Abdominoplasty

The tummy tuck ( abdominoplasty or tummy tucks also ) is a surgery plastic surgery to tighten the abdominal wall, where also excess fatty tissue is removed ( liposuction ). Use of the abdominoplasty is often given in people with potbelly and as hernia repair over large hernial orifice (including diastasis recti ).

A tummy tuck is then made ​​when there is excess skin in the abdominal area is ( " potbelly "). This is often the result of a large weight loss. The patients have already lost several kilograms. With a tummy tuck, the optics of the abdomen is adapted to the new weight. This intervention does not serve the fat reduction, the weight should first be reduced by a diet, but can optionally be supplemented by a liposuction.

Methods

Prior to surgery, the surgeon measures the excess skin and fat areas and records them. The skin cuts are to be guided so that they ensure an inconspicuous scar formation. Excess skin areas are removed along with the underlying fat tissue. To this end, the surgeon makes an undulating section (W- section), which begins above the pubic hair line and extends to the pelvic bone along to its end.

The second skin incision is made around the navel to detach it from the abdominal skin. The open abdominal flap can be lifted up to the costal arch. If necessary, the additional slack abdominal muscles tightened. The dissolved again folded skin flap down and then tightened. With precise stitching the open wound is closed by a section of the navel is repositioned. The OP can be derived by applying small drainage tube through which excess tissue fluid and small amounts of blood to the outside, finished. These tubes are removed after about one to two days. A compression bandage is applied even in the operating room.

A sagging abdominal wall with redundant skin can also be the result of a diastasis recti. When this situation exists or is it just the tightening of the stomach muscles, the procedure can also be performed endoscopically. In this inner tummy tuck then not the complete skin is lifted and the navel may remain in its initial position.

Medical risks

The relatively large wound surfaces that are inevitable in this operation can be perceived as very stressful. Among the possible complications also include unsightly scarring, dents and asymmetries, poor circulation in the area of the navel and the abdominal skin underneath and the general surgical risks such as thrombosis with subsequent pulmonary embolism and bacterial infections. In any case advised to have the surgery carried out only at a qualified plastic surgeon. In general, these are only "Specialists in Plastic Surgery " or "Specialists in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery ".

Swell

• Lemperle / von Heimburg (ed.): Cosmetic Surgery, 2003 Ecomed -Verlag
• Kümpel bag ( ed.): Guide cosmetic surgery, "Opportunities, avoiding risks ," Foitzik Verlag 2006, ISBN 3929338181