It’s our common perception that, with time, digital technologies are evolving rapidly. However, we overlook the increasing trend of looking perfect, slim, and beautiful. This trend empowers the use of new technologies for reshaping our bodies from head to toe. Everyone wants to look smart with a very slim belly. Moreover, busy life routines restrict exercise practices and diet plans following. In addition, some medical conditions go beyond the exercises. Tummy tuck surgery is the solution to get a flat belly. Here is everything about the procedural steps of tummy tuck surgery.
Introduction to Tummy Tuck Surgery
As it is clear from its name, tummy tuck, this procedure relates to the belly. It is a cosmetic surgery in which cosmetic surgeons remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal region. Surgery helps reduce weight and improves the shape and appearance of the belly. Its outcomes majorly include tightening of muscles and repositioning of the skin. Hence, it acts as an overall changer to the belly’s appearance and look.
Overview of Procedural Steps
Tummy tuck surgery can address excessive fat around your belly button or any skin sagging in the abdominal area. For the best results, the sequential execution of the procedure is necessary. Any mishandling in the procedure may lead to different complications. The procedural steps of tummy tuck surgery are;
Consultation:
Before surgery, it is necessary to consult a plastic surgeon to assess the medical conditions and need for surgery. As it is not an ordinary medical treatment, self-decision is more likely to damage health. Only After the recommendation of the cosmetic surgeon can the patient proceed with the surgery.
Physical assessment:
Only in controlled medical conditions are surgical procedures safe to apply. Therefore, it is essential to assess the physical health conditions of the patient. For precise evaluation, basic tests such as blood tests are compulsory. After the clearance of all health parameters, the surgical procedure should be forwarded.
Anesthesia:
After the recommendation of the surgeon and clearance of all physical assessments, the first thing Is to to deliver anesthesia to the patient. It plays a crucial role in the comfort of the patient and in avoiding the pain of surgery. It is of two types.
- General anesthesia: General anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia used for tummy tuck surgery. It causes the patient to become completely unconscious and unaware of the surgery. It adds up to the comfort and lessens the pain.
- Intravenous sedation: Intravenous (IV) sedation, also known as twilight anesthesia, is another option for tummy tuck surgery. By using IV sedation, the patient is sedated but remains conscious during the procedure. Furthermore, to administer this type of anesthesia, physicians use an IV line, which induces a state of deep relaxation and drowsiness.
Making the incisions:
Secondly, surgeons make incisions to access the muscle layer. Sergons first confirms that anesthesia has done its work. Afterwards, the process of making an incision begins at the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. Moreover, the size of incisions varies according to the required quantity of fat or skin to be removed. Sometimes, a second incision may be needed near the belly button to reposition the skin.
Repairing Muscles:
Tummy tuck surgery primarily aims to repair underlying muscles. Incisions help surgeons to access the underlying muscles. If the muscles have become weakened or separated (a condition known as diastasis recti), the surgeon will repair them by suturing them together.
It is a significantly important step as it is responsible for a firmer abdominal wall and toned appearance.
Removal of excess skin and fat:
After completing the process of muscle repair, surgeons move to the next step of surgery, which is the removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen. Sometimes, the patient carries a massive amount of fat that is responsible for other medical conditions. It is susceptible and needs extra care to be performed for a smooth contour along the abdomen.
Repositioning of Naval:
In some cases, the surgeon may also reposition the belly button to achieve a more natural appearance. Its other name is naval repositioning. It involves creating a new opening for the belly button and suturing it into place in its new position. Repositioning the belly button is often necessary in the presence of large amounts of skin.
Closing the incisions:
Among the procedural steps of tummy tuck surgery, closing the incisions is the last one. After the removal of excess skin and fat and the repair of the underlying muscles, surgeons close the incisions. Closing the incisions is crucial, and extraordinary care can help to avoid complications. The following are standard methods.
- Layered Closure: After repairing muscles, the surgeon typically uses dissolvable sutures to close the deeper layers of tissues. These sutures dissolve over time gradually, so there is no need to remove them later.
- Skin Closure: After closing deeper layers, the surgeon redresses the skin layer tightly. Sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape help in this regard, depending on the surgeon’s preference and the patient’s skin type.
- Sutures: If surgeons use sutures, they usually remove them within a week or two after surgery, depending on health conditions.
- Drains: In some cases, surgeons place drains under the skin to collect excess fluid that can accumulate after surgery. These drains are typically removed within a week or two after surgery once the fluid accumulation has decreased.
Compression Garment:
After closing the incisions, compression garments are of great help in the procedural steps of tummy tuck surgery. Their placement is around the abdomen to provide support and help reduce swelling.
Postoperative care:
Postoperative care is significantly essential to obtain the required results. According to the skin type, amount of fat removed, and other health conditions, different care options are advised. All the instructions must be followed to avoid the complications. Carelessness in any regard may lead to other health issues.
Recovery and follow-up:
Surgical procedures need extraordinary care at every step. But, only successful surgery is insufficient. The thing we ignore is assessing the recovery and taking follow-ups. Follow-ups help to identify the success rate. Moreover, physicians can better plan necessary medication and preventive measures for fast recovery and the best results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tummy tuck surgery is a successful cosmetic surgical procedure that helps to reshape and resize the belly. It aims firstly to improve physical appearance and secondly to lose weight in excessive conditions. For a better understanding of surgery and its outcomes, it’s crucial to learn about the procedural steps of tummy tuck surgery. Before going to surgery, a recommendation of a qualified surgeon and suitable health conditions are necessary. In the operating room, surgery starts with anesthesia and then making incisions. After repairing muscles and removing extra fat, the next step is to close the skin incisions. For the incision closure, sutures, surgical tapes or skin adhesives work. Lastly, compression garments may help to reduce swelling. After all the procedures, patients must apply postoperative care methods and take follow-ups for the best results.