What You Need to Know About Getting Abdominoplasty

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that is primarily used to fix loose or sagging skin around the abdomen area. The goal of the procedure is to make your abdominal area look firmer, tighter, and more toned. This can be done by removing excess fat, skin, and tissue from your midsection using one of two ways. In some cases, your surgeon may use liposuction to remove the excess fat, skin, and tissue. In other cases, your surgeon may make an incision from hip to hip to remove extra tissue. After the excess tissue is removed, your surgeon will then use your natural tissue to make an ‘internal bra’ to give your abdominal area more support. Abdominoplasty is a very common surgery that many people choose to improve the contours of their abdomen. This procedure is also known as a “tummy tuck” or an “abdominoplasty.”

How Does an Abdominoplasty Procedure Work?

There are two ways that your surgeon can perform an abdominoplasty procedure: After your surgeon has determined which method they’ll use, they will then make one or two incisions around your abdomen. During abdominal liposuction, your surgeon will make a small incision near one of your hips and insert a small suction device to remove the excess fat and tissue. A wide incision is typically used when your surgeon wants to remove extra tissue and skin. After your surgeon has completed the procedure, they will close your incisions using stitches or surgical staples.

When Can Abdominoplasty be Performed?

Your surgeon will determine when abdominoplasty is right for you. In general, your surgeon may recommend you wait at least 6 months after having a baby or 3-6 months after you’ve lost all the weight you want to lose. Your surgeon may also recommend you wait until you’ve stopped breastfeeding your baby. Your surgeon will determine when is the best time to perform your procedure. Getting a tummy tuck procedure done too early after having a baby may lead to complications and an increased risk of infection. You may also experience delayed healing and an increased risk for complications and infections.

What to Expect After an Abdominoplasty?

After your tummy tuck procedure, your surgeon will apply a compression garment to your abdomen. Your surgeon will also recommend that you stay in a reclining position for a few days after your procedure. You may also need to take a few days off work while you recover. While you’re healing, you’re likely to experience some pain and discomfort. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage the pain and discomfort. You may also experience some swelling and bruising, which is normal after having a procedure like this. You may have bandages or surgical stitches as well. You can expect to see results around 3-5 months after your procedure. Your body will also undergo a period of rest while you’re healing.

Risks Associated With Abdominoplasty

While there are many benefits associated with abdominoplasty, there are also some risks that you should be aware of before getting the procedure done. Some of the risks associated with a tummy tuck procedure include:

Abdominal Infection: Your incisions are likely to become infected if you don’t follow your surgeon’s instructions. This is why it is so important to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions to the T. Abdominal Wall Retraction: After your surgery, your abdomen may look like it is falling in. This is normal and will usually resolve itself within about two weeks.

Bump or Scar near the incision site: This is not uncommon after having a tummy tuck procedure done. You can have this treated with a scar revision procedure if you wish.

Final Words

Getting a tummy tuck procedure done can significantly improve the contours of your abdomen. It is a very common procedure among both men and women who want to improve the appearance of their midsection. Abdominoplasty is a surgery that is performed to tighten, support, and shape the abdominal area. If you are interested in getting a tummy tuck procedure done, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will help you determine if abdominoplasty is a good fit for you and help you understand the procedure and its risks.