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| Operation aim |
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can correct these changes for good. Liposuction cannot replace any tightening, but it can supplement it. An operation is rarely possible in the case of pronounced obesity. In this case, weight loss is initially required. |
| Operation |
After an extensive consultation and a check-up, the area to be cut out and removed is marked out by the doctor. The initial incision, for which there are many different surgical techniques, is made just above the region of the pubic hair to render scars as invisible as possible. From here, the skin of the underbelly must be detached and tightened, if possible, as far as the belly button- and often as far as the lower costal arches. In order to pull down the abdominal wall by about ten centimeters and to remove the excess skin, the belly button must first be detached from the skin of the belly. It is subsequently fixed at its new position and the tightened skin is sewn up in various layers. In some cases, muscle divergence around the belly is noticed during the operation. These are then sewn together. The edges of the incisions, which vary in length, must then be aligned with one another, in order to create a joint that is as smooth as possible and that will heal well. In most cases, suction tubes are used around the region of the wound. |
| Type of anesthetic |
General anaesthetic |
| Clinic residence |
2 – 3 days |
| Post-operation |
For 24 hours after the operation, the patient is strictly confined to bed. In the first few days after the operation, a tense sensation and pain in the wound region is felt. Appropriate suspension, or angling, of the thighs removes the burden on the stitches. Self-dissolving stitches are used. If the patient moves during this time, they must be careful not to pull on the stitches, as this would disturb the healing process.
For 4 – 6 weeks, special supportive pants must be worn. Showering and bathing is again possible after 12 - 14 days. Work can be preformed again after 3 – 4 weeks (but lifting heavy objects should be avoided). Sport is again possible after 6 – 8 weeks at the earliest. Direct sunlight (sunshine, or tanning salon) should be avoided for 3 – 4 months, as skin flecks can appear. A feeling of numbness of the skin below the waistline will recede with time. In order to avoid complications, immaculate hygiene must be maintained. The results of abdominoplasty last for decades and therefore need not be repeated. |
| Risks |
Secondary bleeding, infections or also disturbances in the healing of the wound seldom occur. After 6 – 8 months, the scars fade. Bruising, swelling and numbness of the skins fades away. Anticoagulant drugs and exercises are used to avert the danger of thrombosis with possible subsequent embolism (a condition in which an embolus becomes lodged in an artery and obstructs its blood flow).
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Tummy
Tuck » OP Procedure 
