As we grow older, we tend to lose the strength we once had in our abdominal wall. This can happen as a result of the aging process, pregnancy, or weight loss. These factors make the tissues in our abdominal region lax and weaken the underlying muscles. In some cases, our abdominal muscles may have separated and are now unable to perform as expected.

Patients lacking core strength can benefit from a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, tightens and repositions the abdominal muscles, allowing them to engage and strengthen for a stronger core. It also offers cosmetic benefits, removing excess fat, loose skin, and stretch marks.

How Do You Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?

Anybody considering a tummy tuck should be in or around their ideal weight range. Such individuals are able to have the operative area blend in seamlessly with the rest of their body.

Smoking can complicate the recovery process substantially. Non-smokers are ideal for abdominoplasty, but if you do smoke and want to have a tummy tuck performed, you are advised to quit temporarily in the time leading up to the surgery.

Avoid taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the time leading up to your tummy-tuck procedure. These can cause surgical complications.

You will also need to meet with a skilled medical professional for a consultation. During this, the two of you will discuss your aesthetic goals and the details of the procedure.

The Abdominoplasty Procedure

An abdominoplasty begins with anesthesia to ensure that the patient is comfortable and no pain is felt during the operation. An incision is then created from hipbone to hipbone. Another may be made around the bellybutton.

After the skin is lifted, internal sutures are used to rejoin the sagging and separated abdominal muscle tissue, restoring the abdominal wall. Excess fat is removed with liposuction, and excess skin is trimmed with a scalpel. The remaining skin is redraped and the incisions are carefully stitched shut.

The Recovery and Healing Process

Your surgeon may ask you to wear an elastic post-surgical compression garment to help with recovery for a certain time period. This garment helps your skin better fit the new contours of your abdomen and will aid in controlling post-surgical swelling. It will be removed after a couple weeks.

Patients are advised to resume activity as soon as they can. It will be necessary to take some time off from work. Physically taxing activities should be avoided for at least four to six weeks in order to allow the incisions and tissues to fully heal.

After Your Recovery

A tummy tuck gets rid of excess skin and fat bulges and gives your stomach a firm and toned look. It is important to remember that in order to maintain the new body you achieve with abdominoplasty, you will need to adopt a regular exercise routine, an appropriate sleep schedule, and healthy lifestyle habits.

Restore Your Abdominal Wall

Abdominoplasty surgery is an effective way to strengthen your abdominal wall and generally give your abdomen a firm and shapely appearance. To find out more, contact London Bridge Plastic Surgery and set up an abdominoplasty consultation.