Tummy Tuck
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery also known as abdominoplasty surgery is a surgery of the abdomen region to improve its aesthetic appearance. The tummy tuck meaning refers to removal of unnecessary skin and fat from the abdomen to make the waistline narrow. The fascia (connective tissue of abdomen) is tightened with the help of stitches which brings the muscles together. It gives a more balanced shape to the abdomen.
Loose and sagging abdomen is usually caused by:
- Aging
- Genetic predisposition
- Pregnancy
- Any previous surgery
- Fluctuations in a person’s body weight
Individuals with stomach bulges and saggy skin choose tummy tuck and body contouring to maintain their waistline shape.
Benefits of a tummy tuck
- Gives a more balanced shape to the abdomen.
- Removes extra skin from your stomach area
- Helps in the tightening of weakened muscles
- Gives you a more pleasant and aesthetic feel
- Boosts your self-esteem and confidence
- Makes you more active in physical activity
- Relieves back pain and removal of extra fat gives more support to your back
- Can treat bladder problems such as the symptoms of stress urinary inconsistency.
- Can fix certain types of hernia such as ventral hernia.
Depending upon the goals of surgery, benefits may vary from one person to another.
Understanding the different types of tummy tucks
There are three types of tummy tucks categorized on the basis of location and amount of excessive skin and fat of the tummy.
Standard tummy tuck (complete abdominoplasty)
A standard tummy tuck is the most common type of abdominoplasty which removes excessive skin and fat from the midsection. It gives firm and tight skin above and below the belly button. People with separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) can also get standard tummy tuck. Patients can usually return to light routine activities within a couple of weeks however full recovery is expected within 3-6 Weeks. This procedure also reshapes and repositions your belly button.
Mini tummy tuck ( partial abdominoplasty)
A mini Tummy tuck is less invasive as compared to standard and extended tummy tucks. It removes lax skin below the belly button and strengthens the muscles of the lower stomach. Since smaller incisions are done in mini Tummy tuck, it is less expensive and has a fast recovery. You can continue your routine activities within 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery and can perform strenuous exercise in 5 to 6 weeks.
Extended tummy tuck (circumferential abdominoplasty) (Belt Lipectomy)
Extended tummy tuck is also known as high lateral tension abdominoplasty which removes sagging skin and excessive fat from the abdomen and flanks (love handles). It can also be done along with liposuction to remove stubborn fat in certain cases. A longer incision is made by the surgeon that stretches up and around the flanks and thus contours the tummy, waist and hips. This procedure also reshapes and repositions your belly button.
It has a downtime of 6 weeks to resume routine activities and 12 weeks for full recovery.
How do you prepare for a Tummy Tuck?
You get a consultation session with the doctor. He reviews your past medical including any surgeries you have taken, does your physical examination and discusses your procedure goals. He also makes you aware of the benefits and risks of surgery.
The surgeon might take clinical photographs before surgery to compare the results after the surgery.
Here are the things he asks you to follow before undergoing tummy tuck surgery:
- Stop smoking as it can lower blood circulation and delay the healing process.
- Avoid taking Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.
- Wear comfortable and loose-fitted clothes while coming for surgery.
- Arrange an attendant to be with you.
Tummy tuck Procedure at JJ Aesthetics
At JJ Aesthetics, we follow internationally recognized safety and hygienic protocols to perform tummy tuck surgery. Depending upon the patient’s goals and needs, the surgeon chooses the type of surgery to give you maximum benefit from the procedure.
- First of all, general anesthesia is given which blocks pain and lets you stay in a sleep-like condition.
- The surgeon does abdominoplasty marking to spot the area of the belly where surgery has to be done.
- He makes an incision in the skin in the abdominal region and removes the skin and fat between the belly button and pubic hair.
- To drain excess fluid (if needed), the surgeon inserts drainage tubes.
- He tightens the connective tissue over abdominal muscles known as facia, with the help of stitches.
- Then he closes the incision of skin by stitching together and covers it with bandages.
- You are kept under observation until the effects of anesthesia go away.
Post Surgery Care
Day 0 – surgery day
- You will be shifted to the private room. You may feel light headed, drowsy or nauseated due to anesthesia for a few hours.
- You are not allowed to eat or drink until approved by the doctor.
- You may feel pain, discomfort, tightness or soreness on the treated area. Pain medications are prescribed to manage this.
Day 1
- Our medical staff help you to mobilize in a bent over position to prevent from straining in your abdominal sutures.
- You will begin eating a soft diet.
- Staff will change or adjust the bandages as needed.
- After assessment, you will be discharged with complete post care advice. Keep wearing pressure garments.
- Take plenty of liquids (water or juices). Take proper rest and avoid unnecessary movement.
- You may be kept hospitalized for 24-48 hours depending upon your condition.
Day 2
- Start taking the prescribed medications along with painkillers and antibiotics.
- You can take off the outer dressing (if advised) and take a gentle shower.
- Except during showers, keep wearing pressure garment full time.
- Absorb excess fluid around the drain sites with the help of sterilized gauze.
- There may be some drainage on the treated area which is normal and usually reduced with time.
- Work for short distances in the house to reduce the chance of fluid accumulation.
Day 3
- Visit us for the first follow up. Your dressings might be changed if needed.
