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Tummy Tuck Surgery – Top 5 Things You Should Know

Abdominoplasty also called tummy tuck surgery is a type of plastic surgery procedure that tightens and reshapes the abdominal area. This surgery helps you to reach a slimmer overall appearance and to feel more confident and comfortable in your body.
According to new data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in 2018, Tummy Tuck is the 5th of top 5 plastic surgeries performed in the USA in 2017 with 129,753 procedures. And the average cost of tummy tuck surgery is $6,253, according to 2018 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

As with any procedure abroad is much less costly treatment options available, for example, the cheapest tummy tuck surgery price in Turkey € 2,145, while the average cost of € 2,876.

Most patients turn to tummy tuck surgery after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Currently, it’s one of the most popular plastic surgery but what do we know about it? Let’s get down to the top 5 things you should know about abdominoplasty.

 

READ: Tummy Tuck Is Safer Than You Thought

1. There Are Many Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery

There are many different types of abdominoplasty, depending on the surgical technique used and the patient’s desires. These can include:

• Complete Abdominoplasty

With full tummy tuck surgery, the incision is created from hip to hip, just above the bikini line. The surgeon creates another incision around the navel. The skin is detached, and the underlying muscle is strengthened through stitches. Liposuction can also be combined with this procedure.

• Mini Tummy Tuck or Partial Abdominoplasty

During mini tummy tuck surgery, the surgeon will create a smaller incision, compared to a full abdominoplasty then proceed to take the same steps as before.

• Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery

The extended tummy tuck procedure is a full abdominoplasty combined with a thigh lift. The scar will run from just above the right thigh, towards the bikini line and then to just above the left thigh.

• Circumferential Tummy Tuck

A circumferential tummy tuck procedure is an extended tummy tuck surgery combined with a buttock lift. The scar will run the full circumference of the body. It’s usually performed after massive weight losses, typically after gastric bypass surgery or another type of bariatric surgery.

READ: How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost? – World Prices

2. The Tummy Tuck Recovery Period Can Be Quite Long

Expect to be sore and feel uncomfortable for the first week from the day of tummy tuck surgery as side effects, and spend the first few days resting at home. At this stage, you may do short walks around the house to maintain healthy circulation. As this surgery performed on the abdominal muscles, recovery after a tummy tuck takes more time than other procedures. You may be ready to return to work 2 to 4 weeks after your tummy tuck surgery. You should avoid heavy exercises for a month after the surgery in order not to develop any risks.

Full recovery from an abdominoplasty procedure lasts around 3 to 5 months. It takes time for the final tummy tuck results to show and as the swelling gradually reduces, your new body contour will take shape. There are special garments that need to be worn, and smoking is strongly prohibited as they can inhibit the body’s healing process.

3. Tummy Tuck Results Are Permanent and Long Lasting

During the tummy tuck surgery procedure, the abdominal muscles are tightened, and excess skin is removed for correcting the belly and making the midsection flatter.

Although new techniques and approaches have been introduced, such as laser tummy tuck or non-surgical tummy tuck, abdominoplasty is a serious and complex surgical procedure that promises lasting results. According to the studies, tummy tuck patients report an 86% satisfaction rate following their abdominoplasty surgery.

The results are definitely long lasting but also depend on the patient’s ability to follow a healthy lifestyle and not gain excess weight. Although an abdominoplasty can help patients lose some weight through the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue, it is not weight loss surgery. Patients can choose other options such as gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery in order to lose weight.

READ: Gastric Sleeve – 6 Common Questions You need to Know

4. Tummy Tuck Scars Depend on The Surgical Technique Used

Depending on the surgical technique used, scarring can be limited (as with mini tummy tuck surgery) or extensive, covering the full circumference of the body (as with a circumferential tummy tuck procedure). It is important to keep in mind that a tummy tuck surgery leaves scar. Although they may reduce slightly, they will never completely fade away. Your surgeon may recommend you some certain creams or ointments to use for the scars after you are completely recovered.

Certain factors such as smoking can influence the visibility of the scar after the surgery. As the scar is quite small and can be easily hidden on the bikini line, patients usually prefer a mini tummy tuck surgery.

5. Men Are Getting in On the Action As Well!

Although Tummy Tuck is mostly preferred to shape the body after pregnancy, this surgery is not just for women. Men also decide this procedure to achieve a more fit and masculine appearance. Males usually experience a surge in confidence after having an abdominoplasty and considering the fact that patients generally tend to attain and even improve their look after surgery.

READ: Attractive Choices of Plastic Surgery for Men

 

This content is edited by Flymedi Medical Editors in April 2019.

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