Abdominoplasty:

What does tummy tuck surgery do?

It helps to remove the excess skin and fat deposits that appear as a consequence of regnancies, old age and obesity, when the whole abdominal area is affected. When the affected area is smaller, located at the lower section of the abdomen below the navel, it is better to perform a mini-abdominoplasty. It removes stretch marks or scars that may be in the area. If necessary, the abdominal muscles may be tightened by means of a vertical fold in the middle, this will make your abdomen look firmer and your waist narrower. At the same time, it may also help to solve preexisting problems, such as hernias or eventrations.

What does tummy tuck surgery NOT do?

It is not indicated for treating obesity. If you suffer from obesity, we recommend that you visit the section of our site devoted to bariatric surgery. It is not used for removing fat deposits when they are small and the skin has a good elasticity. If this is your case, and diets and physical exercise do not produce the desired results, liposculpture is the right thing for you.

How is tummy tuck performed?

The surgeon makes a long incision across the abdomen right above the pubic area. Usually, the incision has a curvature that is similar to the outline of a bikini so that the future scar will be easier to conceal under your underwear. In most cases it is necessary to make a circular incision around the navel so that it will remain in its original place, in spite of the shifting of the rest of the abdominal skin.Then, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs, exposing the abdominal muscles. These muscles are tightened by bringing them close together and joined in the middle vertical line; this will make your abdominal muscles firmer and your waist narrower. The skin that was separated is stretched towards the pubis, the excess skin is removed and the navel is placed in its new position. Finally, the surgeon makes the sutures, and applies a bandage and a temporary drainage tube to eliminate the excess fluids.

Anesthesia
Peridural or general anesthesia is used.

Length of surgery
Between 2 and 4 hours, according to the complexity of the case.

Hospitalization
You will have to stay hospitalized for one day.

What does mini tummy tuck surgery do?

It eliminates the excess skin and fat from the lower part of the abdomen, that is, the section below the navel. If your problem is that persistent roll of fat showing above your bikini, this is the right procedure for you. At the same time, it may also help to solve preexisting problems, such as hernias or eventrations.

What does mini tummy tuck surgery NOT do?

Unlike traditional tummy tuck surgery, it does not eliminate flaccidity or fat above the navel. Unlike traditional tummy tuck surgery, it does not tighten the abdominal muscles to narrow the waist. It is not used for removing fat deposits when they are small and the skin has a good elasticity. If this is your case, and diets and physical exercise do not produce the desired results, liposuction is the right thing for you.

How is mini tummy tuck surgery performed?

The surgeon makes a horizontal or slightly curved incision of approximately 6 inches (15 cm), just above the pubic hair. He separates the skin of the lower section of the abdomen, between the pubis and the navel, from the underlying tissues. He cuts the excess skin and sutures, without having to stretch the skin first. Since there is no tension, the wound tends to heal without any complications. Finally, before a bandage is applied, he places a temporary drainage tube that will help eliminate the excess fluids.

Anesthesia
Local anesthesia and complementary sedation, or general anesthesia.

Surgery length
About one hour.

Hospitalization
There is no need to be hospitalized, it is done on an outpatient basis.

The Results

The results of tummy tuck surgery are permanent and very satisfactory. Your abdomen will be flatter and firmer. In spite of the resulting scars, when most patients evaluate the outcome, they feel that the benefits obtained far outweigh the negative aspects.

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