Tummy
Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy
Tuck / Abdominoplasty is a
surgical procedure that tighten the abdominal muscles and correct abdominal
muscle separation. Tummy
tuck can also remove extra
skin and fat from
the abdomen, leaving a firmer, flatter stomach and a more attractive
waistline.
It is highly recommended to women, who after giving birth, want to get
rid of the loose skin and fat due to weight gain during
pregnancy. Dr. Alonzo explains that during pregnancy, the
skin and muscles of the anterior abdominal
wall can be stretched, which
results to loose skin and fat after the woman gives birth. Childbirth
usually causes a weakening and separation of the abdominal
muscles.
This also happens not only to women but to men as well who loose
significant amount of weight. When the abdominal
muscles separate, it
is not possible to have a flat stomach, no matter how rigid your
exercise and work out are. Many men are also taking advantage of the
benefits of tummy tuck for treating a large stomach. “70% of
my male patients have this procedure done, age ranges from 25 to 40. We
got rid of the extra, loose, sagging skin that accumulated after losing
excessive amounts of weight, through exercise, diet, and/or various
weight loss programs. We have also done this to some as follow up
treatment to their liposuction
procedures.
Who
says only the women are figure and health-conscious?
“ says Dr. Alonzo.
But be informed that Tummy
Tuck is suitable to persons
with normal
weight, and is not intended as a weight reduction technique. Candidates
should be in good general health and free of heart or lung disease,
diabetes, among others. In your initial consultation, Dr. Alonzo will
conduct a physical examination and will order blood work to determine
clotting time, etc. You will be given antibiotics prior to surgery to
ward off potential infection. He may also suggest liposuction
if you
are carrying a large amount of excess fat in the target area.
The Abdominoplasty
surgery:
In most cases, any
selected area of
fat will be sucked from the abdomen first. The doctor then applies
several layers of muscle tightening sutures to tighten the abdominal
muscles. Then a horizontal incision is made carefully along the lower
abdomen beneath the bikini line. After that, the skin and fat are
lifted from the muscle and placed higher to leave a tighter and firmer
appearance. Lastly, the belly button is re-sited so that it effectively
ends up in its “correct” original position. The
operation normally takes 3 hours or more, and is done under general
anesthesia, and will require a 1 to 2 night stay in the hospital.
What
can I expect after Tummy tuck?
After
tummy tuck
surgery, immediately you
will notice that your stomach is tighter and
firmer. Dr. Alonzo will visit you the next day after your surgery.
Expect pain and discomfort for several days. The patients usually
experience an aching and pulling sensation for one to two weeks, and
occasional twinge for some months. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory
medications
will be prescribed to you. Like any surgeries there will be
swelling and bruising for several months, but as it subsides, by then,
you can see the full results of the operation. Sutures will be removed
about a week after abdominoplasty.
You can return to work within a few weeks
and may exercise four or five weeks after the surgery. Dr. Alonzo has
performed hundreds of tummy
tuck cases, with 99%
success rate. He
believes that the success and quality of the result is based on the
surgeon’s foresight and technique, which, he says, applies to
all surgical procedures.
Note:
Pre-
operative laboratory works is required for this procedure. Laboratory
test needed includes: Clotting time bleeding time, Chest X-ray, CBC w/
platelet count, FBS and ECG. Medical clearance from cardiologist is
also required.
F.A.Q.
See
Before and After Picture
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