Dr. Antolin tells us about the procedure followed for the operation of tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck or liposuction of the abdomen, in his clinics in Valencia and Alcoy.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty and also called abdominal plasty or abdominal dermolipectomy, is a body surgery that seeks to reshape the abdomen by removing excess abdominal skin and fat, along with the correction of muscle flaccidity, restructuring and strengthening the muscles of the abdominal wall.
This situation of excess skin and relaxation of the abdominal wall, as well as a large number of stretch marks, occurs in patients who have had subsequent weight gain or weight loss or in women after several pregnancies.
A tummy tuck is highly sought after by women who have had one or more pregnancies and who include this procedure as part of a broader post-pregnancy cosmetic surgery procedure.
With the Mommy Makeover surgery (postpartum cosmetic surgery) they want to eliminate localized fat, recover a fuller and lifted breast, a flat abdomen without stretch marks…
On other occasions this body surgery is performed as a post-bariatric operation in patients who have undergone massive weight loss.
A tummy tuck is commonly performed for both aesthetic and functional purposes, as it can allow the patient to recover the comfort and hygiene that a flap can alter, in addition to repairing various anomalies in the muscular wall of the abdomen (separation of the rectus abdominis, hernias, eventrations, etc.).
A tummy tuck achieves aflatter,firmer abdomenand a narrower waist.
- The main indication is in cases where there is a significant excess of flaccid skin with or without stretch marks, mainly in the infraumbilical abdomen, with or without excess fat.
- Diastasis (relaxation and separation of the rectus abdominis muscles) and umbilical hernia(protrusion in the umbilical area due to intra-abdominal fat or small portion of intestine) are also indications for a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck addresses the three components that can distort the appearance of an optimal, youthful abdomen:
- Redundant skin: this is to reduce excess skin. The purpose is to fight the abdominal apron that follows pregnancies or weight loss diets;
- Excess fat: Reduce excess fat located in the stomach. A common condition in men in their 40s and in women after menopause;
- Diastasis(separation) of the rectus abdominis muscles, which causes bulging of the abdomen. The spacing of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) may be congenital in origin or the result of excess weight.
If the excess abdominal fat is not accompanied by muscle relaxation or excess skin, liposuction of the abdomen may be sufficient.
However, we usually perform tummy tuck with liposuction of the supraumbilical abdomen, waist and/or lower back as required.
In other cases, if the patient requires a more complete body reshaping, we can combine a tummy tuck with a back and trunk lift.
There is a lot of information that the patient must transmit and the surgeon must interpret in order to establish the most optimal surgical plan and make the most appropriate decisions. The patient must be rigorously evaluated by the plastic surgeon and listened to with interest and attention. It is essential that the patient is well cared for, informed, operated, and of course, and not least, that he/she is very, very excited.
Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck in Valencia with Dr. Antolin if:
- Despite diet and exercise, he is not satisfied with the appearance of his abdomen.
- Women and men who have excess fat and skin after weight loss.
- He has realistic expectations about the goals that can be achieved with surgery.
- You should be close to your ideal weight and your weight should be stable.
- Must be in good physical health and not smoke.
- You know what your health status or medical condition is and have informed your plastic surgeon.
A tummy tuck is a surgery to reshape and harmonize the contour of the abdomen and is not a treatment for obesity.
It is also not an effective treatment to eliminate stretch marks above the navel.
The 1st Consultation
Prior to tummy tuck surgery all of our patients will have several scheduled consultations with Dr. Antolin.
In this 1st totally FREE consultation, candidates should get answers to all their questions, and solve all the clarifications that the patient needs.
Also make Dr. Antolin know what are the motivations why the patient wants to have the operation.
You should also communicate to Dr. Antolin the goals you wish to achieve with a tummy tuck and make sure that both patient and surgeon are in agreement as towhat they are. the desired results.
During this consultation, Dr. Antolin as a plastic surgeon will perform an exhaustive medical examination, taking into account several parameters: morphological data, skin characteristics, abdominal muscle wall condition, volume of fat to be removed, etc.
Dr. Antolin will make sure that there are no risk factors or contraindications for this procedure (history of phlebitis, pulmonary embolism, pregnancy project, significant overweight, etc.). He will then be able to make a personalized diagnosis.
The patient can have as many consultations as he/she needs to know all the details of the procedure, resolve any doubts and learn about the risks and benefits of the intervention.
Some recommendations should be observed before tummy tuck surgery:
- It is recommended to stop smoking at least one month before and after surgery so as not to impair the healing process;
- Aspirin is prohibited for 10 days prior to surgery;
- Discontinuation of oral contraception may be requested in case of other risk factors for phlebitis (obesity, poor venous condition, coagulation disorders);
- The skin will be disinfected with an antiseptic solution or soap applied the day before and the morning of the operation;
- It is recommended not to eat or drink anything 6 hours before the operation.
