Pros & Cons of Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a major surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia. During a tummy tuck — also known as abdominoplasty — excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. Connective tissue in the abdomen (fascia) usually is tightened with sutures as well. The remaining skin is then repositioned to create a more toned look. There are several reasons you might want to undergo abdominoplasties such as significant changes in weight, pregnancy, C-section, aging, or your natural body type. Keep reading on Moj Aramesh Amitis Health Tourism Company’s website to learn more about the pros and cons of abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty vs. Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the methods of removing fat and shrinking the abdomen. Before the invention of this method, only abdominoplasty surgery or removal of a certain amount of abdominal fat was common. For most people, removing large amounts of belly fat by liposuction has better results than abdominoplasty surgery. Because in liposuction surgery only a large volume of fat on the flank and abdomen is removed. However, in abdominoplasty, only a certain amount of fat is removed and the main result of this procedure is to remove the skin of the abdomen. Currently, abdominoplasty is a more common procedure. Because it is safer and leaves fewer scars than other methods. As mentioned above, liposuction can only remove the excess belly fat and no excess skin can be removed. Therefore, pulling the skin and abdominal lift is only possible by another method, i.e. abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty is only suitable for people whose under-abdominal skin has become unusually loose and stretchy (as a result of pregnancy). However, liposuction can also be done to a small extent and smooth the stretched skin of the abdomen. However, stretch marks may return over time as a result of various factors such as pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, the removal of fat and abdominal skin lift with liposuction surgery will be better for people who do not have much stretch. After liposuction surgery, the skin of the abdomen is often so tight that there is usually no need to remove the skin and lift it. Fat injection is performed in abdominoplasty for some people and some parts of the abdomen. Fat injections are often suitable for people whose abdominal muscles are not over formed after pregnancy. Abdominoplasty can be performed in combination with other cosmetic body surgeries such as breast surgery.

 

Before Abdominoplasty

Initially, you’ll talk to a plastic surgeon about a tummy tuck. During your first visit, your plastic surgeon will likely:

• Review your medical history.

Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions. Talk about any medications you’re taking or you have taken recently, as well as any surgeries you’ve had.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications. If your desire for a tummy tuck is related to weight loss, your doctor will likely ask detailed questions about your weight gain and loss.

• Do a physical exam.

To determine your treatment options, the doctor will examine your abdomen. The doctor might also take pictures of your abdomen for your medical record.

• Discuss your expectations.

Explain why you want a tummy tuck, and what you’re hoping for in terms of appearance after the procedure. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks, including scarring. Keep in mind that previous abdominal surgery might limit your results.

Before a tummy tuck you might also need to:

• Stop smoking.

Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. In addition, smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. If you smoke, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before surgery and during recovery.

• Avoid certain medications.

You’ll likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.

• Maintain a stable weight.

Ideally, you’ll maintain a stable weight for at least 12 months before having a tummy tuck. If you’re severely overweight, your doctor will recommend that you lose weight before the procedure. Significant weight loss after the procedure can diminish your results.

• Take medication to prevent complications.

Shortly before your tummy tuck, you’ll need to begin taking an anticoagulant to prevent blood clotting.

After Abdominoplasty

• After a tummy tuck, your abdominal incision and belly button will likely be covered with surgical dressing. Small tubes might be placed along the incision site to drain any excess blood or fluid.
• Members of your health care team will help you walk as early as the first day after a tummy tuck to help prevent the formation of blood clots.
• You’ll likely feel moderate pain, which will be controlled by pain medication. It’s normal to have swelling in the surgical area.
• Drains might be left in place for several days after surgery. Your doctor or another member of your health care team will show you how to empty and care for your drains. You might need to continue taking an antibiotic as long as the drains are in place.
• Your surgeon might also prescribe a blood-thinning medication for a short time after your tummy tuck.
• You’ll wear a supportive abdominal garment (abdominal binder) for about six weeks after your tummy tuck. This helps prevent fluid buildup and provides abdominal support while you heal. Your doctor will explain how to care for your scar.
• For the first six weeks after a tummy tuck, you’ll need to be careful when moving around. You’ll also need to avoid positions that strain your incision line — such as quickly bending at the waist — to prevent the reopening of the wound.
• You’ll need to schedule regular follow-up visits. Ask your doctor how often you need to be seen.

Advantages of Abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck surgery offers some exceptional advantages to patients, particularly those who’ve lost a significant amount of weight or have had children. Here are some of the most notable benefits:

• Tummy tuck surgery creates a slimmer, flatter waistline by removing excess fat and loose skin.
• It repairs weak or separated abdominal muscles. By doing so, it can correct a protruding belly, which is sometimes referred to as a “pooch.”
• An abdominoplasty will remove or reduce pregnancy stretch marks from your lower stomach. It may also improve the look of C-section and hysterectomy scars.
• You’ll notice that your clothes look and fit better than they did before.
• You may experience improved self-confidence and self-esteem.

Complications and Disadvantages of Abdominoplasty

One of the biggest complications of abdominoplasty surgery is a visible large wound in the lower abdomen and pelvis to the buttocks, which can be unpleasant and unbearable for most women. However, some people do not have a problem with visible scars on their skin. If you have had a cesarean section before, your surgeon may be able to match the cesarean section scar with the abdominoplasty scar.

• Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma).

Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid. Your doctor might also remove fluid after surgery using a needle and syringe.

• Unexpected scarring.

The incision scar from a tummy tuck is permanent. The length and visibility of the scar vary from person to person.

• Poor wound healing.

Sometimes areas along the incision line heal poorly or begin to separate. You might be given antibiotics during and after surgery to prevent an infection.

• Changes in skin sensation.

During a tummy tuck, the repositioning of your abdominal tissues can affect the nerves in the abdominal area, and infrequently, in the upper thighs. You’ll likely feel some reduced sensation or numbness. This usually diminishes in the months after the procedure.

• Tissue damage or death.

During a tummy tuck, fatty tissue deep within your skin in the abdominal area might get damaged or die. Smoking increases this risk. Depending on the size of the area, tissue might heal on its own or require a surgical touch-up procedure.

Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

Who is not an ideal candidate for abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, along with its benefits, is not suitable for everyone. Because there may be complications for these people. Abdominoplasty is not suitable for the following people:

• People with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular or lung disease.
• People with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.
• People who have already had a c-section or other abdominal surgery that has caused severe scarring in the abdominal tissue.
• People who smoke.
• People who may become pregnant in the future.
• People who plan to lose weight in the future.

Why travel to Iran for abdominoplasty?

In recent years, different countries around the world, including Iran, have made great progress in providing various medical services to applicants. Many factors make you choose Iran as your destination country for abdominoplasty.

One of the main factors in choosing Iran as the destination country for abdominoplasty is that you pay less for this surgery in Iran compared to other countries. Apart from this, of course, other important factors encourage you to choose Iran, including:

• Experienced and expert plastic surgeon and specialists
• Reputable and high-quality hospitals and clinics

Given all the above and the advantages and disadvantages of abdominoplasty surgery, you should know that the benefits of this surgery for many people outweigh the disadvantages. Many people choose abdominoplasty as a way to treat their abdomen and flanks. You can get complete information and specialized advice about abdominoplasty in Iran by contacting the experts of Moj Aramesh Amitis Health Tourism Company.

Author: Sh. Khazaei

Translator: N. Rahimifar