This surgical procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the underlying muscles for a more sculpted appearance.
Tummy surgery can effectively address loose skin and muscle laxity caused by aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss, giving you a renewed sense of confidence and self-esteem.
| Type | What it treats | Scar | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini tummy tuck | Loose skin and a small tummy tuck below the navel. | Short, low scar. Navel is typically held. | Few people. Primarily the lower belly pouch which is well muscled. |
| Full tummy tuck | Skin and fat above and below navel, separated muscles. | Low, hip-to-hip, bikini-line low, and a scar around the belly-button. | The majority of people following weight loss and pregnancy. |
| Extended tummy tuck | All the above, and flanks skin that has not been retracted. | Longer scar towards the back. | Weight loss and loose skin on flanks. |
Dr. Anup Dhir picks the type after examining your skin, fat and muscle.
Many people request a mini tummy tuck because they feel it sounds more petite, and then find out that it will not resolve their issue.
Read about liposuction if your main concern is fat with tight skin.
Opt for what is bothering you. If there is skin looseness or muscles separated, liposuction alone will not correct it, and it may even aggravate the appearance of any loose skin.
If skin is firm and the issue is fat, liposuction might suffice. A tummy tuck may also involve some liposuction of the tummy area's surrounding skin, as well as both.
The two are not synonymous and should never refer to a tummy tuck as fat removal.
There are a number of different kinds of tummy tuck surgery that can be customized to fit the needs and desires of every patient:
Good candidates are healthy adults who have a weight that they will be able to maintain, as well as loose skin or weak abdominal muscles which diet and exercise won't change.
The BMI is generally kept below approximately 30 by most surgeons. Smoking is not recommended as it increases the chances of wound healing issues and skin loss.
If you are going to have another baby or lose a lot of weight, wait. After surgery, pregnancy can cause the repaired muscles and skin to stretch again. Also wait if you are within a year of childbirth, are breastfeeding, or your weight continues to change.
Before tummy tuck surgery, patients will have a consultation with their abdominoplasty surgeon to discuss their goals, medical history, and any concerns about the procedure. During this consultation, the surgeon will provide detailed pre-operative instructions, including:
On the day of tummy tuck surgery, patients can expect to undergo the following steps:
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Hospitalisation for 1-2 nights. You walk slightly bent forward. A compression garment is used. Drain tubes can be installed. |
| Week 1 to 2 | Drains are released when output is low. Rest, walking, no lifting. Prescribed medications are used to relieve pain. |
| Weeks 3 to 4 | Many people go back to desk work around 2-4 weeks. Straightening up gets easier. |
| Weeks 6 to 8 | No stitches or drains. Light exercise returns. Heavy lifting and abdominal exercises are for Dr. Dhir's approval. |
| Months 6 to 12 | Swelling subsides and scar goes from red to light line. Symptoms of numbness around the scar may last even longer. |
After performing a tummy tuck procedure, the plastic surgeon gives the patient aftercare instructions to help them recover successfully and conveniently. It is crucial to adhere to this advice to guarantee a successful recovery.
The instructions would entail taking the prescribed medications and using ice packs to relieve pain. It is also recommended not to engage in any strenuous activities and lifting heavy things for many weeks.
Moreover, visiting the plastic surgeon in Delhi for the post-operative check-up is very significant to monitor recovery and obtain answers for any questions that may arise.
If check-ups are neglected, complications may arise, including infection, bleeding, or feeling changes. Therefore, it is essential to comply with the aftercare recommendations and show up for the follow-up visits to avoid complications.
Incision Care: Follow your doctor's instructions to keep the incisions clean and dry. Your abdominoplasty surgeon will advise on showering, dressing changes, and proper care to reduce the risk of infection.
Results and Expected Outcome
The results of tummy tuck surgery will become more visible as swelling subsides and the body heals.
Patients typically expect a flatter, more contoured abdomen within a few months of surgery. However, managing expectations and understanding that individual results may vary is important.
The potential dangers associated with having a tummy tuck
This should be expected to swell, bruise, become tight and numb. Other complications can include fluid accumulation (seroma), infection, slow healing, skin at the corners of the scar, and an imbalanced and thick scar. The rare but serious side effects are blood clots in the lungs or legs, and anaesthetic reactions. Smoking, overweight and diabetes increase the risk.
If you have a fever, chest pain/difficulty breathing, painful swollen calf, a wound that opens or piece that gradually gets bigger, please call the clinic.
Can a tummy tuck fix a pulling up of muscles?
Yes, the surgeon will re-join the muscles when they are separated (diastasis recti). This can also help to define the waist and shape the stomach better than skin removal alone. It could be useful for the bulge and the weakness in the core area. It does not cure back pain, this should not be promised on the page. If present, hernias are repaired at the same time.
Tummy Tuck and Diastasis Recti
In fact, a tummy tuck can help correct a problem with the muscles, called diastasis recti.
The separation of the vertical muscles in the middle of the abdomen (rectus abdominis) is called diastasis recti.