Period of reflection
A minimum period of 15 days must be respected between the first consultation and the tummy tuck (this is a mandatory reflection period for all aesthetic procedures).
Contact us nowTypes of tummy tuck
It is the clinical diagnosis that will allow the plastic surgeon to develop the best intervention strategy.
You will choose the most appropriate type of tummy tuck depending on several parameters: skin condition, muscle tone, amount of existing abdominal fat……
We can differentiate between abdominal liposuction and different types of tummy tuck procedures:
1.- Isolated Abdominal Liposuction
In young patients, who maintain abdominal muscle tone and few skin changes are observed (excess skin, stretch marks), a simple liposuction may be sufficient to restore a harmonious and flattened abdomen.
Liposuction removes localized fat deposits, which are real fat overloads resistant to diet and sport.
The principle consists of introducing fine cannulas with rounded, non-sharp ends into the abdominal area to be liposuctioned through minimal incisions.
Once the cannulas are connected to a suction system, the excess fat, which has been previously detached and broken by infiltration of serum containing anesthetic drugs to prevent pain and bleeding, is aspirated.
Since adipocytes do not have the ability to multiply, there will be no more fat accumulation in the liposuctioned abdominal area.
A balanced lifestyle should be led after surgery, as untreated areas may be subject to fat accumulation.
2.-Mini Tummy Tuck
When the diagnosis determines an excess of skin (with or without excess fat), located mainly in the lower abdomen, below the navel, the indication is a mini tummy tuck.
The treatment is based on:
- A liposuction of the abdomen that may involve the entire abdomen, flank region and back pads (when there is excess fat to be corrected).
- A partial excision of excess skin between the pubic bone and the navel, in order to restore skin tension.
- It is possible to re-tighten the rectus abdominis muscles.
In mini tummy tuck, there is no transposition of the umbilicus, unlike a full tummy tuck, so there is no umbilical scar.
In addition, the scar of the camouflaged incision in the bikini area is shorter than that of a full tummy tuck.
3.-Complete tummy tuck with umbilical transposition
When the diagnosis reveals significant and diffuse lesions of the abdominal skin(significant distension, stretch marks and/or scars, lack of tone), accompanied or not by an alteration of the abdominal wall(presence of diastasis of the rectus muscles, umbilical hernia) and excess abdominal fat, the treatment is a complete tummy tuck or circumferential tummy tuck.
Anesthesia is always general anesthesia and the duration of hospitalization is 1 to 2 days depending on the patient.
Abdominal plastic surgery is performed in several stages, within the same surgical procedure(in the same operation):
- Liposuction of the entire abdomen, stomach and flanks. This procedure treats any fat component, thickens and flattens the abdomen.
- Detachment of skin and fatty tissues from the upper border of the stomach area.
- Tightening of the abdominal muscles. This is the cure for diastasis abdominalis where the practitioner tightens the muscles of the large right side.
- Removal of excess skin between the pubis and the navel or dermolipectomy.
- Umbilical transposition where the umbilicus is repositioned.
- Lift or lift the belly. The healthy skin is pulled down to re-cover the abdomen.
4.-Circumferential tummy tuck
Circumferential tummy tuck, also known as “body lift” or trunk lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to reshape and tighten the middle part of the body.
Excess skin and fat is removed from the abdominal region, flanks and back, improving body contouring.
This surgery is especially useful for patients who have experienced massive weight loss and have excess sagging skin around the entire trunk. excess sagging skin around the entire trunk.
Characteristics of a tummy tuck
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
- It lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
- It requires hospitalization for 1-2 days.
- In most cases, a compression bandage and drains should be maintained for one or two days.
- After the operation the patient must wear a special compression garment for at least 1 month day and night, 2 months if muscle repair has been performed.
- The stitches are in most cases absorbable and disappear after 2 to 3 weeks.
Incision scars
As in any surgery, a tummy tuck leaves scars in the incisions.
- The first scar extends transversely just above the pubis, improves markedly with time and in any case is always covered by underwear or swimwear.
- The second scar (which only exists in the case of a tummy tuck with umbilical transposition) is circular around the navel.
- The scar is pink for the first few months before gradually fading over one to two years.
- Scar maturity is only achieved after one year.
- It is important to avoid UV rays and sunlight in the months following the procedure. The bikini line protects the lower scar; the sunscreen, the scar around the navel.
From our experience, although the scar is one of the main concerns for the patient prior to tummy tuck surgery, it becomes irrelevant afterwards given the excellent results that are achieved, as there is a before and after in the way the patient dresses and in the perception of their new silhouette.
Post-operative care and recovery from a tummy tuck
Once the patient has been discharged, he/she should rest at home for several days and follow a progressive adaptation. She will be able to return to her normal family and work life in several weeks (although this aspect must also be evaluated on an individual basis).
Patients are monitored during the first month with 1-2 weekly visits for follow-up, dressings, stitch removal and to receive information and advice on a progressive basis.
