Surgical way of dealing with bulging belly is Tummy tuck. Once abdomen becomes protuberant, may after pregnancy in females or obesity in males/females, usually it does not fall back and person is living in distress. More so, abdominal muscles stretched beyond capacity to return to normal, do not respond to any amount of diet control, yoga, gym or exercises. Those who appreciates the importance of being in shape, and wants to regain, 'Tummy Tuck' also known as abdominoplasty provides a long term solution.

TECHNICALLY speaking, Tummy tuck also known as 'Abdominoplasty' is a Cosmetic Surgery operation designed to remove the excess loose skin of abdominal areas, suck out fat, cut to size the hanging fat apron[ if any ] and to tighten the loose abdominal muscles. Mostly, repositioning of Umbilicus along with its shaping is required.

This procedure dramatically flattens the protuberant belly, takes away the looseness and shapes the body. This is equally common and popular among men and women alike.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER TUMMY TUCK OPERATION ?
Men or women of any age who are bothered by abdominal bulge, extra fat deposit in tummy are and loose skin, may be along with a hanging layer of fat and skin are the right candidates. Ladies after pregnancy often requires to shape the bulge, loose skin with stretch marks. Deformity or Scar of C-Section [ Caesarian Section operation to deliver baby] is also revised. Men who have gained quite a lot and then controlled to reduce themselves, also develops abdominal bulge which fails to resolve; also have to resort to tummy tuck.

OPERATIVE DETAILS : Depending upon the patients requirements, surgeon has to choose between "MINI TUMMY TUCK" and "FULL TUMMY TUCK". In both cases LIPOSUCTION is required to be done along with.

MINI TUMMY TUCK is considered only in those who have little loose skin, mainly below the umbilicus. A skin incision is given in lower abdominal crease, flap of skin with fat is raised, tightening of lower abdominal muscles done, after re-draping extra fat and skin layer is removed and layers closed finely. This leaves a thin fine scar in bikini area.

FULL TUMMY TUCK is for those who have large bulge of whole abdomen, loose skin, fat tiers and hanging fat layer. Incision is given in lower abdominal crease, flap of skin plus fat is raised [after giving a round incision around umbilicus] till upper abdomen. Tightening of abdominal muscles are done in the centre, skin flap is pulled down to mark the excess layer [ which is removed] umbilicus re-positioned at a new higher level. Closer is done to leave a fine scar in bikini area.

LIPOSUCTION is done to suck out fat from the fat layer along with tummy tuck [Mini or Full] to give permanent reduction in fat layer from all parts of abdomen and flanks. Liposuction sucks out fat along with fat cell.

ANESTHSIA is required for this operation. Choice of anesthesia is between regional and general. Usually, a qualified, trained and experienced anesthesiologist decides after examining the patient. Patients consideration and choice is also helps in deciding the type of anesthesia.

ADDITIONAL OPERATION required in some patients having HERNIA in umbilical region, incisional or ventral type, is also done along with the tummy tuck operation.

DRESSINGS applied are elasticized compression garments. It is advisable to move out of bed from next day, though hospitalized for 3-7 days, depending upon the type of surgery. Normal regular diet along with ambulation is encouraged.

FOLLOW-UP period is from 10-20 days. It depends upon how many surgical procedures are done and healing power of the body. During this time patient is advise to remain restful. AIR TRAVEL is usually allowed after 15 -20 days.

LONG TERM BENEFITS are appreciated by the patient in terms of getting back flatter tummy, loosing fat layer permanently. Back in slimmer and thinner figure enhanced shape and appearance, patient's confidence touches new heights.