abdominoplasty, known more commonly as "Tummy Tuck", is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR AN ABDMONIPLASTY?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are:
1. Men or women who are in relatively good shape, but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise.
2.The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.
3. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
HOW ABDOMINOPLASTY IS PERFORMED?
Complete abdominoplasty in Mumbai usually takes 2-5 hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two. Typically, Dr. Viral Desai will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. The incision falls in the bikini line and is hidden in the undergarments and not visible. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved. Next, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall up to the ribs and the skin flap is lifted to reveal the vertical muscles of the abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for the navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions are stitched, dressings applied and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.
Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY SURGERY
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you’re likely to feel some pain.
RISKS, COMPLICATIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS
All surgery carry some uncertainty and risk. Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully in Mumbai each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible. Smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.
Dr. Viral Desai will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell Dr. Viral Desai if you smoke, and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs. Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr. Viral Desai. During the consultation at Mumbai, Dr. Desai will explain the anaesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed and the costs involved. For example, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a mini-abdominoplasty (mini-tummy tuck) which can often be performed as an OPD procedure. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour.
We give utmost importance to patient confidentiality and take strictest care to ensure your privacy. The staff at CPLSS Mumbai, understands that it can be difficult for a patient to make enquiries about such a delicate matter. It is our aim to make you feel as relaxed, comfortable and fully informed about the procedure as possible.
You should stop smoking (including the use of nicotine patches), intake of any blood thinning tablets (i.e. aspirin/disprin) and intake of vitamins at least one week prior to surgery.
Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.
You should inform Dr. Viral Desai of any reactions to medications, general anesthetics, or tapes.