Day 4 – Day 6
- Continue to shower daily but don’t or apply any cream to the treated site unless allowed by your doctor.
- Avoid twisting, lifting weights or sudden movement.
Day 7
- For your second follow up, visit JJ Aesthetic.
- You will be provided with your pressure garments.
- The doctor will evaluate your healing process and may remove surgical drains (if required).
- He will also remove the non dissolvable stitches today or on the 14th day.
Day 8 and Onwards
- Resume your light routine activities like work from home or casual walks.
- Moisturize the treated area by using moisturizer (approved by doctor) to reduce dryness and itching.
- You can also do a light abdominal massage if advised.
- Wear the pressure garment for 4 to 6 weeks. It helps in reduction of swelling, fasten tissue healing and helps in contouring the body.
- Avoid strenuous physical work and exercise or driving for 3 to 6 weeks.
Important notes
- Avoid smoking or using alcohol to prevent delayed healing and complications.
- Maintain proper hydration and nutrition for optimal recovery.
- Swelling, bruises, fluid accumulation are normal during the recovery phase.
- Central part of the wound takes longer to heal as the rest of the part.
- Your doctor may need to remove the fluid during your extra follow ups.
- In follow ups visits we treat the scars with specialized lasers like CO2 laser to minimize the appearance of scar after tummy tuck surgery
Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?
You are an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck if you:
- Are In good health condition overall.
- Have stable weight
- Do not smoke over capable of stopping smoking before and after the procedure
- Are Not planning a pregnancy
- Have realistic expectations from the surgery
Tummy tuck gives you permanent results however fluctuations in weight can affect the outcomes of the procedure over time. If you are in the process of achieving your ideal weight, a surgeon may recommend you delay the tummy tuck surgery until you have reached your ideal weight and there are no more fluctuations expected.
Moreover, skin and muscle changes during and after pregnancy can affect the results of the procedure. This is why the surgeon does not recommend tummy tuck if you are planning to expand your family.
What does Tummy Tuck Recovery look like?
Tummy Tuck Recovery time is usually longer as compared to minimally invasive procedures because it deals with deeper tissues and the tightening of abdominal muscles. It may take up to 4-6 weeks to recover and come to a normal routine. There may be a tummy tuck scar after surgery below the bikini line. Your doctor gives you instructions to take care of scars which may take a year or so to fade.
What are the Risks Associated with Tummy Tuck?
Potential side effects of your tummy tuck are:
- Extremely visible scar
- Bulges beneath the skin
- Extra skin (dog ears) at the edges of scars.
- Delayed or no wound healing
- Hematoma or blood clot formation under the skin
- Pain or feeling of numbness in the abdomen or leg
- Cramps or pain
- Breathing difficulty
- Fluid accumulation (Seroma Formation)
During your consultation session, the surgeon explains the chances of risk and complications and also guides you on how to treat them. Moreover, you can also discuss them with your surgeon during your follow up sessions.
Tummy Tuck Alternatives
Though invasive, Tummy tuck is very effective for abdominal tightening and removing excessive skin and fat. Some minimally invasive or noninvasive alternatives to improve the appearance of the abdomen may include:
- Liposuction
- Cool sculpting (cryolipolysis)
- Radio frequency
- Skin tightening
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
- Emsculpt
- Panniculectomy
- Exercise or diet
But they all provide temporary results not permanent results like tummy tuck.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Pakistan?
Tummy tuck surgery cost in Pakistan may range from 150000 to 200000. The cost may vary as per the clinic facilities, the experience of the surgeon, and the type of surgery you choose. We at JJ Aesthetics, offer competitive and transparent pricing for high-quality tummy tuck surgery. We provide you a complete cost breakdown with no hidden charges – just world class care at a value that is fully justifiable.
Why JJ Aesthetics Is the Best Choice for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
At JJ Aesthetics, we provide the best quality tummy tuck in Islamabad where you get a centralized care from a highly qualified & experienced team of surgeons. They are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). From initial consultation to full recovery, you are compassionately provided with expert care.
Our outstanding patient satisfaction rate with a number of positive reviews and tummy tuck surgery before and after transformation is clear evidence of the trust of clients. Schedule your consultation today to take the first step towards a more confident you!
We have the best female and male plastic surgeons in Pakistan who are performing best tummy tucks. We are offering advanced techniques for tummy tuck that include liposuction first followed by muscle tightening & removal of extra skin that gives best results for abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck).
FAQs
The scars are usually flattened and faded out. The tightened muscles and slim abdominal contour are still apparent if the patient maintains a stable weight.
Tummy tuck gives long-lasting and often permanent results if a healthy lifestyle is followed after the surgery. Some weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging can affect long-term results.
Reverse tummy tuck is similar to tummy tuck but involves the removal of loose skin from the upper belly part.
Yes, tummy tuck can be combined with other cosmetic procedures like liposuction, hernia repair, breast augmentation, body lift or thigh lift.
Weight loss may occur as a part of healing but is not the primary goal of tummy tuck. It focuses on the removal of extra skin and tightening abdominal muscles.
No, this surgery does not affect your ability to exercise. You can resume exercise once allowed by your surgeon.
Yes you can conceive and have a pregnancy after tummy tuck, as we do nothing with uterus & ovaries in this procedure. But your pregnancy can alter the results of your tummy tuck. That is why it is recommended to go for it after completion of your family.
