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Tummy tucks, formally known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes extra fat and skin from the stomach area. It also helps flatten the abdomen and helps to remove unwanted marks from the skin. Abdominoplasty doesn’t just have cosmetic benefits — it can also be medically recommended for obese people who have lost elasticity in their skin. Before undergoing the procedure, it’s recommended that the patient has a stable weight and be in good physical condition. Females who plan on having children should wait to have an abdominoplasty until they no longer wish to have children.
The best candidates for a tummy tuck revision are women whose skin and muscles have been stretched from pregnancy and have a scar on their belly, such as from giving birth via a Cesarean section. For individuals—both women and men—who are self-conscious about their looks, this can be one of the most satisfying cosmetic surgery procedures to undergo because it has a transformative effect on a person’s look. Some patients also consider tummy tuck revision surgery because of belly button distortion. This occurs when the umbilicus, or belly button, heals in an unnatural way and detracts from a person’s overall look. Some examples of this include having a belly button that looks stretched-out or elongated rather than a round belly button that most people have. As such, the tummy tuck revision procedure is the best option for addressing the reshaping the belly button distortion issue faced by many patients.
There are a few guidelines to know prior to undergoing a tummy tuck revision procedure. It usually takes at least two weeks to recover from a tummy tuck revision, and the person cannot begin more exertive activities like exercising for three to four weeks after the surgery. A tummy tuck revision usually involves skin or tissue removal, which involves cutting the skin surgically, as well as removing residual fat deposits using liposuction. Liposuction also makes it possible to safeguard against the recurrence of unwanted fat.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications that can occur from undergoing a tummy tuck procedure. The most common issue that can occur is the development of a seroma or hematoma in the area where the tummy tuck revision takes place. This results in a buildup of blood beneath the skin that needs to be drained—sometimes more than once. Other complications from this surgery include:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Allergic reaction
- Infection
- Swelling
- Pain at the surgical site
- Bruising
- Slow healing
- Scarring
- Tissue loss
- Loss of sensitivity
- Muscle damage
- Blood clots
- Fat embolism
- Unhappiness with the results
Issues like infection, swelling, and pain can be taken care of with medication. The bruising usually subsides within a week to 10 days. Any other issues should be addressed with your physician.
The benefits of a tummy tuck revision are numerous, including a better overall body view, increase in muscle tone and better posture. If you have recently lost a great deal of weight or are just unhappy with the way your belly looks, this is a procedure worth considering.
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