The problem
If you have lost a lot of weight, you may be left with sagging, loose skin near the abdomen. This can be just the lower abdomen, but sometimes you may also see loose skin on the upper abdomen. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will look at where the loose skin is and indicate the (im)possibilities of the various abdominoplasty procedures. The scarring caused by the different surgeries will also be discussed.
The problem is that the loose skin no longer tightens; the elasticity is out. The only way to get loose skin tight again is to remove a piece of skin and use the remaining skin to bridge the resulting defect and thus tighten it. This naturally produces scars: the more loose skin, the larger the scars.
What defines the problem
There are several types of surgery, from small to very large. The smallest is the mini abdominoplasty, then the (extensive) abdominoplasty, the Fleur de Lis and the circular abdominoplasty. Each type of procedure has its own scars and effects. The choice is determined by where the loose skin is, and how much, your choice regarding scarring and the doctor’s advice. Any existing scars from previous abdominal surgery (e.g., gallbladder removal) may also influence the choice.
The operation
A tummy tuck is always under anesthesia. Through an IV, you will be administered the medication which will put you to sleep peacefully. At Essenza Clinics we do this type of surgery with 2 plastic surgeons reducing the time you are under anesthesia by 1/3. Less anesthesia, less medication, less cooling down, faster recovery, fewer complications.
You are awake immediately after the procedure but a bit groggy at first. Besides an infusion you will have a catheter and 2 drains, all of which will be removed the next morning: you will stay overnight so that we can keep a close eye on you. The pressure suit is put on in the recovery room after the operation and stays on for 6 weeks.
After surgery
Must have everything well organized at home! You’re not worth much the first week, there’s nothing more than a little shuffling through your house. Also the second week you are still very limited but a little more mobile. So the first two weeks you will need help with daily things around the house. You should not do any heavy lifting or exercise for the first 6 weeks, then you can gradually build up again. After 3 months it is good to start with abdominal exercises.
You will come back for a check-up after 2 weeks and after 3 months. These are the regular check-ups, but in addition you are of course always welcome if something should happen in between. Essenza Clinics works with a shift system, just like in a hospital, so there is always someone available, even at night and on weekends.
Result
A tummy tuck is a rewarding procedure that often makes a big difference: immediately after surgery, you can already see that all the overhanging skin is gone and the skin is taut, often you can’t walk completely upright for the first week. The wounds are closed internally with soluble suture material, there are no sutures on the outside. There are suture patches over the wound to help the skin heal without tension. Any wrinkles pull in the first few months of the recovery goes away by itself. The final result is visible after a year.
