Abdominoplasty, also called Tummy Tuck, is a cosmetic surgery that refers to the removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen. This procedure is always performed under general anaesthesia and aims to ensure a much flatter and smoother abdomen.
Age, previous surgeries, pregnancy, or weight loss are major factors of loose skin and stretch marks. To get rid of these skin problems, abdominoplasty is the best option.
Let’s jump into further details!
Best Candidate
Candidates for this procedure can be anyone with abdominal wall bulging, loose skin, or stretch marks.
Eligible candidates are those who are:
- Near their ideal body weight
- Non-smokers (or must stop smoking at least two months before surgery and two months after)
- In good health, physically and psychologically
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, you will be asked to carry out the following medical examinations:
- Abdominal muscle condition
- Skin exam
- Morphological data
These examinations will help the surgeon define the stages of the surgery and make sure that there are no contraindications.
Preoperative Phase
Before surgery, you need to follow some restrictions:
- Stop smoking for more than one month
- Take no aspirin for at least 10 days
- Take a shower
- Be on an empty stomach at least six hours before the surgery
- Eat a residue-free diet for 24 to 48 hours before the procedure in order to avoid postoperative digestive disorders
Postoperative Phase
In general, the duration of hospitalization is 48 hours, during which the paramedical team takes care of you. During the recovery period:
- Your doctor will prescribe a diet that you need to follow, along with wearing a morphology-adapted abdominal sheath for two to three weeks
- You must stop smoking to avoid any risk of skin necrosis
- You can resume your normal activities gradually and your work in 7–10 days
- You can resume your physical activities in three months
The postoperative phase is dedicated to pain reduction, and it takes 3 to 6 months to see the final results.
Have you ever been through this procedure? If yes, you can share your experience in the comment section below! If not, would you take the next step to get rid of your loose skin or stretch marks?