Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, although it does produce a permanent scar.

The Best Candidates For Abdominoplasty

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. This procedure is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where the skin won't return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during the procedure can separate again during pregnancy.

The first consultation

With Beauty Renaissance the first consultation is free of charge and is always with your surgeon who will assess and discuss your desired results. The surgeon will also answer all your questions and discuss the expectations that the client may have regarding the final result.

Planning

With your initial consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region and your skin tone discussing all concerns with you that you may have.

If the fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also know as a mini-tummy tuck, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, need a complete abdominoplasty for a better body contour. Associated with liposuction may contribute to a better result.

The surgeon will suggest and recommend the procedure that is right for you producing the desired body contour. The surgeon will also explain the anesthesia that will be used and the type of facility where the surgery will be performed.

Preparing

The surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your procedure and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.

Where The Procedure Will Be Performed

The surgery will take place in a private clinic for monitoring purposes and where you will stay overnight.

Types of Anesthesia

The surgeon will select general anesthesia in most cases.

The Procedure

Complete abdominoplasty generally takes two to four hours. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.

Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from hip bone to hip bone just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved.

The muscles can be tightened. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

Getting Back to Normal

It may take you several weeks to feel like your old self again. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.

Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.

Post Op Follow up

Here at Beauty Renaissance we uphold the highest degree of post operative quality care that goes beyond monitoring. For that reason detailed post operative controls are made so that the patient feels safe and secure. There are a number of consultations to check that the healing process is without trauma.

The first postoperative consultation is made the following day and the recovery process is followed in detail. The definitive discharge date does not occur until a year after the procedure.

Risks of the abdominoplasty

Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally positive. There are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

Note: The information offered in this Web site is directed to support and not to replace the relationship between you and your doctor.

For more information about this or any of our other procedures please click here and complete our enquiry form.