Tummy Tuck

A Tummy tuck or Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the abdomen. It involves removing excess fat and skin along with tightening the weakened abdominal muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.

Having a well-toned and flat abdominal profile is something plenty of individuals strive for through weight control and exercise. Unfortunately, these methods do not always work for everyone. There are various reasons why you might have poor skin elasticity, excess fat, and weakened abdominal muscles. These include:

• Pregnancy
• Significant weight changes
• Aging
• Natural body type
• Prior surgery
• Heredity

A Tummy tuck in Dubai can remove loose, excess fat and skin, and tighten weak fascia. A tummy tuck can also improve the appearance of stretch marks and excess skin below the belly button in the lower abdomen. However, it cannot correct stretch marks outside of this area.

It should be noted that a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure.

Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck

You can be an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck if you have excess fat and loose skin on the abdomen and also if you:

• Are at a stable weight but not overweight
• Are healthy
• Have realistic expectations
• The appearance of your abdomen bothers you
• Are a nonsmoker

Preparing for a Tummy Tuck Surgery

During your tummy tuck consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, you will discuss:

• Your surgical goals
• Drug allergies, medical conditions, and medical treatments
• Previous surgeries
• Current medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse

Your medical history will be reviewed and you will also undergo a physical examination as well as some lab tests.

You will also be given some pre-op instructions which may include:

• Restriction on taking certain medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements
• Restriction on smoking to avoid risking tissue damage
• Maintainance of stable weight
• Starting certain medication to prevent complications

Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck is performed in an outpatient surgical facility or a hospital setting. It is done under general anesthesia in which you are completely unconscious and unable to feel any pain. In some cases, individuals can be given pain medication and moderately sedated which makes them partially asleep.

For a full tummy tuck, a horizontally-oriented incision is made in the area between the belly button and the pubic hairline. The length and shape of the incision are determined by the amount of excess skin to be removed. The abdominal skin is lifted and the weakened underlying muscles are repaired.

If there is excess skin in the upper abdomen, a second incision around the navel may be required to remove it.

The upper abdominal skin is pulled down, the excess skin is trimmed off, and the remaining skin is stitched together. A new belly button opening is created and it is popped through to the surface and stitched into position.

The incisions are then closed with sutures, skin adhesives, clips, or tape.

A tummy tuck can also be combined with other body contouring procedures such as liposuction, to achieve better outcomes. Other procedures may include breast surgery. Your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon will give you a tailored made plan according to the most suitable treatment for you.

Recovery and Results

After an abdominoplasty, the incisions and the belly button will be covered with surgical dressings. Drainage tubes may be placed along the incision site to drain any excess fluid or blood.

You will experience moderate pain but this can be controlled with pain medication. Antibiotics are also prescribed to keep post-op infections at bay. It is also normal for the surgical site to have some degree of swelling.

You will be required to wear a supportive abdominal garment for about 6 weeks after the tummy tuck surgery. This helps in controlling the swelling and providing support to the abdominal area while you heal.

During the recovery period, it is important to avoid strenuous activities, especially those that are likely to put pressure on the incision areas.

The results of a tummy tuck are immediate but will be more visible gradually as the swelling and bruising go down. The results are a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type.

The results are long-lasting if stable weight is maintained.

To Know More

Would you like to understand what options are available for Tummy Tuck in Dubai? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or Book an appointment and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.