What is Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure which is performed in order to remove excess adipose tissue and skin from the abdominal area. Several times, if necessary, along with tummy tuck the deep muscular structures of the abdominal wall are also reconstructed. Consequently, loose skin is reduced and the muscular structures of the abdominal wall are strengthened.

Several times, even people with normal body index (BMI) or people who exercice regularly, can have overhanging lower abdominal skin or prominent abdomen.

The most common causes are the following:

• Significant weight fluctuations
• Pregnancy
• Natural aging process
• Heredity

It should be noted that tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is not a slimming method or substitute for an appropriate personal training.

What is the purpose of tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck reduces dramatically the size of a prominent abdomen and improves also body contour. It is emphasized that tummy tuck is not indicated for weight loss and should not be considered as such a method.

The main goal of tummy tuck is to improve, as much as possible, the contour of your tummy. A prerequisite for achieving the best result, are the realistic goals of each patient.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

Candidates for a tummy tuck are the following:

• people who are not pleased with the appearance of their abdomen
• people who are not significantly overweight, maintaining a relatively constant weight
• people without medical conditions that may delay recovery
• people with realistic expectations

What to expect at your first appointment:

At your first appointment, you will discuss:

• what exactly is your concern in the appearance of your abdomen, and if tummy tuck is the appropriate treatment for you
• your past medical history, if you are on any medication, vitamins or other herbal supplements, if you have any allergies or any other operations in the past
• incisions in the abdomen area from previous operations that might affect the result of abdominoplasty
• if you smoke (if the answer is yes, how many cigarettes per day).

Afterwards, Dr Karmiris:

• will evaluate your general health condition and any other risk factors
• will examine you, he will take detailed measurements and he will evaluate excess or sagging skin as well as your skin quality
• will examine if you have hernia or diastasis of abdominal wall
• will take preoperative photographs
• will discuss with you all the possible surgical options, depending on your case
• will discuss with you any risks or potential complications, as described in the international literature and finally
• will discuss with you about the anaesthetic plan.

Preoperative check:

Before the operation you will undergo a preoperative check.

Preoperative check includes mainly, the following:

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram
• Any other specialized tests, depending on the case

Also, it will be necessary to stop smoking preoperatively, and immediately post-operatively as well as avoid taking aspirin and any anti-inflammatory medicine, since they increase the risk of bleeding.

How does the surgical procedure of Tummy Tuck can be performed?

The surgical procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. In classic or full tummy tuck, it is important to be designed an horizontal scar (is also described as “extended high lateral tension”, which starts from the anterior superior iliac spine and extends to the upper pelvic area.

The incision’s shape and length, are determined by the amount of the excess lower skin and fat that needs to be removed.

Dissection continues down to the level of abdominal muscles and excess adipose tissue and skin are removed. If there is large amount of excess skin and fat, then the belly button needs to be disconnected with a circumferential incision and repositioned.

Potential hernias or loose abdominal walls are identified and if necessary are corrected and tightened for the best result.

In case there is large amount of excess skin (which is usually the result of dramatic weight loss), can be performed a “fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty”.

What is mini abdominoplasty & what is the difference compared to the classic tummy tuck?

A mini abdominoplasty, may be considered when there is only small amounts of excess skin and fat at the very bottom of the abdomen. In mini abdominoplasty, the main differences are the following:

• The incision is usually shorter than that of the classic tummy tuck (like a caesarean scar)
• Belly button does not need to be moved
• Usually, diastasis of abdominal wall is not such, requiring to tighten the upper abdomen

After removing the excess skin and restructuring the area, the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures of different types. The scars are permanent but fortunately, in most cases, they will improve significantly over time.

Dr Karmiris will explain you, in detail, the whole surgical procedure and will discuss with you the appropriate technique, depending on your case.

Post-operatively

Immediately after the surgical procedure, you will have medical gauze or bandages on the incisions which will be reduced, gradually. If drains have been used, they will be removed in a few days.

Finally, you will need to wear an abdominal binder post-op, in order to minimize swelling as well as for faster recovery.

In most cases, patients are discharged the same or the next day. Dr Karmiris will give you particular instructions on how to take care of your incisions immediately post-op, what medication you should take and when you will be seen for a follow up.

Risks and safety information:

In general, abdominoplasty is a safe surgical procedure, which is performed with great success.

However, like any other surgical procedure, tummy tuck has some risks, as well as potential complications that every patient should be aware of and should understand fully, before entering operating room.

The most important potential complications are the following:

• Bleeding or haematoma
• Bruising
• Wound infection
• Fat necrosis
• Poor healing (especially at smokers)
• Belly button necrosis, especially to people who are extremely overweight
• Hypoesthesia at the incision line (possible areas of numbness), which can be temporal or permanent in about 5-10% of the patients
• General risks from anaesthesia, such as deep vein thrombosis, cardiac or pulmonary complications)

Dr Karmiris will explain you, in detail, the whole surgical procedure and will answer any questions related to that.

What are the results of tummy tuck?

The results of tummy tuck are immediate and can stand the test of time. However, you should take into consideration that considerable post-operative weight fluctuations, can affect the final aesthetic result.

That’s why, if you plan to lose weight the following months or if you are considering pregnancy, it is best to have completed your family before considering this procedure, despite the fact that pregnancy following abdominoplasty is not a contraindication.

Also, tummy tuck is not a method of treating stretch marks, despite the fact that they can be removed completely or partially, since they are located on the areas of excess skin which is removed.

Which other operations can be combined with tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck can be combined with other operations, such as:

• Liposuction
• Breast reduction
• Breast augmentation

By combining the aforementioned operations, the best result can be achieved.

For more information on tummy tuck, prices and cost, depending on the type of the surgery, book your appointment today with Dr Nikos Karmiris.