Achieving a Flatter Stomach: A Guide to Tummy Tuck Surgery

Abdominoplasty, also known as a "Tummy Tuck", is a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightening the weak or sagging muscles in this area.

The procedure is performed by making an incision in the excess skin in the abdominal area, through which the excess fat and skin are removed and the weak muscles are tightened.

The procedure takes approximately 2-4 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

Recent studies have shown that Abdominoplasty is a safe procedure for both men and women, provided it is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon using the necessary medical equipment and conducting a comprehensive health assessment of the patient.

Abdominoplasty is performed after the patient is given general anesthesia.

The surgeon then begins by making an incision that extends around the abdomen and around the belly button, with the size of the incision varying depending on the amount of excess skin (180 degrees - 270 degrees - 360 degrees).

The incision is used to remove excess fat and tissue, separate the excess skin from the muscles, and then perform liposuction and install tubes to drain excess fluids.

1.  If you have experienced significant weight loss in a short period of time, the skin in the abdominal area may sag and accumulate.

2.  If you have undergone a cesarean section, stretch marks and sagging may appear in the abdomen, causing a weakening of the abdominal muscles and an unpleasant appearance in this area.

3. If a woman undergoes multiple pregnancies in a short period of time, there may be severe loosening of the abdominal muscles.

4. If you do not prefer exercising to get rid of accumulated weight in the abdominal area, then a Tummy Tuck surgery is the ideal option for you.

Abdominal fat can cause many health problems if it accumulates without being reduced, including:

1. An increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

2. A higher chance of developing certain types of cancer, such as colon and breast cancer.

3. Elevated blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing diabetes.

4. Breathing problems and diseases such as asthma.

5. Pressure on the joints, which can lead to acute joint inflammation.

6. Digestive system problems such as acidity and constipation.

Liposuction is the process of removing accumulated fat in various parts of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. The doctor inserts thin tubes through the skin and moves between the fat to remove it.

As for Tummy Tuck, it is the removal of excess skin in the abdomen area and the removal of fat to achieve a tight abdomen.

There are two types of Tummy Tuck procedures, which differ depending on the patient's condition and the amount of fat to be removed.

Full Tummy Tuck:

This procedure is performed for patients who have sagging and fat in the lower back and abdomen. The doctor makes a long incision that extends from the pelvis to the navel, and there may be a slight change in the position of the navel after removing the fat and correcting the area.

Mini Tummy Tuck:

This procedure involves removing the skin and fat from the abdomen only and requires a smaller incision than a full Tummy Tuck.

The degree of surgical incision is determined by the amount of excess skin, making the surgical incision dependent on the patient's condition.

1.  A 180-degree Tummy Tuck is for minor Tummy Tucks, where the patient's stomach requires a small amount of tightening. This procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. It is also called "improving the appearance of the lower abdomen"Mini Tummy Tuck".

2.  A 270-degree Tummy Tuck involves removing excess skin from the abdominal area and pulling the remaining skin downwards. Additionally, loose abdominal muscles are tightened, and excess fat is reduced.

3. A 360-degree Tummy Tuck involves removing excess fat and skin from the abdominal and back areas, lifting the buttocks, and removing skin sagging. This procedure is usually performed on people who have gained and lost a lot of weight in a short period or those who have undergone bariatric surgery (gastric bypass or sleeve) which has led to significant skin sagging.

1. Following a healthy diet rich in protein.

2. Quitting smoking for at least two weeks before the surgery to avoid any negative effects on clotting and recovery.

3. Stopping the intake of some medications that may negatively affect clotting, such as Aspirin.

4. The patient should fully prepare themselves psychologically before undergoing the surgery and speak in detail with their doctor.

5. The patient fasts for 8 hours before the surgery to avoid any complications.

The patient needs a recovery period after the surgery, which varies depending on the type of surgery (full or mini) and differs from person to person based on their age, condition, and lifestyle.

Usually, the patients need to stay in the hospital for a period ranging from two to five days, and then they need a recovery period ranging from 2 to 6 weeks.

During the recovery period, the patient should avoid heavy physical activities and sitting for long periods, follow a specific diet prescribed by the doctor, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

The patient may experience some swelling and bruising after the surgery in the abdomen and back, but they will quickly subside after regularly taking the prescribed medication.

The time it takes for Tummy Tuck results to appear varies from person to person and depends on several factors:

1- The size of the surgery: If the Tummy Tuck involves the removal of a large amount of skin and fat, the recovery time will be longer than a simple Tummy Tuck.

2- Age: : The older  patient taking longer time to recover.

3- Health: If the person follows a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise and eating healthy foods, they will recover faster and see results sooner.

It may take several months to see the full results of a Tummy Tuck as the body needs time to heal after the surgery and swelling subsides. The patient should also follow the doctor's instructions after the surgery and avoid excessive strain for best results.