People with excess skin or fat on the belly area can opt for a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck is a major cosmetic surgical procedure to make the abdomen more firm. Fat and skin will be removed and often the muscles will be tightened.
Procedure variations
Complete abdominoplasty
A complete abdominoplasty is a major operation which can take up to 5 hours.
The surgeon makes an incision just above the pubic area, stretching across the with of the abdomen. Another incision will be made to free the navel from the surrounding skin.
The surgeon will tighten the muscles and connective tissue (fascia) with sutures. Excess skin and fat will be removed and the navel will be put back in a new place.
Liposuction is often used to improve the contour of the abdomen and a (compression) dressing is applied to the area. Often fluids will be drained from the area to reduce swelling.
Partial abdominoplasty
A partial abdominoplasty or mini-tuck is similar but focuses on the area below the navel, This operation will last 1 - 2 hours.
A smaller incision will be made above the pubic area and sometimes the navel will be detached from the surrounding skin. The skin and fat are detached from the fascia. The skin will be stretched down and excess skin will be removed. Depending on your situation, the fascia muscles can be tightened.
Liposuction is often used to improve the contour of the abdomen and a (compression) dressing is applied to the area. The remaining skin will be put back into place with sutures.
Recovery after the procedure
A tummy tuck is a major operation and takes longer to heal than most other cosmetic surgeries. You can expect to go back to work one to four weeks after the operation. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity during this period.
Initially there may be swelling and discomfort. Often a compression garment will be placed to reduce swelling and bruising.
A full recovery will take 3 - 6 months, after the scare have healed and are less noticeable.
Risks
As with any surgery there is a risk of complications during or after the surgery, but a tummy tuck is considered a safe procedure.
The following complications can occur:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Unwanted scarring
- Hematoma
- Skin discoloration
- Skin necrosis
- Permanent pain
- Nerve damage
- Pain in the legs
Consult with a physician before deciding on a tummy tuck in Thailand and follow the instructions given by your surgeon to the letter to minimize the risk of complications.
Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?
Ideal candidates are physically healthy and in good shape. Men and women who have excess abdominal skin and fat might want to consider a tummy tuck. Women after pregnancy or persons who have had liposuction experience sagging skin, which can be removed by a tummy tuck.
People who are aware of the risks, resulting scarring and have reasonable expectations are usually the most happy with their treatment.
