Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating a firmer abdominal profile. 

The procedure is suitable for both men and women in overall good general health with a stable weight. Tummy tuck is not the same as liposuction (the cosmetic surgery used to remove fat deposits). Women with  muscles and skin stretched after pregnancies may find this procedure useful to tighten those set of loose muscles and reduce that bit of flapping skin. A tummy tuck is also an alternative for men or women who were obese at one point in their lives, and still carry excessive fat deposits or loose skin. 

Avoid a tummy tuck, if : 

1.  you're a woman still planning to have children
2.  you are still planning to lose a lot of weight, wait until your weight has stabilised.
3. you are not comfortable with a noticeable surgery scar on abdomen

How is a tummy tuck performed?

Depending on the nature of results expected, this surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. You will receive general anesthesia to put you to sleep during the operation.  

Complete abdominoplasty 

• This option is for patients who need the most correction. In this, the incision (cut) is made low on the abdomen, and usually extending from hip bone to hip bone. Your surgeon will manipulate and shape the skin and muscle as needed. You will also have an incision around your navel (belly button) with this procedure, because it's necessary to free your navel from surrounding tissue. Drainage tubes may be placed under your skin which shall be removed in a few days. 

Partial or mini-abdominoplasty 

• Mini-abdominoplasties are done with shorter incisions and often performed on patients whose fat deposits are located below the navel. During this procedure, your belly button most likely will not be moved. Your skin will be separated between the line of incision and your belly button. 

Circumferential abdominoplasty 

• includes the back area. When there is a lot of excess fat in the back as well as the abdomen, you may have the option of either liposuction of the back or circumferential abdominoplasty. The latter procedure allows for the removal of both skin and fat from the hip and back areas, which improves the shape of your body three-dimensionally.

After your tummy tuck, your incision site will be stitched and bandaged and your surgeon may have you wear an elastic bandage or compression garment after surgery. 

You will also receive instructions as to how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease the pain. Additionally, you shall require to severely limit strenuous exercise for four to six weeks. Your doctor will advise you on healing period abstains.

How should I prepare for a tummy tuck?

• Completely stop using all forms of nicotine—gum, patches, and e-cigarettes—for at least two weeks before and after surgery 
• Eat well-balanced, complete meals. Avoid dieting excessively before surgery. 
• Seek Doctor’s advice to stop taking which of your medications and dietary supplements for a certain period before and after surgery. Inform your surgeon if you are taking any blood thinners

Complications / side effects of a tummy tuck

Pain and swelling is expected post surgery. Soreness might last for several weeks or months with symptoms of numbness, bruising, and overall tiredness for that same time period.

Unlike  any other surgery, there are risks involved. With tummy tuck,  you may have an increased risk of complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes, heart, lung, or liver disease, or if you smoke. Some of them might include: 

• Scarring
• Hematoma (bleeding)
• Infection
• Seroma (accumulation of fluid)
• Poor wound healing
• Loss of skin
• Blood clots
• Risks pertaining to anaesthesia
• Changes in skin color and texture
• Fat necrosis (death of fatty tissue located deep within skin)
• Wound separation
• Asymmetry (unevenness or lopsidedness)
• Life after Tummy tuck

Generally, most people love the new look after they've undergone this procedure; however, you may not feel like your normal self for months post surgery. It is a big emotional, physical, and financial commitment.  Lastly, it is very important that you follow proper diet and exercise to maintain your new look.