Tummy Tuck Surgery: What Are The Benefits And Risks?

The decision to undergo surgery is intimidating. Here's a guide on the benefits and risks of tummy tuck surgery that may help you reach a conclusion.

Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, prior surgery complications, heredity, and ageing are some of the most common causes of excess fat accumulation around the abdomen. Many people find it extremely difficult to shed this unwanted fat with diet and exercise. A tummy tuck surgery is the most sought-after surgical procedure designed to tighten stomach muscles and sculpt the waistline.

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a surgical process to remove loose, excess fat and tighten the abdominal skin. It restores elasticity in the tummy area to provide a more toned, firmer appearance.

Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty is suitable for individuals at a healthy, stable weight who are bothered by the appearance of their abdomen and wish to get rid of a tummy bulge. Patients must have realistic expectations about the results of tummy tuck surgery, as it is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. Also, be aware of the appearance of scars as a part of the surgery.It may be wiser to reconsider your decision and hold off the tummy tuck surgery if you’re considering future pregnancy or want to lose more weight. It is because having children or losing more weight will further change your body and undo the effects of a tummy tuck surgery.  

What are the types of a tummy tuck surgery?

According to individual concerns, cosmetic surgeons recommend different types of tummy tuck surgeries to achieve the desired outcome. The most common types of tummy tucks include:

• Mini tummy tuck: A mini tummy tuck may be a good option for people having fat deposits below the belly button. The procedure involves a single incision above the pubic mound, through which the surgeon tightens loose muscles and flattens the pooch.

• Full tummy tuck: This is the traditional tummy tuck, which addresses the entire length of the abdominal wall to improve the upper and lower abdomen. The surgeon makes a horizontal or U-shaped incision above the pubic mound to tighten the abdominal muscles. Some cases may require a second incision around the navel to remove the excess skin above the belly button.

• Extended tummy tuck: Patients with sagging skin due to excessive weight loss or significant laxity in abdominal muscles after multiple pregnancies can opt for an extended tummy tuck surgery. The process involves a longer incision to eliminate hanging skin from the front and the flanks to tighten the abdominal wall.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

Without any doubt, a tummy tuck surgery offers multiple cosmetic benefits, such as excess fat removal, toned appearance, and a slim waist. Additionally, it can deliver various health benefits. As a corrective surgical procedure, tummy tucks can help patients:

• Corrects ventral hernia: A ventral hernia is a bulge of tissues breaking through the abdominal wall to form a pocket or sack. It occurs due to massive weight loss, C-section surgeries, or appendectomies. Similar to flattening the stomach, a tummy tuck surgery can treat ventral hernia by correcting weakened abdominal muscles to reduce pressure on the skin.
• Reduces stress urinary incontinence: Excess pressure on the bladder and urethra leads to stress urinary incontinence (SIU), characterized by uncontrollable bladder leakage. Bladder obstruction using soft tissues present near the pelvic area can reduce SIU.
• Cures back pain and improves posture: Surgical tightening of weakened muscles can provide necessary abdominal support to alleviate back pain. With tight, toned, and a strong core, patients should see improved posture post-surgery.  

What are the risks of a tummy tuck?

The satisfaction rate of tummy tuck surgeries is high, but it does have some degree of risk. Along with the risks of bleeding and adverse reaction to anaesthesia, other potential complications include:

• Unexpected scarring: Tummy tuck leaves a permanent scar, and its length and visibility differ from person to person. Surgeons usually place it along the easily hidden bikini line.  
• Hematoma or seroma: Tummy tuck surgery patients may see accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin, called hepatoma or seroma. This develops in the body post surgery, but can be removed with a syringe.
• Poor wound healing and infections: Some areas along the incision might heal poorly or start to separate. Consuming prescribed antibiotics during and after the surgery can prevent infections.
• Damage to underlying areas: Fatty tissues deep within the skin in the abdominal area get damaged sometimes. Affected tissues might heal on their own or need a surgical touch-up procedure.
• Skin sensation changes: Nerves around the abdominal area can get affected while repositioning tissues. You’ll likely experience reduced sensation or numbness, which will diminish after a few months.
• Other risks include asymmetry, persistent pain, prolong swelling, possibility of revisional surgery, and suboptimal aesthetic result.

Why choose Biolite?

Choosing the right plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic is one the hardest decisions. You should look for a place and professional you can trust and has experience in such fields.At Biolite Aesthetic Clinic, we assure you that you are choosing qualified, highly trained professionals who believe in making the decision easier and process smoother. We offer the tummy tuck surgery as a combination package with other cosmetic surgeries like liposuction, breast augmentation, and body lifts. Also, abdominoplasty is popular as a part of Biolite's special mommy makeovers. Depending on your expectations and the procedures you’re interested in, the specialist plastic surgeon at Biolite will create a personalised body-transformation plan to provide you with desired results.