Abdominoplasty commonly known as tummy tuck is cosmetic surgery which is done to improve the shape of the abdomen. Excessive skin and fat is removed during the process of tummy tuck. Sutures help tighten the connective tissues present in the abdomen area after then the skin is repositioned to create a toned look.

The procedure of abdominoplasty is a safe and effective method to reduce the amount of excessive fat and bulging skin around the area of the lower abdomen and belly button. It certainly helps in removing out the excess fat build-up after the pregnancy.

When can you consider a tummy tuck?

Excess fat can be caused due to several reasons including poor skin elasticity, weak connective tissues, pregnancy, and aging. The procedure can efficiently remove the excess amount of fat while simultaneously tightening weak fascia. It also helps in removing stretch marks present in the lower abdomen and belly button area.

For the ladies who have delivered babies through C-section, through the procedure of abdominoplasty or tummy tuck can get their C-section scar to be incorporated as the tummy tuck scar. It is a body contouring technique that can be done with other similar procedures such as breast surgery.

Many individuals that go through a liposuction may also choose to have a tummy tuck, that is because in liposuction only fat and the tissue present under the skin is removed, while the skin remains untouched. However, abdominoplasty helps in the removal of excess skin.

When must you avoid tummy tuck?

  • If you are planning to lose weight in future then tummy tuck is not for you.
  • If you want to consider pregnancy in the future, having a tummy tuck will bring back your belly to the initial position once again.
  • Tummy tuck is not suggested for the people suffering from any heart disease or diabetes.
  • People with body mass index greater than 30 cannot go through the procedure of tummy tuck.
  • Smokers are also precautioned from undergoing this type of surgery due to the risk of complications.

What are significant risks involved?

Several risks are involved in the procedure of tummy tuck, some of them are as follows:

  • It is a condition where fluid gets accumulated beneath the skin. Although, it can be easily drained with the help of drainage tubes or by using needle and syringe.
  • Unexpected scarring. The scar due to the incision will appear around the bikini area where it can be easily hidden. However, there are chances of unexpected scarring to occur depending on various reasons in different individuals.
  • Poor healing. There are risks of poor healing that can cause the incision line to separate or take more time than expected to heal.
  • Tissue damage. Abdominoplasty is an intense surgery that may also lead to fatty tissue damage that is present beneath the abdominal area of your body. People who smoke are alarmed about undergoing the surgery as smoking increases the risk of tissue damage which may even cause them to die. Damaged tissues can heal with proper care and time.
  • Alterations in skin sensations. The nerves present in the abdominal area get affected by the surgery causing the changes in simulations and sensations. It means you might experience numbness in your upper thighs and lower abdomen.

How to prepare yourself for undergoing a tummy tuck?

  • Keep a track of your medical history. Talk about all the procedures and diagnosis you have gone through with your medical professional and plastic surgeon before undergoing the abdominoplasty. You must also consider the allergies, medications, weight loss, pregnancy, etc.
  • Discuss your expectations. Openly communicate about the results you are expecting to get with the surgery. Understand the pros and cons and then make up your mind.
  • Quit smoking. As mentioned previously smoking leads to the risk of tissue damage and it can also cause decreased blood flow in the skin and slows down the healing process.
  • Keep a stable weight. To have a tummy tuck one must have a stable weight from 12 months priorly. If you lose weight after the surgery the results will significantly be reduced.

Conclusion

We hope this article has provided you with all the general information you needed to know about the abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. So, book your appointments with your nearest cosmetic surgeon and clear more queries about tummy tuck houston.