Everyone dreams of a flat, firm midsection but only a few are willing to endure the strict exercise and dietary regimen that it requires; fewer still are those who are able to achieve some sort of result despite all the sit-ups and core exercises and low-carb food intake. Excess fat and skin are notoriously difficult to lose and in certain cases, no amount of exercise and dieting work. But thanks to innovations in plastic surgery, there is still hope in the form of a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a medical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen and makes the muscles of the abdomen taut again. It is not, by all means, a procedure for people who are looking to lose a lot of weight; tummy tuck is advised only for cases that cannot be resolved by exercise and diet alone, such as mothers with excess fat, skin, stretch marks and bulges due to pregnancy or for those who suffer a great deal of weight loss.
While many people believe that seeking the help of a plastic surgeon is all for cosmetic reasons, it can be functional as well. For example, as Dr Samuel Ho from Allure Plastic Surgery says, the weakening of the abdominal area does not only deter weight loss, but it also makes it seemingly impossible even with your most diligent efforts. Aside from the more popular aesthetic benefits, tummy tuck in Singapore provides more stable support to the core muscles and spine and improves urinary and pelvic functions.
If you have already achieved your ideal weight and want to get rid of the excess fat and stretched skin, then a tummy tuck is a good option for you. This article will give you information about the procedure.
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Types of Tummy Tuck
There are different types of tummy tuck in Singapore. The most recommended procedure for post-childbirth mothers is the mini-abdominoplasty, which got the term from the short length of scar that it generates. The scar is in a similar place as a caesarean scar (below the navel) and not much longer. A full-abdominoplasty is for people who are not suitable for a mini-abdominoplasty. This procedure leaves two different scars: one around the navel and the other in the underwear line. Lipo-abdominoplasty, on the other hand, combines the benefits of liposuction with abdominoplasty. Patients who experienced massive weight loss require a more complex procedure called belt-lipectomy, which removes loose skin and fat around the waist or “belt line”.
Contact Allure to find out the type of tummy tuck that is best for you.
Before the Procedure
If you are a smoker, your doctor will ask you to stop smoking for at least two weeks before the procedure and another two weeks after. Of course, cutting down on smoking is not enough; you should stop completely because smoking increases the chance of getting complications and it causes the healing process to slow down, too.
A healthy diet and enough sleep will work wonders for you. If you are taking any supplement, herbal medicine, or prescription drugs, you must inform your doctor. He or She may advise you to stop taking certain medications prior to and after the tummy tuck procedure.
How Does it Work?
Tummy tuck in Singapore can take anywhere from one to five hours. You will be injected with general anaesthesia before surgery.
During the procedure, excess skin and fat are removed using an elliptical-shaped incision. The doctor will also stitch the muscle to tighten them. Wound drains will be inserted to remove residual blood and prevent the formation of blood clots. Lastly, the doctor will stitch the skin and apply a compression fabric and wound dressing to the treated area. It takes about an average of two to three weeks for a mini-tummy tuck to heal and three to six weeks for a full tummy tuck.
Post-Operative Care
After the surgery, patients are advised to stay at the hospital to recuperate for three to four days. During the first two days, you will rest in a jackknife position to alleviate tension in the wound and on the third or fourth day, you will be instructed to move and walk around with support.
You are also required to wear an abdominal binder for three months for support and to bring back the shape of the abdomen. Medications in the form of pain killers and antibiotics will be prescribed to decrease bruising and swelling. Your suture will be removed after two weeks and you will be permitted to do some light exercise after about four weeks; other strenuous activities will have to wait for another three months.
Risks and Complications
Occasional bleeding, swelling, and bruising may occur for two to four weeks after the surgery. Your doctor will provide medication for the pain and will give information on how to manage the pain. You may also experience soreness, numbness, or tiredness for some time after the surgery.
As with any surgery, risks are always present. Infections, the formation of blood clots, and re-opening of the incision may occur. You have a higher chance of developing complications if you have diabetes or vascular disease, or if you are a smoker. Tummy tuck also leaves scars and although they will fade over time, they will never be fully erased.
The road to recovery is not always easy so it is important to make sure that you are mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially prepared before you undergo the procedure. If you wish to discuss more details about tummy tuck in Singapore, please contact our Allure office.
Allure Plastic Surgery
435 Orchard Rd, #22-04 Wisma Atria,
Singapore 238877
