Getting rid of stubborn stomach fat is one of the most difficult tasks. As humans go through physical changes like aging, childbirth, weight fluctuations, or medical reasons, excess fat accumulates around the midsection.
Removing such fat with diet and workout either takes a lot of time and effort or simply does not work. In such a situation, Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is the go-to solution to sculpt your waistline.
Tummy Tuck is among the most popular cosmetic surgeries that remove excess fat from the stomach and flatten it. In this blog, we are going to provide everything you need to know while considering a tummy tuck to make correct decisions.
What exactly is Tummy Tuck?
Our body’s evolutionary set-up makes it almost impossible to lose weight from the stomach area with natural processes. A tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic surgery that removes extra fat from the abdominal area and sculpts the waistline. Along with removing fat, it also repairs damaged abdominal muscles and tightens them to create a firmer and toned look. However, it does not help with weight loss because it is a body-shaping treatment rather than a weight-loss surgery.
Types of Tummy Tucks
A tummy tuck is the right and most successful approach for eliminating stubborn fat from the stomach and making it smoother and flatter. There are 3 types of tummy tuck:
Full Tummy Tuck: This procedure involves removing fat and skin from the midsection, including the upper and lower abdomen, to create a slimmer look around the waist.
Mini Tummy Tuck: This type focuses on the lower abdominal region below the belly button to remove excess skin and tissues, mainly due to aging.
Extended Tummy Tuck: It is the more extensive tummy tuck surgery that goes beyond the tummy to remove fat from the flanks and hips.
Substantial Recovery Time Required
The recovery period after a Tummy tuck surgery varies from person to person. However, the average time for most people is 2 weeks. For 2 weeks, you should stay home, rest properly, follow the medications, and avoid any straining activity. Moderate pain and swelling are common for the first 3 weeks, which reduce gradually with time. Full recovery, including pain and swelling removal and the ability to do heavy workouts, takes around 6 months.
The Procedure of Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck procedure begins with a general anesthesia to alleviate any pain and discomfort caused by the surgery. A horizontal incision is made by the surgeon either between the hip and the belly button or from hip to hip. The surgeon will next repair and tighten the abdominal muscles while eliminating extra fat using excision or liposuction. Following successful removal, the incisions will be closed. You’ll most likely have drainage tubes in place to prevent fluid buildup during recovery.
Who is the Most Suitable Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a great fat removal procedure, but it is not suitable for everyone. Ideal candidates are those who:
- Are at a stable weight. (at or near their ideal body weight)
- Have loose skin or separated abdominal muscles due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
- Have overall good health, with no serious medical conditions.
- Are non-smokers for several weeks before and after surgery
Conclusion
Tummy Tuck is a popular fat removal and body contouring surgery ideal for those who have loose or sagging skin due to pregnancy, aging, or weight loss. There are 3 types of tummy tuck surgeries that target different areas of the midsection. The surgery involves incision, muscle tightening, fat removal, and closure. Healing takes around 2 weeks, while complete recovery takes around 6 months.
