Abdominoplasty: what, for whom and how?
For some people – men and women – the abdomen is one of the body areas that really bothers. Weight fluctuations or pregnancy sometimes leave marks. With a tummy tuck, we can remove excess skin, excess fatty tissue and tighten muscles.
The right gut feeling
The purpose of a tummy tuck – also known as abdominoplasty – is to get the skin in the area below the ribs and above the pubic area as tight as possible again. This can sometimes be necessary when you have lost a lot of weight or after pregnancy. Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction of the upper abdomen.
How does a tummy tuck proceed ?
In abdominoplasty, the excess skin and associated excess fatty tissue at the level of the lower abdomen is removed through a horizontal incision. This is usually at the level of the bikini line (so that the scar sits as low as possible). Often the navel is also exposed and reattached in another place. This procedure is done under general anesthesia.
Extra 1: rectus diastasis
In rectus diastasis, the distance between the two straight abdominal muscle groups increases as the tissue connecting them stretches. This condition is often the result of pregnancy and can lead to back pain. We can correct these during an abdominoplasty by reefing (or strengthening) the abdominal wall. The two sides of the straight abdominal muscles are then brought back together, giving you a less bulging abdomen.
Extra 2: liposuction
In many cases, an abdominoplasty is accompanied by liposuction of the upper abdomen, waist and part of the hips. In fact, an abdominoplasty alone has little effect on any rolls of fat or bunions above the hips. Sometimes, with firm skin and good muscle tone, liposuction alone can suffice, either under local or general anesthesia.
All the way or mini abdominoplasty?
Compared to a full abdominoplasty, the mini variant of an abdominoplasty does not alter the position of the navel. In order for this procedure to be possible, the excess skin and fat must then be located between the navel and the pubic bone.
There is also the Inverted T or Fleur de Lys abdominoplasty. In this major surgery, the entire abdominal wall is corrected in two directions. The excess skin is then removed both vertically and horizontally.
After surgery
Immediately after the surgery, there are some things you have to observe: you have to wear a belly band or lipo panty to reduce swelling and get a nice result. Also, you should not do any sports or heavy exercise for 6 weeks. In the beginning it is a bit of a pain but the result is worth it!
Advice on tummy tuck?
Whether you qualify for a tummy tuck depends from person to person . In any case, your BMI must be below 30 and, of course, you must have some excess skin and/or fat to remove. We are happy to explain the pros and cons and options to you in our practice.