Abdominoplasty – Tummy Tuck Surgery

You may be a good candidate if:

• Physically healthy and have stable weight
• You have realistic expectations
• You do not smoke
• Bothered by the appearance of your abdomen.

It is meant to reshape your abdomen by removing excess fat and skin in that area. It’s not a substitute for exercise program, to burn fat.

Tummy tuck techniques are determined by patient underlying anatomy, location and amount of redundant skin, and fat content. Commonly used techniques are:

(i) Mini Abdominoplasty

• 4-8 inches scar is placed above pubic region
• Done in limited patients with lower abdomen skin excess.
• Does not reposition the navel.

(ii) Standard or Full tummy tuck

• Uses hip to hip incision with repositioning of navel/ belly button,abdominal muscle tightening and removal of excess skin in mid and lower abdomen.
• Tummy tuck when combined with abdominal Liposuction is called as Lipo-abdominoplasty.

(iii) Extended tummy tuck:

• Incisions are extended beyond hips. It is reserved for massive weight loss patients.Circumferential lower body lift is often combined with this procedure.

What are the before and after care surgery tips?

Before Surgery Care	After Surgery Care
Select a certified and experienced Cosmetic surgeon for consultation/ procedure.	Follow your doctor’s post-op care instructions strictly to avoid complications.
Quit smoking 4 weeks before surgery; No alcohol too.	No rigorous activities for 4-6 weeks.
Refrain from eating or drinking for 8 hours before surgery/ as advised by your doctor.	Quit smoking for at least 6-8 weeks, stop alcohol for 6 weeks.
Follow doctor’s instructions about medication to be taken or stopped before surgery is required.	Do not lift weights or bend at the waist to lift, for six weeks.
Be prepared to face risks/ complications if any, post surgery	Do not expose to direct sunlight, and eat soft semi-solid foods.
Understand the follow-up care, including dietary restrictions.	Do not compare results with others.
	Do not skip post-op care appointments.

This surgery can take 2-5 hours. You may need to stay overnight in the hospital, depending on your case. It is done under general anesthesia, which will put you to “sleep” during the operation.Redundant excess skin and fat are trimmed along with tightening of abdominal muscles. Scars are hidden under skinny area.

Before you decide to go with tummy tuck surgery, weigh your options carefully and make sure it’s your own decision and not forced upon you. Know if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of tummy tuck surgery are acceptable.

Risks with Tummy tuck surgery include:

• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation (Seroma)
• Poor wound healing
• Skin loss/ skin necrosis
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Unfavorable scarring
• Recurrent looseness of skin
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Asymmetry
• Suboptimal aesthetic result
• Possibility of Revisional surgery
• Persistent pain

The recovery period is very crucial and instructions provided by your doctor. Some of the instructions may include:

• Care for the surgical site and drains
• Oral or topical medication to aid healing and prevent infection
• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

The results can be long lasting provided you ensure to maintain your diet and exercise and prevent the build-up of extra fat in the abdomen region.

It depends on the type, the person’s general condition, and other factors that include:

• Hospital / surgical facility cost
• Prescription medication cost
• Anesthetist and Surgeon’s fee
• Nursing and Support Staff fee
• Post-surgery garments

The cost can vary between Rs. 85,000 – Rs. 1,30,000.

Send us your pictures to get an opinion from our doctor before you come for consultation to help us understand if you are a candidate for the procedure.