The complete guide to tummy tuck surgery – benefits process and recovery

Tummy tuck surgery aka Abdominoplasty is another aesthetic procedure which is done by plastic surgeons.  In this procedure not only the excessive fat of your tummy but also the saggy excess skin of your tummy is addressed.

Why tummy tuck?

·       Excessive skin that is hard to go. If you have lost massive weight have shreds a lot of fat that has led to tummy a hanging, the heavy hanging bulges

·       Post childbirth and post pregnancy you have that mommy pouch and the lower part of the abdomen which is very stubborn to be reduced even with exercises and gym.

·       Diastasis Recti , a condition when there is gaping or weakness of abdominal muscles (may be due to Cesareans sections for delivery, or congenital abdominal muscle weakness) that may appear as umbilical hernias.

·       Better contour of the waist. Reduction in the size of the corset – the profession may demand that.

·       Confidence boosting – if you want the clothes to fit better specifically the beach dresses and swimwears.

Type of Tummy tuck:

You may encounter many types theoretically but practically speaking, they are as:

·       Mini or Short Scar

·       Standard Abdominoplasty

·       Extended incision

·       Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty (with verticle & horizontal scar)

·       360° body lift Also known as Belt Lipectomy

The mini tummy tuck is done in one with only small mommy pooch and strong core muscles.

In Others, the skin above and below the umbilicus, the love handles, fat as well as muscle ard addresses altogether. The belly button is re-created as an aesthetically pleasing and anatomical location.  If needed, liposuction is also done alongwith wherever necessary.

At times, in large diastasis recti, when the gap is bigger, AWR (abdominal wall reconstruction) may be required with or without mesh.

The scars are usually big but are aesthetically given so that they hide well in the bikinis. 

The surgery is done under General anesthesia. Hospital admission is needed for 2-3 days. Drains are also put which are removed within days. Absorbable sutures are applied.

Recovery is Good with antibiotics, pain killers. Normal activity can be resumed within 10-14 days. Weight lifting and heavy exercises, squatting etc are to be started after 1 month. Scar mangement starts within a week post-surgery and the scars heal well within 3-4 months.

The procedure gives permanent results untill you regain weight or get pregnant that physiologically increases the abdominal skin. 

Patients looking for tummy tuck in Chandigarh should always consult a qualified plastic and aesthetic surgeon for proper evaluation and planning