TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)
The indication for the plastic modification of the abdominal wall (Tummy tuck) is given by an excessive dermal and adipose fold under the navel, or by the weakening of the abdominal wall caused by a partition of the abdominal muscles, often occurring after childbirth. Also, a greater weight reduction causes the release of the dermal fold which becomes more and more accentuated with further weight reduction and it does not disappear even after intensive exercise.
These conditions, unfavourable cosmetically, can be resolved by Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) cosmetic surgery abroad in the Czech Republic.
The Tummy tuck is often combined with Liposuction of hips and belly so that best possible shape of the body could be achieved.
TUMMY TUCK SURGERY IN DETAIL
During the Tummy tuck surgery the skin is released from the muscles and stretched by pulling down. We cut off the excessive tissue and put the navel into a new position.
The appearance and the size of the scar after Tummy Tuck depend on the type and the size of the abdomen. In the event that the skin after Abdominoplasty is looser and there is enough tissue hung on the abdomen, then the horizontal scar is placed deep in the lower abdomen hidden by the underwear. There also is a scar around the navel which must be moved during the surgery to a different place in the abdominal wall. However, if there is not enough excessive skin and fat, or there is too much excessive skin and fat in the mid-abdomen and around the navel, the incision must be selected in such a way as to keep the first horizontal scar deep in the lower abdomen with the second vertical scar upright.
POST-SURGERY CARE AFTER TUMMY TUCK (FULL ABDOMINOPLASTY)
It is necessary that the patient gets out of bed as early as on the day of the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) cosmetic surgery with due regard to the prevention of an embolism.
Two days after the Tummy Tuck, the doctor removes the drains used to drain off the rest of the blood liquids. The abdomen is tightened by an elastic belt or tights after the Tummy tuck surgery.
When the patient is released from the hospital in Prague, s/he removes the elastic clothes from the abdomen every other day, removes the gauze and dresses the patches with disinfectant without removing them. The cut is then again covered by sterile gauze and the abdomen is tightened by elastic clothes.
On the 4th postoperative day, it is possible to remove the elastic compression garment, remove the cover (gauze squares), leave patches (band aids) affixed directly on the wound and take a short shower. Next, dry the wound with a towel, alternatively spray with a colourless disinfectant spray (i.e. Cutasept) as per the surgeon's instructions and put on the elastic compression garment again.
From the 4th day, you can wash the elastic garment and wait for the garment to dry while lying in bed. Do not put the garment in the dryer. The compressive garment is worn for 4 - 6 weeks after the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) cosmetic surgery abroad, the first 3 weeks, both day and night.
The cuts in the abdomen are strapped up by patches to be kept in place for 14 days. Sterile gauze is placed over the patches. On the 14th day, the doctor removes the gauze from the abdomen and also removes the patches. It is possible that the patients remove the patches themselves in the event that they cannot come to the re-bandaging. It is possible to shower the belly after the patches are removed. Care for scars after Tummy tuck surgery abroad The stitches used for Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) abroad in Prague are absorbent and they do not need to be removed. After the patches are removed (14 days post-op), you can lubricate the scar and the skin on your abdomen with a skin lotion, medical Vaseline, or unsalted pork lard. While treating the scar it is important to keep it supple (by lubrication). Sun tanning is allowed only once the scar fades completely (prior to that, only if covered properly or after applying sunscreen with SPF Factor 50).
From the 18th postoperative day, you can start with pressure massage. Press with your fingers on the scar for 30 seconds, let go and move to another scar spot and press the scar again until you cover the entire scar. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times a day for a month.
Office work after Tummy tuck is possible after 10 - 14 days.
Full physical strain (heavy lifting, stomach exercises) is possible 4 weeks after the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) cosmetic surgery abroad. In the case of suturing of separated muscles, sports activities are allowed after 3 months.