Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Hospital or in-office procedure?
Hospital
Recovery time (home rest)?
10 – 14 days (After 4 days, the plastic drains are removed).
Incision and Scar?
The wound is a thin line running between the pelvic bones and below the bikini line. The wounds heal gradually after 2 weeks, and a compression corset is worn for 3 weeks at a time.
Operation time?
2.5 – 3 hours
Discharge from hospital?
The day after the surgery.
Facts about the Surgery:
One of the most commonly requested cosmetic surgical procedures by Dr. Tarek Copty’s patients is the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). And although this surgery holds one of the highest satisfaction rates worldwide, its result is highly dependent on the surgeon’s expertise and his use of the best techniques. Tummy tuck is designed to restore the shape and size of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat in the area as well as tightening the muscles.
As for the candidates for this operation, they are people who suffer from skin sagginess and fatty accumulations, as well as muscle laxity in the abdominal area as a result of repeated pregnancies or significant weight loss. In the cases of post pregnancy sagginess, oftentimes tummy tuck is combined with breast lift surgery (mommy makeover surgery).The patient must wait a period of no less than 4-6 months after giving birth to perform the operation until the uterus returns to its normal state.
The same applies to people who have undergone operations for the purpose of losing weight, such as gastric sleeve surgery or strict diets, in these cases, one must wait until reaching a relatively stable weight before having the operation. In most of these cases, there is separation of the six-pack abdominal muscles, a condition called “diastasis recti” and this is the reason why any alternative treatment is not suitable; the lax and bulging abdominal muscles are only repaired and re-tightened by the tummy tuck surgery.
There is more than one type of tummy tuck depending on the amount of excess skin, the presence or absence of fat, presence of stretch marks, and the shape of the patient’s body, here are the different types listed below:
1- Mini tummy tuck procedure, while most people think the term “mini” simply implies a shorter incision, the actual medical definition of a mini tummy tuck refers to removing some skin in the lower abdomen without incising around the belly button or tightening the muscles above the belly button. This procedure is suitable for people who are already close to their ideal weight and size.
2- Full (traditional) tummy tuck. In this procedure, the skin and muscles are tightened, fat is suctioned, above and below the umbilicus. The wound extends between the two pelvic bones below the bikini line, in addition to a small hidden incision inside the navel area.
3- The extended tummy tuck operation, which is similar to the traditional abdominoplasty, except for the fact that the incision is longer and it extends to the sides of the body to include the flank area, treating sagginess and getting rid of excess skin there.
4- Circumferential abdominoplasty, which is larger than the extended abdominoplasty. This operation is usually combined with 360 liposuction.
At the time of the surgery, the amount of skin to be removed is carefully determined and marked. The tummy tuck surgery can be performed under general or partial (spinal) anesthesia. In most cases, absorbable stitches, that don’t require the doctor to remove them later since they dissolve on their own, are used. incisions are cosmetically made in hidden areas. In some cases fluid drainage tubes can be placed for 3-4 days to speed up the recovery period. In other cases drainage tubes are not required, these cases are called “the drainless tummy tuck”. Dr. Tarek Copty decides which types are better for each case according to the patient’s condition and desire as well.
Regardless of which type of tummy tuck you have undergone; the end result of having a flat stomach and a well-defined and contoured waist is eventual, a great amount of stretch marks will also be eliminated. In some cases, and according to the patient’s request, 6-packs-abs can be achieved by a technique called abdominal etching or liposculpture, which involves using high-definition liposuction during the same surgery. The scar will fade into a very thin line below the bikini line. Fun Fact: you might need a whole new wardrobe after this surgery!
The instructions that must be followed after a tummy tuck operation include refraining from sleeping on the stomach, lifting any heavy weights, or exercising for a month. Patients must also commit to wearing a compression garment for 2-3 weeks after the operation. Swelling and bruising are expected to occur during the first period after the operation, and will gradually fade during the first two weeks. Pain is controllable and tolerable with pain killers for the first few days after surgery.