Tummy Tuck – Lipectomy
Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure in which excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. It helps to tighten the skin and muscles to give a youthful flat look to the abdomen.
Candidates
Any healthy adult can be subject for this procedure.
Ideal candidates are persons who are close to ideal body weight (within 30%) that present abdominal skin that has loss elasticity due to pregnancy, ageing, or weight loss.
As liposculpture, this procedure is neither a treatment nor a cure for obesity, and it does not substitute balanced diet and exercise.
Procedure description
Lipectomy is practiced under general anesthesia or epidural block, and can last 3 to 5 hours. It requires urinary catheter.
A first incision is done located in the lower abdominal region above the pubic area. A second one is done around the belly button. If needed, the surgeon will use liposuction to contour the pubic area or abdomen to improve the final result.
In a full tummy tuck the incision will extend from hip to hip in order to remove the excess skin and fat from the stomach area, and to help tighten the abdominal muscles with permanent sutures. After repositioning the abdomen the surgeon will have to fix the navel and relocate it in most cases.
If fat deposits are located only in the lower abdomen area, the surgeon can perform a mini tummy tuck surgery, which requires a smaller incision and assisted liposuction.
Sutures are placed to close the wounds and then drains, elastic cotton bandage and gauze dressings are placed in the abdomen.
Risks
Lipectomy seldom presents complications. Related risks are:
-Infection and bleeding
-Partial loss of skin
– Skin slough
-Irregularities or asymmetries
-Poor healing resulting in noticeable scars.
In all cases, risks might be minimized by carefully following the physician’s advice.
Pre-operatory care
In order to have a successful procedure, you must avoid the following list of products for at least ten days before and ten after the surgery:
-cigarettes
-aspirin and aspirin containing products
-Vitamin E
-Omega 3
-Ginseng
-Gingko biloba
-Herbal medicines
-Super slim
-Garlic.
You must purchase a gridle that will be worn for 4 weeks.
Eating is not allowed for at least 6 hours before the surgery.
Post-operatory care
The patient will remain in the hospital for 1 or 2 days after the surgery, with bent hips to reduce tension in the abdomen. There might be pain at the incision site, but it is controlled with medication.
The bandages will be removed within the first day after the surgery and replaced by an gridle to be worn for 4 weeks.
Scars are permanent, although they will be almost undetectable after 6 to 12 months.
You must avoid excessive activity and effort for 3 to 4 months. The surgeon will advise you when you can return to your normal routine.
