Loose hanging skin in the region of the abdomen is very resistant to any kind of exercise. It is very distressing for the person, because it prevents wearing of proper clothes, and is visible as a hanging flab of tissue. This is particularly more common in post pregnant women, where the expanded abdominal skin fails to retract back to its normal contour. This is however less common in men.
The surgical procedure done in this condition is known as a tummy tuck or an “abdominoplasty”. A tummy tuck involves removal of the excess hanging skin along with the underlying fat to give a flat and toned abdomen. This procedure tightens the abdominal muscles and gives a new and rejuvenated abdomen. The position of the umbilicus is also shifted to a more natural position.
The scar
Patients are worried about the scar of the tummy tuck. It is reassuring to know that the scar can be placed according to the type of clothing that the patient prefers to wear, and it is not visible from under the clothing. Thus, if the patient wants to wear a particular type of bikini, we can site the scar accordingly. The scar can be shaped according to the type of jeans or dresses, which the patient may prefer. The scar is fine and tends to mature a lot over time.
How is tummy tuck done?
Tummy tucks are done under general anesthesia. Marking for the incision and determination of the amount of tissue to be removed are done in the preoperative period. After the necessary amount of skin and fat has been removed, the muscles are tightened. It is also possible to produce a shaping of the sides of the abdomen by tightening the muscles there.
What is mini tummy tuck?
In a condition where there is not that much of lax skin and the position of the umbilicus is not too low, the surgery can be made less extensive, and limited amount of skin can be removed for a better shape of the abdomen. It is also possible to tighten the muscles endoscopically.
Post operative period
The patient needs to have restricted physical activity for about 3 weeks after surgery. Gradual walking and light exercises should be done. Sexual activity must be avoided for 3 weeks. Child birth is to be avoided for a period of 2 years. We counsel the patient to undergo a tummy tuck only once she has completed the family.
Why tummy tuck and not liposuction?
The loose hanging skin does not retract well, as there is damage to the elastin fibres due to stretching. Liposuction can only remove fat, and does nothing to the skin. Thus in the event of excess skin, it is practical to consider a tummy tuck. Liposuction is combined to shape the upper part of the tummy and to give a “younger” look.