“Tummy tuck”, known clinically as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen thinner and more firm. The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall. This type of surgery is usually sought by patients with loose or sagging tissues after pregnancy or major weight loss. Nevertheless, like any surgically invasive procedure, there is always a risk of abnormal scarring. Luckily, these scars might be minimized and treated with a clinically-proven solution.
Read on to learn more about what type of tummy tuck procedure is suitable for you, what you should do before and after your tummy tuck as well as discovering an effective solution for post-operative car management.
What is type of tummy tuck procedure suitable for you?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) states that, during your tummy tuck surgery consultation, your plastic surgeon will examine the condition of your skin and tissue to determine which of the following types of tummy tuck is best suited for your needs.
Mini tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck focuses on the area of the tummy that lies below the navel. Your plastic surgeon will make a single incision at the bikini line that is easily concealed under a swimsuit. He will stretch the skin downward as he smooths and adjusts the skin. If you are also in need of muscle tightening to correct a slight pooch, this type of tummy tuck would be appropriate. Women who are wanting to correct the physical changes after pregnancy are ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck.
Full tummy tuck
This is the most common type of tummy tuck procedure since it focuses on the entire midsection. Your surgeon will make two incisions – one will be located in the lower abdomen and the second is made around the navel. Though scarring is more obvious with this procedure, these incision sites allow your surgeon to remove sagging skin from both the upper and lower abdomen. He will also tighten the abdominal muscles necessary to give you a more toned midsection. Many patients benefit from this type of tummy tuck, including women who are post-pregnancy, have experienced major weight loss and are unhappy with how their bodies have changed due to genetics or aging.
Extended tummy tuck
An extended tummy tuck is most commonly performed for patients who need removal of significant amounts of skin. This typically occurs after a massive weight loss. Your surgeon will make a single incision; it will wrap around the abdomen to reach the hips. Such a large incision allows him to tighten the skin evenly down across the tummy. It can leave a larger scar than the other procedures that may be hard to hide under intimate clothing.
How should you prepare for a tummy tuck?
Also according to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), you may be asked to prepare for tummy tuck surgery as follows:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
Post-operative recovery and scar management
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) indicates that the majority of tummy tucks can be performed as outpatient procedures, and patients go home the same day. However, your cosmetic surgeon may require an overnight hospital stay after a more extensive tummy tuck so you can be safely monitored during the initial hours of your recovery.
Depending on how physically demanding your job is, you may be ready to return to work after 2 to 4 weeks. You will be encouraged to spend the first few days resting quietly at home, get up and walk around the house to maintain healthy circulation. Additionally, your cosmetic surgeon will give you detailed instructions for keeping the area clean and well-maintained until their removal a few days following surgery.
How silicone gel can help
To address post-surgical scarring such as keloids and hypertropic scars, topical silicone gel should be applied. Silicone gel technology is a clinically-proven treatment option for reducing the abnormal scars with over 30 years of evidence to support its safety and effectivenes. Silicone gel is recommended as the first-line topical scar treatment option by physicians, surgeons, and scar management experts.
Silicone gel contains long chain silicone polymer (polysiloxanes), silicone dioxide and volatile component. It spreads as an ultra- thin barrier and works 24 hours per day. It has a self- drying technology and itself dries within 4-5 minutes, even within 60 seconds like Nourisil™ MD silicone scar gel. Silicone gel increases hydration of stratum corneum and thereby facilitates regulation of fibroblast production and reduction in collagen production, which results into softer and flatter scar. It allows skin to “breathe”. Additionally, silicone gel protects the scarred tissue from bacterial invasion and prevents bacteria-induced excessive collagen production in the scar tissue.
DTP Medical supplies the high quality silicone-based scar products such as Nourisil™ MD, Bapscarcare Gel, Bapscarcare Sheet. Ask your doctor which therapy option is right for you.
You don’t have to live with unwanted scarring. Try silicone-based scar products supplied by us today and see the difference!