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Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty can reduce the appearance of loose fat, flabby skin around the stomach by tightening stomach muscles and strengthening the abdominal walls.

This is not a means to reduce weight and hence should not be seen as a weight loss measure. Rather it removes fat that has lost its elasticity and does not respond to diet and exercise.

Tummy tucks or abdominoplasty is not recommended for the following persons:
1. Who want to get pregnant
2. Those who want to undergo significant weight loss
3. Those who want to undergo significant weight gain

Technology of tummy tucks or abdominoplasty

There are two methods of tummy tucks or abdominoplasty:
1. Traditional version
2. Endoscopic version

Process of tummy tuck

1. Incisions are hidden in the undergarment lines
2. Excess skin is pulled down and removed
3. Navel is repositioned to the original site
4. Muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened

Which method to choose?

The traditional version leaves scar marks which patients don’t prefer. Hence they go for the endoscopic version which tightens the abdominal muscles without post operative scar marks. But the disadvantage of this version is that it fails to tighten the loose skin.

Complications that can arise from tummy tucks

Just as in case of any other surgery there is chance of infection and adverse reaction to the anesthetic in case of tummy tucks also. Complications like blood clotting in rare cases might turn out to be fatal.
Other problems include:
1. Skin death
2. Excessive bleeding
3. Excessive scaring
4. Haematoma
5. Stitch rupture

Who can do tummy tucks?

It is recommended for:
1. Those who are at least 18 years and have a fairly stable weight
2. Those who don’t respond to diet or exercise
3. Women after pregnancy
4. Preferably non smokers since they are likely to have fewer complications

Modifications of tummy tucks

Tummy tucks can be either partial or complete. In case the excess fat is accumulated around the navel then the surgeon may suggest going for a partial abdominoplasty. This is also known as mini tummy tuck and is far less complicated than a complete abdominoplasty. In case an individual needs the whole belly to be reshaped then a complete abdominoplasty will be required. One might also need liposuction at the same time with tummy tucks to give better results.

Recovery time after tummy tucks

Usually the discomfort after operation lasts for a few days. Swelling, pain and the uneasiness can be reduced by proper medication. There is usually no scar marks but a numb feeling persist. This numbness can last from 4-6 months.

Mild exercise is suggested which speeds up the recovery process by reducing swelling, lowering the chances of blood clotting and tightening the abdominal muscles. But the time taken to recover from the surgery can take something around 5 days to more than 15 days. Whether the patient can resume work immediately is dependent on physical condition that varies from person to person.

Cost involved

It is difficult to give the exact expenditure that will be required as it varies. It takes around 6500 pounds in Britain.

Places in India

In India abdominoplasty is cost effective and is carried out in the following institutes and for cost it is suggested to request them personally.

1. Apollo Hospitals a leading provider of plastic surgery. It is the fourth largest private healthcare group in the world and the largest in Asia located in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. (www.apollohospitals.com/med_Cosm_over.htm)
2. Ashirwad Hospital at Dehradun (www.cosmeticsurgeonindia.com)
3. Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Nagpur. (www.wockhardthospitals.net/general/cosmetic_abdo.asp)
4. Krishna Heart and Super Specialty Institute at Ahmedabad.(www.krishnaheart.org)

Is tummy tuck permanent?

Abdominoplasty is not permanent but it lasts for many years. In case there is no large weight gain or pregnancy then the changes can be relatively permanent. Some relaxation in the abdominal tissues might reoccur but not to the extent prior to surgery. It is recommended to have a healthy diet plan and an exercise regimen for long lasting effect.