Can I have a tummy tuck after Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure suggested for obese people whose BMI is 35 or more. It is a life-changing procedure that not only helps with significant weight loss but also addresses many obesity-related health conditions. As it is a major surgery, it might deliver some unwanted outcomes, such as excess skin or saggy skin, due to the rapid loss of fat, especially near the abdominal area.
For women, along with bariatric surgery, pregnancy is another reason why they get stretch marks and saggy skin on their stomachs.
This excess skin can affect your physical appearance and lower your self-esteem. To get rid of this excess skin and achieve a flat abdomen, people may consider cosmetic procedures like tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty.
But the question is, is tummy tuck safe after bariatric surgery? Generally, tummy tuck after bariatric surgery is safe and a great option. Skin loses its natural elasticity once it is stretched, and it may not be able to tighten up around the new body shape. Excess skin below the belly button can be effectively removed with the help of a post-weight loss tummy tuck.
The procedure might have risks like infection, delayed wound healing, and complications from anaesthesia. So before considering abdominoplasty, patients must maintain good health and ideal weight to prevent certain complications.
Before making a decision, it is advised to consult an expert surgeon and discuss individual risks and benefits.
How is a tummy tuck performed?
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure in which excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen to improve the shape and look of the abdomen.
The procedure involves making a long, curved incision from one side of the hip to the other, just below the abdomen. Then the excess skin and fat between the belly button and the bikini line is removed to create a fit look for your tummy. Another small incision is made around the belly button when the skin is stretched down so that it remains in place.
In some cases, the incision is made around the belly button in a circular path, which produces less visible scarring. The incisions provide great exposure to the abdominal muscles, which makes it comfortable to remove excess skin and fat from the tummy. Sutures might also be used to tighten the connective tissue of the abdomen. To give it a youthful appearance, the remaining skin is adjusted accordingly.
However, the incision scars fade over time and almost become unnoticeable eventually.
Can I benefit from the tummy tuck procedure?
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that improves the aesthetics of your body. If you have undergone weight loss surgery, which may result in excess skin, particularly around your tummy — an abdominoplasty, popularly known as tummy tuck procedure, might be the best treatment of choice to make your abdomen flat again.
The journey of your weight loss might not be very satisfying if your tummy area is covered with extra skin and if you need to cover it up with loose clothes. Whether you lose weight naturally or underwent any weight loss surgery that may result in stretched skin, tissue, and muscles, you can completely fix it with the help of a tummy tuck.
Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best bariatric surgeons in Hyderabad, has performed hundreds of bariatric surgeries. He is extremely knowledgeable in advanced weight loss techniques and can help you decide whether to undergo a tummy tuck.
Abdominoplasty is a great procedure because it improves the aesthetics of the tummy, enhances self-esteem, and contributes to one’s overall well-being. However, it is important to consider the potential benefits and risks of the procedure, whether the procedure suits you, and consult an experienced plastic surgeon who can handle post-bariatric body contouring. With a detailed evaluation and proper planning, abdominoplasty can transform your tummy and make it flat and fit.
