Things You Should Know About Abdominoplasty or ‘Tummy Tuck’

Abdominoplasty or more commonly known as a ‘tummy tuck’ is a surgical procedure to remove the excess fat and tissue from the belly. If the muscle wall has been over extended and split, muscle plication will also be recommended. Abdominoplasty aims are to make the stomach flatter and firmer. Once thought to be a procedure for the well to do, in recent years however, there has been a steady rise in patients seeking the procedure. In Dubai alone, thousands of patients undergo a tummy tuck surgery to remove excess fat and skin looking for symmetry. Before you decide to go through with the procedure, there are certain things you should know.

1.      The procedure will leave a scar 

There are various types of scaring that follow an abdominoplasty procedure. The length of the scar depends on the type of abdominoplasty. Generally, the scar extends from hipbone to hipbone. Nevertheless, a good and experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Luiz Toledo, would ensure that the bikini bottom covers the scar. For patients needing only a small amount of skin and fat removed, the scar is much shorter, and the procedure is called a mini tummy tuck.

2.      The Tummy Tuck is not a procedure for weight loss. 

The abdominoplasty procedure will result in the loss of a few kilos, and ideally, as with most surgeries, the procedure should be performed on a patient who is within the weight recommendations for their age and height. Abdominoplasty is a contouring procedure, or as in the massive weight loss patients, it is one of the first surgeries, of many, undergone to remove excess skin. Stretch marks can be removed, or lowered with the help of the procedure.

3.      Select the right surgeon 

Many patients are not aware of, and confusion exists, with the difference in qualifications between a Plastic Surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon. Did you know that any licensed physician can offer cosmetic surgery procedures to his patients; however, Plastic Surgery is practiced only by specialized surgeons who have undergone years of specific training in the field. Once the years of specialist exams and training have been successful there is yet another hurdle, the tough board exam to become a member of the Plastic Surgery Board of their country. Membership to their countries board will also allow for membership possibilities within world-renowned organizations such as ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) and ASAPS (the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). Conduct your research carefully and find a doctor who is a member of good standing in the Plastic Surgery Board of their country.

4.      Complete rest for a few weeks after surgery 

Abdominoplasty Dubai is quite an extensive procedure that requires one or two nights post-surgery stay in the hospital. In this environment you will have the help of the nurses to see you through the first couple of days’ post-surgery, the Dr. will be visiting, keeping a close eye on your immediate recovery, dressings need to be changed and medication administered. You will require help from a relative, friend, or nurse during the first week or two after the surgery as there can be no lifting, driving or exertion of any kind. The surgeon will advise complete rest during the first couple of weeks. It is imperative that you follow the Dr’s orders closely in order to heal quickly and help the scaring process.

5.      Benefits of an Abdominoplasty

 The benefits of tummy tuck extend far beyond the physical enhancement of the patient. It is definitely a confidence booster; patients who have undergone the procedure relate to us an immediate uplift in their confidence and how they now feel comfortable wearing clothes they could never have worn before. Also, in the new comfort zone post-surgery patents show a general tendency to work out more in the gym.

For tailor made advice and guidance visit the internationally recognized surgeon Dr. Luiz Toledo.