Many in search of a flat tummy do everything possible to achieve their goal. They follow strict diets and exercise each day. But no matter how much effort they put forth, the flat stomach goal evades them. After diet and exercise fail, a tummy tuck performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Mohit Sood is the choice to make to get results.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also referred to as abdominoplasty, removes extra fat and loose skin on the abdomen. A flatter stomach and toned abdominal area make wearing a bathing suit or revealing clothing pleasurable once more. Weakened or separated abdominal muscles can also be restored during the abdominoplasty procedure.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
People who have lost a great deal of weight often select to have a tummy tuck procedure. Loose skin and skin folds that remain after significant weight loss are unsightly and unhealthy. The sagging skin traps moisture, and the patient is at an increased risk for bacterial and fungal infections.
A tummy tuck benefits the patient by removing loose skin and effectively reduces the stomach area. Swiss researchers learned that bariatric patients who lost weight by gastric bypass or other procedures were more likely to maintain their weight loss than others. Other benefits to the patient include:
- Self-esteem enhancement.
- Tighter, toned abdominal appearance.
The tummy tuck may also be safely combined with other surgical procedures, such as hernia surgery.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
A tummy tuck is typically performed on an outpatient basis in the office unless the patient desires multiple simultaneous procedures. If the patient elects to have more than one surgery, the procedure will be performed in a hospital.
Patients in office are given local anesthesia. If hospital admission is necessary, the patient is typically given general anesthesia. When the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Sood will make a horizontal incision starting under the belly button and extending toward the pubic bone. Afterward, he will lift the skin to work on the abdominal muscles and perform all necessary repairs.
Skin from the upper abdomen is stretched down and trimmed prior to being sewn together. The belly button is repositioned on the smaller, tighter skin. Once the repositioned belly button is in place, the outer skin is adjoined, and wounds are covered with gauze and bandages.
