Tummy Tuck

What is Tummy Tuck?

Tummy Tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty or Panniculectomy is a procedure where large amount of skin and fat are removed from the middle and lower part of the abdomen. During Tummy Tuck, the muscles of the abdominal wall are also tightened which results in a significant decrease in protruding belly.

Where can I get Tummy Tuck?

Country	Cost with MedSolution
France	$7,896 (inquire)
India	$2,043 (inquire)
Turkey	$5,100 (Non PAL - inquire)

Cost of procedure performed in the US: $8,000 - 12,000.

All prices are in US dollars and include the cost of the procedure and minimum hospital stay. Estimates and minimum hospital stay will vary depending upon individual needs and requirements.

Tummy Tuck vs. Abdominoplasty vs. Panniculectomy - What is the difference?

Tummy Tuck is the other name for Abdominoplasty. Panniculectomy is a procedure where a large 'apron' of loose hanging skin and fat is removed surgically. Panniculectomy is usually performed in obese people who have lost large amounts of weight recently. The 'apron' of loose skin and fat can be so large that it covers the hips and extends around to the lower back. This can be extremely distressing and pose problems in getting out of bed and walking around, back pain, excessive moisture leading to rashes and itching.

Complete Abdominoplasty vs. Extended Abdominoplasty vs. Partial Abdominoplasty vs. Mini or Modified Abdominoplasty - What is the difference?

Complete Abdominoplasty also called Standard Abdominoplasty, all the abdominal wall skin and muscles are tightened. In Extended Abdominoplasty, all the muscles and skin of the abdomen and the flanks or sides is tightened. In Partial Abdominoplasty which is also sometimes referred to as Mini Abdominoplasty (tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only) or Modified Abdominoplasty (just the muscle wall or just the abdominal skin requires repair) is a much shorter procedure and has a short scar.

Who is an ideal candidate for Tummy Tuck?

If you have good general health but have large fat deposits and loose skin despite exercising, if you have had multiple pregnancies which have left stretch marks on your abdomen, if you have lost an enormous amount of weight recently, then you are an ideal candidate for Tummy Tuck.

Who is not an ideal candidate for Tummy Tuck?

If you are planning on having children or loosing more weight then you are not an ideal candidate for Tummy Tuck.

What does the procedure for Tummy Tuck involve?

Complete Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) takes about 3 - 4 hours, Partial Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) takes about 1 - 2 hours. The procedure for Tummy Tuck is performed under general anesthesia. If large amounts of fat need to be removed from the abdominal area, Tummy Tuck may be accompanied with Liposuction or PAL. Depending on the type of Tummy Tuck procedure, an incision will be made in the abdominal wall. Your surgeon will separate the skin and muscles all the way up to the rib cage. After this the vertical muscles will be tightened, this will create a firmer abdomen and a much narrower waistline. The skin flap is then stretched down, extra skin is removed and the skin incision is stitched and bandaged to ensure proper healing with minimum scarring. Depending on how extensive a Tummy Tuck procedure is performed, you may be hospitalized for 2 - 3 days after Tummy Tuck surgery.

How to prepare for Tummy Tuck?

Eat a well balanced diet and stop smoking and drinking at least 2 weeks before Tummy Tuck surgery. Inform your surgeon and anesthetist about all the medications (prescription as well as non-prescription medications including herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements) that you are taking. Set up a comfortable area in your home for recovery and rest before you go in for your Tummy Tuck surgery.

What to expect during the recovery period following Tummy Tuck?

During the immediate recovery period following a Tummy Tuck operation, you may experience a lot of pain and discomfort. You may also experience numbness, bruising and overall tiredness for the next few days following a Tummy Tuck surgery. For the first 2 days while resting and relaxing in bed, your surgeon may advise you to bend your legs at the hips to reduce strain on the abdominal wall muscles. After 2 - 3 days of your Tummy Tuck surgery, you will be allowed to go home with special instructions about a nutritious and balanced diet, gentle exercises and incision care to ensure appropriate healing and optimum benefits from the Tummy Tuck procedure.

What is the outcome of Tummy Tuck procedure?

Thousands of Tummy Tuck surgeries are performed successfully with positive results each year. Accompanied by life style modifications like eating a healthy diet, daily exercise and reducing alcohol intake may help you maintain the enhanced look for the rest of your life.

B . R . A . N . D . of Tummy Tuck

Benefits of Tummy Tuck

• Medical benefits of Tummy Tuck
  • The removal of excessive skin by Tummy Tuck from your abdominal area improves your mobility and allows you to enjoy activities and exercises that are important for your good health and general well being. Tummy Tuck tightens your abdominal muscles and if you follow a stringent exercise regimen after the Tummy Tuck procedure, your core muscles will be strengthened giving you better posture and a pain free lower back.
• Cosmetic benefits of Tummy Tuck
  • Tummy Tuck helps you to lose the 'kangaroo pouch' of excessive skin and fat thus giving you a flatter, tighter and better contoured tummy and waistline. The procedure of Tummy Tuck can most certainly add to your looks therefore boosting your self confidence and self esteem.

Risks of Tummy Tuck

• Infection - Usually rare however, can be taken care of by antibiotics
• Bleeding - A collection of blood under skin (hematoma) which can be drained by your surgeon.
• Significant scarring - Delayed or poor healing can lead to bad scarring.
• Pain and swelling - As with any surgical procedure, this is quite common with Tummy Tuck surgery
• Bruising - This fairly common after the Tummy Tuck procedure
• Numbness - There might be some numbness over the abdominal wall which may diminish as time goes by.

Alternatives of Tummy Tuck

• Liposuction - In this procedure excess fat is removed (sucked out) from your abdominal area with the help of a mechanical device

Now or Never

• Because of the advancement in the techniques for Tummy Tuck procedure, post-operative complications are rare. It is never a better time than NOW to improve your quality of life and enhance your physical appearance

Decision to have Tummy Tuck

• No doubt, Tummy Tuck is a major surgery that requires thoughtful consideration before you can make a final decision. However, you will love the new look that the procedure for Tummy Tuck will help you achieve. So take the first step and make that connection.