Abdominoplasty : Treatment, Procedure, Cost And Side Effects

An abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and fat from the abdominal wall and gives it very smooth and compact shape. Nowadays, most people are not satisfied with their bodies. Almost everyone thinks that there's too much flab on their stomachs that they can't seem to get rid of even with the healthiest diet plan and a regular exercise regimen. Many women and men also develop stretch marks on their stomachs during puberty or bodybuilding due to a sudden change in size and shape of the skin caused by growth and weight gain.

During these periods, the skin is elongated beyond its normal capacity and stretch marks are formed on the stomach. Most women develop stretch marks on their stomachs during pregnancy. Although the marks are not harmful at all, most people are not comfortable with the way they look on the skin. To get rid of all these, people undergo abdominoplasty to remove any excess fat and consequently all the stretch marks. However, tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure that needs contemplation. People must not look at it as just another way to lose weight. Abdominoplasty should really be the last resort of people with flabby stomachs or stretch marks.

Abdominoplasty is performed while is under general anesthesia. Now, the procedure has three types and it is the patient's situation that determines the type of procedure he/she is going to receive. The three types are- complete abdominoplasty, partial or mini abdominoplasty and circumferential abdominoplasty.

Complete abdominoplasty is the most invasive procedure as is suggested by the name itself. In this process, an incision is made on the lower abdomen near the pubic hair and the incision stretches from one hip bone to another. The surgeon will tuck the muscles and skin as required. In this procedure, another incision is made near the navel to free it from the tissue surrounding it. Drainage pipes are places below the skin and are removed after a few days.

In partial abdominoplasty, the incision made is much shorter and the the navel is usually not moved. This process is mostly performed on people with fat deposited below the navel. Circumferential abdominoplasty is performed on patients who have fat not just on the stomach but on the back of the abdomen as well and around the hips. Circumferential abdominoplasty give the body a three-dimensional boost.

Men and women who are generally healthy, have a more or less normal body weight and do not smoke are the most suitable candidates for an abdominoplasty.

Women who plan on having children might want to avoid a tummy tuck. That is because, a tummy tuck tightens the vertical muscles. A pregnancy afterwards can split the muscles and cause a hernia. People with abnormally high body weights are also not suitable for tummy tucks.

Like any other major surgery, an abdominoplasty has its share of side effects. There will be some swelling and pain in the operated area that will go after a few weeks. There might also be numbness and tiredness for several weeks. A tummy tuck may also cause significant scarring.

After a tummy tuck, doctors always encourage everyone to engage in light activity after taking rest for a few days. Patients should do enough work to be on the feet but must be mindful to not strain themselves. This ensures that the blood keeps circulating in the legs. Patients should also sleep on their backs for a week or two after the surgery. Patients have to wear an abdominal binder for a few weeks to minimize the swelling and ensure a compact shape of the abdomen.

Patients usually recover from an abdominoplasty within 3-4 weeks of the procedure.

People can have the procedure at a government hospital for free. And for people who opt to have the treatment at a private hospital, it may cost cost somewhere close to Rs.1,30,000.

Yes, the results of an abdominoplsty are permanent. The excess skin and fat around the abdomen and the stretch marks on it are gone for good after an abdominoplasty.

Safety: High

Effectiveness: High

Timeliness: High

Relative Risk: Low

Side Effects: Low

Time For Recovery: Medium

Price Range: Rs. 2,10,00 to Rs Rs. 8,40,000