After a tummy tuck:
- The procedure may cause pain, usually caused by coughing or movement. If you have any discomfort or pain, Dr. Antolin will prescribe painkillers to relieve it.
- Edema or hematomas may appear after a tummy tuck; these signs disappear spontaneously after a few days or weeks.
- An interruption of work is necessary during the period of convalescence.
- The patient can usually resume activities gradually after 3 or 4 weeks. It is advisable not to make intense efforts at the beginning (carrying heavy objects, intense sports).
- Numbness or hardening sensation may be felt for a few months; this is a normal sign after the procedure.
- Scar care must be rigorous. There are special precautions for good healing; doctors often recommend (moisturizing) creams or silicone strips.
- Baths and showers should also be avoided for about ten days.
- It is advisable to sleep in a suitable position, which does not involve stretching of the sutures: on the back, legs bent, pillows under the knees.
- A healthy diet and lifestyle should be followed after a tummy tuck to ensure long-lasting results.
- Pregnancy is possible after a tummy tuck. It is advisable that at least 1 year has passed after the tummy tuck before you become pregnant. However, pregnancy can generate a relaxation of the skin and muscles of the abdominal wall, which will cause the results of the tummy tuck may be altered.
Results
Tummy tuck surgery is a procedure that has undergone many technical improvements in recent years.
Anesthesia is lighter, tummy tuck recovery time is shorter, tummy tuck scars are more discreet due to improved suturing practices, and new “high tension” surgical techniques improve the outcome.
- The final result of a tummy tuck will be visible 3 to 6 months after surgery, the time it takes for post-operative swelling and bruising to subside.
- The harmony of the belly is found in its relationship with the other curves of the silhouette. As a result, the abdomen is flat, the skin taut and the waist slim.
- A tummy tuck, or abdominal lift surgery, often has a significant impact on psychological balance. The operated person can return to wear clothes closer to the body, consider wearing a bathing suit…. regain self-confidence.
To maintain all the benefits of abdominal plastic surgery, it is advisable to follow a balanced lifestyle: the better the result of abdominal plastic surgery, the better the motivation to control your weight (balanced diet, diet), and to strengthen your abdominal muscles (gymnastics to tone your abdominal muscles).
Schedule an initial consultation to meet with Dr. Antolin and learn more about a possible tummy tuck in Valencia or Alcoy.
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Tummy tuck before and after photos
Before and after tummy tuck photos of real cases of patients from our clinic.
Patient feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should the compression garment be worn after a tummy tuck?
In general, it is recommended to wear the compression garment for at least six weeks after surgery, always following the surgeon’s specific indications.
What is included in the first appointment to evaluate a tummy tuck in Valencia?
The first consultation allows us to resolve doubts, explain the patient’s objectives and perform a complete medical evaluation of the abdomen, skin, localized fat and muscle wall to determine if a tummy tuck is the best option.
When can I ask for a quote for a tummy tuck?
The estimate should be offered after a personalized medical evaluation, since it depends on the type of tummy tuck, whether it is combined with liposuction and the anatomical needs of each patient.
How long does tummy tuck recovery take?
Recovery varies according to each case and the type of surgery performed. The final result is usually seen progressively between 3 and 6 months, when swelling and bruising subside.
Where can I request a first tummy tuck appointment with Dr. Antolin?
You can request a free first appointment through the clinic’s contact page to receive a personalized assessment in Valencia or Alcoy.
What type of patient is not a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Most healthy patients can undergo the procedure. However, there are some restrictions.
The procedure is not possible for patients with conditions that may affect healing and/or contraindicate a relatively lengthy surgery.
- A high body mass index.
- Pharmacological treatments that affect coagulation.
- Patients with unrealistic expectations or psychological problems.
For some patients with good skin quality and muscle tone without excess skin, liposuction alone can correct the appearance of the abdomen.
Why is liposuction usually performed with a tummy tuck?
Liposuction can be performed during a tummy tuck or separately (before or after), depending on the case.
A tummy tuck will treat the protrusion of the abdomen, however some areas such as love handles still retain fat deposits, which require liposuction to obtain a satisfactory result.
Other surgeries that can complement the improvement of body contouring would be the Brazilian butt lift or buttock augmentation with implants.
Why is liposuction usually not enough?
Liposuction is ideal for removing excess fat.
Unfortunately, it is not effective in treating excess skin and has no effect on the muscles. Only a tummy tuck can treat these problems.
It is important that the patient knows the results that can be obtained with each procedure and its limitations, however, the imperfections present in each patient will determine the most appropriate surgery for their correction.
Is it possible to get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Although not recommended, this is possible, usually at the cost of altering the results produced by the intervention.
Therefore, it is always advisable for patients who wish to undergo a tummy tuck to wait until they have had their children before considering this surgery.
How long should the compression garment be worn?
It is recommended that patients wear the girdle for at least six weeks after surgery.