The abdominoplasty surgery, also known as a "tummy tuck," is a treatment to remove extra skin and fat from the abdomen and strengthen the muscles lining the abdominal wall. Patients can now get rid of extra abdominal tissue using the abdominoplasty either as a stand-alone procedure after pregnancy or as a supplement to major weight loss. However, this surgery must not be considered an alternative to weight loss. 

Depending on how much fat and skin needs to be removed, tummy tucks might be considered "minor" operations or more complex ones. Before deciding to undergo surgery, one must thoroughly understand the pros and cons of the surgery. To educate our readers, Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan, the best surgeon for abdominoplasty in Bangalore, will talk about various aspects of the procedure, including preparation, process, and aftercare.

Who needs Abdominoplasty?

A tummy tuck surgery can be opted for by anyone, irrespective of their gender. The technique may be helpful for women who have strained muscles and skin from pregnancy. It can help them to tighten those muscles and shrink their skin. 

Abdominoplasty is also considered a good option for those with a history of obesity who have lost a lot of weight but still have excess fat deposits or loose skin in the abdomen. 

A tummy tuck is not an option for the following candidates: 

• Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy 

• Candidates who want to lose more weight

• Smokers 

• Highly diabetic 

• Heart patients 

Benefits of Abdominoplasty 

Abdominoplasty is a useful procedure that can help one get in shape. Here are the benefits one can avail of by undergoing this surgery: As long as pregnancy and excessive weight gain are avoided, the effects of an abdominoplasty surgery are permanent. However, If one becomes pregnant or puts on a lot of weight, the muscles may stretch, leading to 

• Tummy tucks surgery can give one a toned body. 

• It can reduce the appearance of lower abdominal stretch marks developed due to weight loss or pregnancy.

• It can restore the muscles pulled apart due to pregnancy and help with back support and lower back pain. 

• Some studies show that tummy tuck may also help with reducing the pressure of the urethra or bladder (Stress Urinary Incontinence)

• A tummy tuck surgery can help boost confidence by improving the abdomen's appearance. 

Procedure of Abdominoplasty 

Preparation: Here is how one can prepare themselves for an abdominoplasty surgery in Bangalore. 

• Before undergoing surgery, a patient's overall health should be in the best possible condition. Appropriate medical clearances should be obtained well in advance to identify any underlying illnesses preventing the patient from undergoing the procedure. 

• Antibiotics should be administered to lower the risk of wound infection after the surgery.

• Quit smoking at least one month before surgery and for two weeks following.

• Eat a well-balanced diet and do not follow any rigorous weight loss diet before the surgery. 

• The surgeon may advise stopping blood-thinning drugs and nutritional supplements before and after surgery.

• The patient will also undergo a blood test, CT, and ultrasound scan to investigate the overall health. 
  

Procedure: Here is what one may expect during the abdominoplasty surgery. 

• Before starting the procedure, the patient is administered general anesthesia. 

• Once the patient is under the influence of anesthesia, the surgeon will make a horizontal cut near the panty line. This incision will go from one hip to the other.

• Excess lower abdomen skin and fat are removed during this procedure. This helps get rid of the stretch marks in the lower abdomen to a significant degree.

• After that, the abdominal skin is pulled down so that it is flush with the lower abdomen, and an extremely small incision is made in order to reposition the umbilicus in its new position.

• The last scar is discretely tucked away along the crease of the panty line.

Aftercare: Here are some aftercare tips that will help one recover faster from the abdominoplasty surgery.

• One may have to stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery, where the patient’s vitals will be monitored and medicines to reduce pain and promote quicker healing of the wound will be administered.

• The caretaker will change the dressings of the wounded area after every two-three days. 

• Usually, the patient is able to recover enough to get discharged from the hospital within seven to ten days. 

• Within four-six weeks, the person will be able to return back to normal day-to-day activity. 
  

After reaching home, one must take care of themselves until the wound heals completely. It is important to wear compression garments and change the dressing every day after showering to avoid any postoperative infection. One must also take small walks, eat healthily and stay hydrated to ensure a quick recovery. 

For more details on abdominoplasty, book a consultation with Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan. With an experience of more than 12 years, she is the best plastic surgeon in Bangalore who provides many cosmetic surgical and non-surgical treatments for the face and the whole body.