What Is the Difference Between Tummy Tuck and Abdominoplasty?

A tummy tuck can tighten the weak fascia and remove loose, extra skin and fat. Stretch marks and extra skin in the lower abdomen below the belly button could be removed during a tummy tuck.

If you have previously undergone a cesarean section, the plastic surgeon could merge that scar with the one from the tummy tuck.

Additionally, a tummy tuck can be combined with other body-contouring cosmetic surgeries, such as breast augmentation. If you have had liposuction to remove fat from your abdomen, you might decide to get a tummy tuck because liposuction only eliminates the tissue immediately beneath the skin and the fat, not any extra skin.

Some of the reasons for abdominoplasty include:

• Post-pregnancy
• Obesity
• Poor skin elasticity
• Age
• Changes in the body
• Abdominal surgery
• Weak abdominal connective tissue

Not everyone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Your doctor could caution against a tummy tuck if the following applies to you:

• Set a goal to lose a lot of weight
• Want to get pregnant
• Have serious chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease
• Have a body mass index higher than 30 kg/m²
• Smoke
• Have a sizable scar from a prior abdominal surgery

Everyone in good health is a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

The surgery can help people, who have had several pregnancies, tighten their abdominal muscles and remove excess skin.

People who were once obese and still have extra fat deposits or loose skin around the abdomen may benefit from a stomach tuck.

The type of abdominoplasty performed is determined by the person’s desired outcome. Depending on where the surgery is performed, it can take anywhere from one to five hours.

There are three types of abdominoplasties, which include:

1. Full abdominoplasty: Removes extra skin and tightens underlying muscles in the entire abdominal region, including around the navel.
   • The medical practitioner makes a horizontal, curved incision around the pubic hairline that goes from one hip to the other.
   • The fat and skin are separated from the underlying tissue.
   • The medical practitioner stitches and tightens separate or slack abdominal muscles.
   • Excess fat is removed.
   • Extra skin is trimmed.
   • The navel is repositioned.
   • Clips, stitches, or tape are used to close the wounds.
2. Partial abdominoplasty:
   • Removes extra skin below the navel and tightens the lower abdominal muscles.
   • Usually, general anesthesia is used throughout the procedure. The duration of the operation will be determined by the extent of the surgery. It may take up to three hours.
3. Circumferential abdominoplasty:
   • Removes excess fat in the abdominal area and the back. The doctor may advise you to have either back liposuction or circumferential abdominoplasty. If you have a circumferential tummy tuck, the surgeon will be able to remove skin and fat from the hip and back area.
   • If you are an active person who works out frequently, it is recommended that you limit your workouts and strenuous exercise for the next four to six weeks. It takes about a week to recover, but this varies among people.

All surgical procedures must be carried out in licensed and accredited facilities with a registered anesthetist present to attend to any anesthetic-related side effects.

A tummy tuck, like any other major surgery, carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

Risks involved with tummy tucks include the following:

• Seroma (fluid accumulation beneath the skin): Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help limit the risk of excess fluid. After surgery, your doctor may drain fluid using a needle and syringe.
• Poor wound healing: Usually, the incision line surrounding tissues heals slowly or begins to separate. To prevent infection, you might have to take antibiotics before, during, and after surgery.
• Unexpected scarring: The incision scar following a tummy tuck is permanent, but it is usually hidden along the bikini line. The scar's length and appearance vary.
• Tissue damage: Fatty tissues deep within your skin in the abdominal area could be injured or damaged during a tummy tuck. Smoking increases the chance of tissue damage. Depending on the size of the wound, the tissue may heal with or without a surgical repair.
• Changes in skin sensation: The repositioning of your abdominal tissues during a tummy tuck can damage the nerves in the abdominal area and upper thighs (rare). You will most likely experience reduced sensation or numbness. Usually, this gets better in the months after the procedure.

The operation site will be stitched and bandaged whether you have a partial or complete tummy tuck. You must follow all your surgeon's instructions regarding care in the days following surgery.

• A firm, elastic bandage will be used to promote proper healing. Your surgeon will show you to position yourself properly while sitting or lying down to reduce pain.
• You must restrict strenuous activity for at least six weeks. To ensure proper recovery, you may need up to one month off from work.
• You should plan a timetable for your recovery so that you have enough time to heal and can have a break from certain aspects of your daily life. Make the necessary preparations and ensure that you are ready for your recovery period.