Abdominoplasty Tummy Tuck

An abdominoplasty, otherwise known as tummy tuck, is a procedure which removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. During the procedure, the muscles can be tightened if required.  This procedure improves the contour of the abdomen by correcting the appearance of the so-called “floppy” abdomen.

Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?

The best candidate for abdominoplasty are healthy, physically fit females or males who suffer from excess fat, loose skin, and flaccid muscles in the lower abdomen. This typically results from single or multiple pregnancies or is the result of significant weight loss. Unfortunately, correction can not be expected from additional dietary regimen and physical activities. An abdominoplasty may be particularly useful for patients who have lost abdominal tone after pregnancy. Additionally, the naturally occurring age-related loss of skin elasticity may be corrected.

Why Naravee?
Simply put, the Naravee Aesthetic Center in Bangkok, Thailand is one of the world’s finest plastic and cosmetic surgery centers. Our doctors have been trained all over the world and have medical knowledge comparable to anyone in the field from the rest of the planet. We offer you five star facilities and results with the beautiful city of Bangkok, Thailand on the horizon. You receive all of this for a fraction of the cost of the same procedure in Europe or America.



What happens at the consultation?

You should express your desires and expectations from the surgical procedures. The surgeon will evaluate your medical health and explain the surgical techniques available to you. Your question will be answered as thoroughly as possible.  An examination of your touble is will be performed. The surgeon will go over the risks and potential complications of the procedure, as well as, the pre-operative and post –operative process.

What are the risks?

All surgeries carry some risks. Listed below are the risks or potential complications:
    
Possible risks of abdominoplasty include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation
• Poor wound healing
• Skin loss
• Blood clots
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Anesthesia risks
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Major wound separation
• Asymmetry
• Recurrent looseness of skin
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Persistent swelling in the legs
• Nerve damage
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Suboptimal aesthetic result

What do I need to do before the surgery?

During your consultation an explanation of the pre-operative and post-operative plan will be reviewed. A list of medications and herbal supplements that should be stopped two weeks before the operation will be provided to you. A few days before the surgery, one of our staff will notify you what time you are expected to arrive for your surgery and will go over last minute details. At this time, you will be given an opportunity to ask any further questions. Continuation of healthy diet and exercise is very important before the surgery. Smoking must be stopped at least two weeks before the surgery.
 

What do I do on the day of the operation?

No eating or drinking for 8 hours before the surgery.  You should wear loose fitting clothing and sneakers. Do not wear sandals or slippers. You will meet with our nurse to prepare you for surgery. The surgeon will discuss the procedure with you again and do pre-operative planning. You will meet with our anesthesia provider to discuss anesthesia. You will be given a choice of day surgery or general anesthesia which required at least one day hospital stay depend on your choice but normally if it is an extensive surgery,   we required 4 days and 3 night’s hospital stay.
 

What kind of anesthesia will be performed?

An Abdominoplasty can be performed with deep sedation or general anesthesia.
 

What will happen during the surgery?

An abdominoplasty takes between two to 4 hours. Liposuction of additional areas is often performed at the same time to contour the body. Most commonly, the abdominoplasty requires an incision from hip to hip and around the belly button. Some patients only have loose skin below their belly button and only need an incision from hip to hip. During the procedure, the muscles of your abdominal wall will be assessed. If they have loosened from pregnancy or weight loss, they will be tightened during the procedure. The skin flaps are then sewn together and the belly button is pleased.
 

What should I expect post- operatively?

Usually two drains are placed removing excess fluid over a period of 2-3 days. Stitches are removed two weeks postoperatively. For support an abdominal binder is worn for 4-6 weeks.
 

When can I get back to normal?

Patients usually return to work in 2-3 weeks. Physical activities should be avoided for several weeks.      
 

Pre-Op Instruction:

• Consultation with surgeon
• Evaluation for other medical conditions
• ECG and Blood test will be taken
• No intake of food or water 8 hrs prior to surgery
• Compression garments should be available to be used post-op
• Stop smoking and alcohol intake at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Anticoagulants, vitamins, hormones (including birth control pills), anti-depressants and some other medications also to be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery.
   

Post-Op Instruction:

• Wrap treated area with compression garments snugly and continuously for 6 days-2wks.
• A day after the surgery, patient may have light to moderate physical activities
• Some incisions will be left open and drainage is expected, absorbent pads should be used and changed frequently as needed.  
• Liposuction incisions will close by themselves within 2-3 days.  Use bandaid to protect lipo-incision sites.
• Keep incision clean
• May have quick bath after 2 days post op with protection on incision site. Regular shower when incisions are fully healed.
• May use regular girdle 2 weeks after compression garments.
• Do not apply icepacks or a heating pad to skin overlying the areas treated by liposuction
• Do not soak in a bath, Jacuzzi, pool or beach at last 7 days post-op
• Bruising may diminish after 2-3 weeks
• Return for check-up after 3 days post-op for post treatment care.
• Removal of stitches after 1 week.
• Swelling is expected, Maximal in the first 2 weeks, then gradually subsides.  Final result in 3-4 months
• Skin may feel numb on the surface but insides are tender to touch.
• Some areas may become hard and lumpy, this is normal and will go away when fully recovered
• Regular exercise work out may start after 2 weeks, start with light exercise then gradually move your way up to your regular routine as tolerated by your body.

Before	After
Before	After