The abdomen is traditionally one of the most difficult areas of the body to tone through diet and targeted exercise. When conventional measures fail, Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is an option. This surgical procedure primarily removes excess sagging skin from the middle and lower abdomen and then tightened to firm and smooth a protruding sagging abdomen or crêpe skin. Excess fat can also be removed via liposuction during this procedure.
Best Candidates
- Men and women who have loose or sagging skin /large fat deposits
- Men and women who are in relatively good shape but have stubborn loose skin /fat deposits
- Women with crepe skin (post childbirth or weightloss)
Hospital Consultation
During your consult with the surgeon at the Hospital the surgeon will review your medical history and examine you. After examination and discussions, the surgeon will make the final determination of your eligibility for what procedure will be more effective or required; eg. Mini Tuck, Tummy Tuck, Extended Tummy Tuck or Panniculectomy.
Panniculectomy is for individuals who have lost a large amount of weight and are experiencing negative side effects due to excess skin in the lower abdominal area - Pannus or abdominal "apron".
Abdominal procedures patients must be at a stable weight for at least 6 months and have a BMI under 30 and, if a woman, should not be planning any children. All potential patients should also be following a reasonable fitness and diet regime and be in relatively healthy condition.
(Men and Women over 55 years may have to undergo a pre-surgery laboratory tests).
Procedure
Incisions are made across the lower abdomen to separate the skin and navel from the underlying muscle and tissue, like an upside down T. Skin is then pulled, excess skin and fat are trimmed away, abdominal muscles are tightened with sutures and the belly button is repositioned and the incision sutured.
Standard Tummy Tuck extends hip to hip; Extended Tummy Tuck extends beyond the hips and wraps to the back area.
Partial or mini Tummy Tuck procedure, the skin of the lower abdomen is pulled down, away from the ribs, and only the fat and skin in that area are removed and tightened and the navel is left in place.
Time: 2 - 5 hours (depending on the individual and extent of work to be done)
Anaesthesia: General
Hospitalisation: 2 - 4 Nights
Time Away: Allow for at least 12 - 14+ days in Thailand for appointment, surgery, recovery, post op care and checkup and followup - depending on the extent of work to be done.
Pre Surgery Care
- Important to be as close as possible to your ideal weight and BMI prior to surgery
- Avoid all prescribed and over the counter medications (unless specified by your Medical Practitioner), aspirin including: vitamins, herbs, supplements, red wine and smoking for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Panadol is acceptable
- Plan to have enough time off for surgery and recovery particularly if other procedures are incorporated
Post Surgery & Care
- Follow your surgeons post surgical instructions
- Pain is dependent upon the extent of work done and your general health and wellbeing. Every individual is unique and will have different recovery rates and pain thresholds. Pain medication and antibiotics are prescribed
- Bed rest for 3 - 4 days is recommended and bathing instructions will be given
- Avoid initially and then limit exposure to; any steam, saunas, swimming, soaking in water in general, and direct exposure to sunlight to all surgical sites, for 3 - 4 months to achieve the best possible scar result
- Compression/support garment to be worn to hold the shape of skin and tissue for as long as your surgeon instructs
Recovery time
- Most patients are up and about with care in 3 - 5 days
- Normal - Strenuous activity: 4 - 8 weeks
- Surgical Garment: 3 months
Results
A smoother, flatter and firmer abdominal area |
|
|