The most common is pregnancy; a lot of weight loss or gain results in the same separation.
After stretching beyond a certain limit, exercise can't make up for the gap in the connective tissue between muscles. Core exercises will help to strengthen the muscle on each side of the separation, but will not bring the two sides together. This will only be corrected with surgery.
During the tummy tuck surgery, the surgeon will put the muscles back together around the midline. This will give patients a tighter and flatter contour that cannot be obtained by skin removal.
The Placement of Scars and Factors That Influence Their Healing
The cut of a standard tummy tuck surgery will be low on the abdomen, usually below the bikini line. Its placement, length and healing will vary depending on the tummy tuck procedure performed and person to person.
A scar looks a lot better in the first year following surgery.
The scar is initially raised and pink/red immediately following surgery. Over the following few months it slowly becomes lighter and flatter, and after 12-18 months all scars are thinned and lighter.
It's indeed a genetic component. Consultation should be with patients with a history of keloid/hypertrophic scarring, as this will affect surgical procedure and scar management.
When the scar is exposed to the sun, the discolouration is not as noticeable as this would be if it didn't cover it or if it didn't have sunscreen applied after the incisions closed (most people are unaware of how long the discolouration lasts).
Scar treatments with silicone have reasonable evidence in favor of them for promoting the final appearance of the scar when they are used regularly for a few months.
Tummy Tuck With Other Surgical Treatments
Women who want to treat several areas that have been affected due to the pregnancy often opt for tummy tuck along with other breast procedures, all of which are part of a mommy makeover.
The procedures may be performed as a single operation or in separate sessions depending on the overall operating time, anaesthesia safety and patient's general health.
This choice is not standard packaged and is being made on a case by case basis.
A tummy tuck does not remove the excessive fat that occurs from liposuction or bariatric surgery.
Helps to reduce excess skin and tone muscle.
The less overweight patients are, the more predictable the outcome will be since they will not be focusing on fat, but rather excess skin and general muscle laxity.
Some of the changes may be reversed by changes in weight or pregnancy.
When people gain weight after surgery, more skin is stretched out.
That is why, when you're about to become a grandparent, it's unlikely a surgeon will perform the surgery on you, and why it's an important pre-surgical conversation to have an honest discussion about what to expect and how to maintain your weight after the surgery, not just because of surgery.
A lot of people want to know what their body will look like after they have healed from a tuck.
People get a tuck for a reason because often there is excess loose skin or fat that won't disappear with exercising, and that's why they need one.
Once recovered, the area of the stomach may appear flatter and more proportionate with the rest of the body.
The results of a tuck can be really noticeable after someone has had a baby or lost a lot of weight.
It is extremely crucial to realize that a few swelling in the initial couple of weeks after having a tummy tuck is normal.
The results of the final test can take months to emerge.
You have to be patient and give your body time to heal because it takes time for your body to adjust.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of a tuck can last for a very long time if you take care of yourself and have a stable lifestyle.
That is why a lot of people choose to get a tuck after they are done having babies and have reached a weight that they are happy with.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing Surgery
Before you decide to get a tuck, it is a good idea to ask yourself some questions. These questions include:
It is important to consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss realistic expectations and determine whether tummy tuck surgery is suitable for you.
Abdominoplasty is a common surgical procedure that eliminates excess fat from the abdomen to create a more toned and tightened appearance.
The duration of abdominoplasty surgery varies depending on the procedure, but it typically takes 2-4 hours.
While abdominoplasty surgery is not entirely painless, Dr. Anup Dhir takes every measure to ensure that his patients are as comfortable as possible during & after the procedure. Pain medication is usually prescribed to deal with any discomfort.
As with every surgery, there are some risks & complications associated with abdominoplasty surgery. These can include bleeding, infection, scarring, and nerve damage. However, Dr. Anup Dhir is highly experienced and skilled in performing this procedure, which helps to minimize the risks.
The recovery time after abdominoplasty surgery can vary depending on the duration of the procedure, but most patients can return to activities within a few weeks and resume normal activities within 6-8 weeks.
While some scarring is inevitable after abdominoplasty surgery, Dr. Anup Dhir takes great care to minimize scarring and ensure that any scars are well hidden beneath clothing.
The cost of abdominoplasty surgery can vary depending on a number of factors, including the extent of the procedure and the location of the practice. On average, the cost of abdominoplasty surgery can range from ₹80,000 to ₹120,000
Yes, abdominoplasty surgery can be highly effective in addressing loose skin after weight loss, particularly in cases where the skin has lost elasticity and is no longer able to tighten naturally.
Tummy tuck results can be long-lasting, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight is crucial for optimal outcomes
Liposuction removes fat deposits, while abdominoplasty addresses loose skin and muscle laxity. In many cases, both procedures are combined for a more comprehensive improvement.
Smoking cessation is crucial for healing. Discuss any medications or supplements you take with your abdominoplasty surgeon, as some may need adjustment.
The timeline varies, but expect activity restrictions for several weeks. Your doctor will provide a specific plan for gradually returning to normal activities.