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The tummy tuck is an
operation that is designed to remove excess skin
from the abdomen at the same time, tightening
the abdominal muscles. It is indicated in cases
where there is laxity of the abdomen resulting
in bulging due to abnormal stretching of the
abdominal muscles and skin. The rectus abdominus
muscle is the muscle of primary importance in
this procedure. It most commonly becomes
separated at the midline due to pregnancy or
significant weight gain. This muscle does not
grow back to where it was when you were young.
One of the primary goals of a tummy tuck is to
reposition the underlying muscles in order for
them to heal, and create the tighter, flatter
abdomen of youth.
Liposuction is often
performed along with a tummy tuck to remove any
unwanted fat deposits that do not respond to
diet and exercise.
Unlike liposuction surgery, which just removes
fat, this operation involves removal of skin and
fat, with tightening of the abdominal muscles
which is the second goal of this procedure. For
this reason, it is more extensive than
liposuction. The actual extent of surgery will
depend on the amount of excess skin and the
laxity of the abdominal muscles.
Prior to tummy tuck surgery, the amount of skin
that is to be removed is carefully marked. The
operation is usually carried out under
intravenous sedation (IV). An incision is made
in the bikini line and the excess skin is pulled
down and inward, and is removed along with
underlying fatty tissue. The muscles are
tightened as required, the skin is carefully
re-draped and the incision closed with several
layers of suture.
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