Abdominoplasty
Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, lipectomy or tummy tuck is designed to remove excess skin and fatty tissue in abdomen and hips associated with flaccidity, muscle weakness and pregnancies. This procedure is also combined with liposuction to improve body contour.
Am I good candidate?
Usually, women and men who have skin sagging at the abdominal area, associated with fatty deposits, may benefit from this surgery. You are a good candidate if:
Have excess fat or sagging skin at the abdomen
Have bulging belly that is not symmetrical with the rest of your body.
Abdominal muscle wall is sagging and weak
Have excess fat tissue located at the abdomen
If you have not been pregnant and want to have a tummy tuck done, should discuss carefully about mid-term expectations, since a subsequent pregnancy totally affect the aesthetic appearance of this procedure.
How is it done?
The procedure is always performed in an operating room at a plastic surgery licensed clinic, under general anesthesia in which the patient is fully asleep throughout the surgery. Horizontal incision is usually made in the pubic area, if the patient has had a previous Caesarean, we can use this same incision line extending laterally to the pelvic area. The length of it depends basically on the amount of skin removed. As far as possible we try to make sure that the scar is well hidden, so that, it will not be noticed when wearing swimsuit or underwear.
After the incision, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall and a large skin flap is lifted to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. Then muscles are tightened towards the midline so that it gives firmness and thins waist. The skin flap is pulled down towards the pubis and surplus and skin is removed. The navel is placed into a new position. Stitches and small drain tubes are left in place.
In case of a having a mini-abdominoplastia (mini tummy tuck) done, the skin is separated only between the incision and the navel, removing excess skin and stitching skin into new position. Only a small percentage of patients are candidates, usually with small amount of saggy skin limit to the pubic area. Remember in mini tummy tuck procedures, we dont move or touch the umbilicus. So if you have saggy skin above navel may be you are not candidate for mini.
Recovery
The patient remains under observation overnight in the clinic, the following day may be discharged, wearing compression garments (girdles) and oral medication.
Frequent Questions
Pain: you will experience a mild pain that is bearable with prescription medication.
Swelling and bruising: The inflammation decreases progressively as massages and post-operative drains are made. It is essential that the patient follow the directions carefully for a comfortable recovery during his post-operative process.
Stitch removal: The stitches used during surgery will dissolve on their own and will not have to be removed later.
Returning to activities: It is recommended to rest at least seven days at home, then you can progressively return to daily activities.
Exercising: Wait four weeks for intense physical exercise
Tanning: You must wait at least two months to expose your body to sunlight directly.
Outcomes
The results are immediately visible after surgery, the final result is reached after three months, when tissue inflammation finish completely and skin adheres into new position.
Should take into account certain indications for a better post-operative.
Post-operative cares
Do not do activities like jogging, lifting weights or going to the gym for the first month.
Take medications on time, do not stop or skip any medication
Remember that liposuction results are progressive and you will be able to see the final outcome after three months depending on the body´s ability to reduce inflammation and scarring.
If you experience excessive pain, vomiting, fever or sudden shortness of breath you should notify immediately.
You may have swollen hands and feet, which is consequence of being in the same position for long time in the operating room but will disappear over time.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure (tanning) during the first two months following the intervention.
SCHEDULE A MEDICAL ASSESSMENT
If you want to know more information about this procedure or to schedule a medical evaluation, contact us or diligently the following form and we will contact you.
LOCATIONS
BUCARAMANGA
D: Clínica Ardila Lulle, Torre B, Piso 11
Módulo 66A, Consultorio 1101
T: 638 8462
C: (320) 321 4542
H: L-S 8:30-12 am -2-6 pm
MEDELLÍN
D: Calle 7 #39-197 Consult. 1317
Barrio el Poblado
T: 587 0913
C: (320) 321 4542
H: L-S 8-12 am -2-6 pm