Tummy Tuck: All You Need To Know

 A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is the removal of excess skin and fat from the lower belly and the area around the belly button. It is a cosmetic surgery procedure that requires general anaesthesia to enhance the overall appearance of the waistline by removing loose skin and fat. It tightens the connective tissues around the belly and gives your body a toned look. Abdominoplasty is different from liposuction, in which only the fat is removed, but loose skin is not removed. 

How much weight can you lose from a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure; it is a contouring procedure that defines the shape of your belly. The amount of weight you lose after tummy tuck totally depends on your body structure. It depends on how much excess fat and skin you have around your belly and on how much area you want to perform surgery. Depending upon the personal needs, some patients can move down 2 or 3 pant sizes, but others may only get a contoured look.  

Types of tummy tuck

There are different options available for patients depending upon their unique needs. 

• Standard tummy tuck: Standard or full tummy tuck is the most common procedure used by women who have had several pregnancies, experienced extreme weight changes or aging signs. In this procedure, an incision is made from hip to hip above the pubic area and below the belly button. Another incision is made to remove the excess fat from the lower abdomen hence the sagging skin is removed from the entire midsection.
• Mini tummy tuck: This type of tummy tuck is most suitable for people who have recommended body weight, but have extra fat around the belly. In a mini tummy tuck, an incision is made below the navel at the bikini line. The extra skin is stretched down to tighten the muscles. 
• Extended tummy tuck: This procedure is mostly performed by patients who have a significant amount of fats to be removed from the lower abdomen area, lower back, and hip region. A longer incision is made that covers the entire abdomen and reaches the back of the hips. The belly button is also removed and then reconstructed after the procedure. 

The tummy tuck is a major surgical process, as with any surgery, it also has some risks. The possible risks include fluid accumulation under the skin tissues, infection, changes in sensation and blood clots. The incisions leave scars that may not disappear completely. 

However, tummy tuck helps to achieve your goal of a flat tummy but it should not be considered the only option for shedding weight. It should only be considered when other natural ways of losing weight have already tried.