Why Choose WIH Hospital for Tummy Tuck?

At WIH Hospital, we are dedicated to providing world-class plastic surgery services, and your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our paramount priorities. We guide you through every step, ensuring you are well-informed, comfortable, and confident in your decision.

What is Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure that involves the excision of excess skin and fat from the mid to lower abdomen. A key component of the surgery is the repair and tightening of stretched or separated abdominal wall muscles (diastasis recti). This comprehensive approach addresses both the loose skin and the underlying muscle weakness, providing a significant improvement in the abdominal contour that cannot be achieved through diet and exercise alone.

Surgical Technique for Tummy Tuck

     Types of Abdominoplasty Procedures

The type of tummy tuck procedure is tailored to each patient’s specific needs and the extent of their abdominal concerns:

1. Full Tummy Tuck: The most common type for individuals with significant excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity both above and below the navel. It involves a horizontal incision from hip to hip and an incision around the navel.
2. Mini Tummy Tuck: A less invasive option for those with excess skin and fat primarily below the navel and minimal muscle laxity. It uses a shorter incision, similar to a C-section scar, and does not require an incision around the navel.
3. Extended Tummy Tuck: This technique is ideal for patients with significant excess skin and fat that extends to the flanks or sides of the back, often following massive weight loss. The incision extends around the hips.
4. Circumferential Tummy Tuck (Body Lift): The most comprehensive approach, which addresses skin laxity around the entire midsection (abdomen, flanks, back, and sometimes the outer thighs) in a single procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate for the Surgery?

You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you have:

Excess abdominal skin, often described as a “skin apron.”

Weakened abdominal muscles, particularly from pregnancy.

Localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.

Realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and a stable body weight.

Preparation for Surgery

Consultation: A thorough consultation with a board-certified surgeon is the first step. The surgeon will discuss your aesthetic goals, evaluate your overall health, and assess the quality of your skin, fat, and abdominal muscles.

Medication Guidelines: You will receive detailed instructions on which medications to stop or adjust. You should avoid blood-thinners like aspirin and NSAIDs.

Lifestyle Changes: Abstain from smoking and alcohol for at least two weeks before and after surgery to promote better healing.

Fasting: Follow all fasting instructions provided by the nursing staff to prepare for anesthesia.

Step-by-Step Surgical Process of Tummy Tuck Surgery

1. Anesthesia: You will be given general anesthesia to ensure you are completely asleep and comfortable during the entire procedure.
2. Incision: The surgeon makes a horizontal incision just above the pubic area, often from hip to hip. A second incision is made around the navel for a full abdominoplasty.
3. Muscle Repair: The surgeon separates the skin and fat from the abdominal wall and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles by suturing them together. This step helps create a firmer, flatter abdomen and a more defined waistline.
4. Fat & Skin Excision: Excess skin and fat are pulled down and meticulously trimmed away. The naval is repositioned to a natural-looking location.
5. Closure: The remaining skin is draped over the abdomen, and the incisions are carefully closed with sutures.

Immediate Post-Operative Instructions

• Hospital Stay: You will typically stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights for monitoring and initial recovery.
• Compression Garment: You will be fitted with a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support your new abdominal contour.
• Drainage Tubes: Small drainage tubes may be placed temporarily to collect any excess fluid. These are usually removed within a week.
• Pain Management: Our surgical team will prescribe effective medication to ensure your pain and discomfort are well-managed.

Recovery Process

• Week 1: You will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation. Assistance with daily activities will be needed.
• Weeks 4-6: Most of the major swelling has resolved. You can gradually resume more normal, non-strenuous activities.
• Months 2-6: You can typically resume all normal physical activities, including exercise. The final results begin to become more visible.
• Final Result: The full benefits of your tummy tuck are typically visible within 6-12 months as all residual swelling subsides.

Instructions and What to Avoid for Life-long

To maintain your beautiful results for life, you should:

Maintain a Stable Weight: Avoid significant weight fluctuations, as this can stretch the skin and muscles again.

Regular Exercise: Engage in a regular exercise routine, including core-strengthening exercises (after full recovery) to support your repaired abdominal muscles.

Healthy Diet: Follow a balanced, healthy diet to keep your weight stable and promote skin health.

What the Patient Needs to Know About Tummy Tuck

Flatter, Firmer Abdomen: The most immediate and significant benefit is a dramatic improvement in your abdominal profile.

Long-Lasting Results: With a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, the results of your tummy tuck are permanent.

Improved Confidence: A tummy tuck can significantly enhance your self-esteem and body image, making you feel more comfortable in your clothes and your skin.

Scarring: While a tummy tuck results in a permanent scar, it is strategically placed low on the abdomen to be easily hidden by underwear or a bikini bottom.