdominal skin and stress the stitches.
You can return to work in a fortnight.
Depending upon your progress the cosmetic surgeon may suggest an exercise routine that is light and designed to keep you active.
The scar can take up to twelve months to blend with the skin and form a hard to distinguish line.
Remember, before you commit to an abdominoplasty, research on the subject and be sure to get the procedure done with an established cosmetic surgeon.