It isn’t just about the scale – Abdominoplasty

It isn’t just about the scale.

Having children and having those extra pounds (that you have carried for so long) off is a blessing! But it can affect our body leaving excess skin and fat that food intake and exercise can’t touch no matter how hard you try. And if you are open to surgery, abdominoplasty is one of the treatments that can help.

Abdominoplasty isn’t a procedure that will shed pounds off you and in fact, many believe that it will result in weight loss after a tummy tuck. However, that isn’t the case. Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure rather than a weight loss solution. While it may ultimately help push the scale down a few points, it is designed for people who have had a major weight loss. Therefore, it removes the extra skin that has lost its elasticity.

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure regardless of gender and must be only done by a certified, trained and experienced medical doctor.

The technique may vary across countries and clinics depending on its presentation. However, typically subdivided into:

1. Mini tummy tuck – as the name suggests, the least invasive (and least scarring) in comparison to the rest of which I will be explaining. It removes a small amount of excess skin and soft tissue from the lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck generally does not involve tightening the abdominal wall muscles. Great for concerns that diet and exercise will not respond
2. Full tummy tuck – involves both the removing of excess skin and soft tissue as well as tightening of the abdominal muscles. It may also involve an incision around the belly button to remove saggy skin from both the upper and lower abdomen. Tightening of the muscles will help tone and contour the midsection.
3. Extended or circumferential – is performed for patients who need to remove a significant amount of skin. Typically for those who have gone through a major weight loss. The incision runs across and reaches the hip and might involve the back too. A large scar may result, and wound healing complications may increase, so always follow your doctor’s advice.

It is critical that you are assessed and are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Always follow your doctor’s instructions pre and post-surgery and follow up regularly to reduce the risk of possible complications. This could include scarring, hematoma, infection, seroma, poor wound healing, blood clots and change in sensations. Fat necrosis wound separation and asymmetry could also occur.

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It isn’t a one-off solution. Whilst many are often pleased with the contouring results, it is important to keep up and adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. You do not have to be exercising endlessly but better food intake and regular exercise can enhance and prolong the results.