Tummy tuck in Belgium
Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid.
The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel. The tummy tuck is an operation that is designed to remove excess skin from the abdomen at the same time abdominoplasty also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy.
It is indicated in cases where there is laxity of the abdomen resulting in bulging due to abnormal stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin. Unlike liposuction surgery, which just removes fat, this operation involves removal of skin and fat, with tightening of the abdominal muscles. For this reason, it is more extensive than liposuction. The actual extent of surgery will depend on the amount of excess skin and the laxity of the abdominal muscles.
Operation in Belgium
If you make a decision to go ahead with a tummy tuck, the actual procedure may take place in the belgian NHS Sint Jozef hospital setting where you can recover overnight.
An abdominoplasty usually takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of work required, and whether any combined procedures such as liposuction are involved. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two. Partial abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck)
During the operation, a large cut is made which runs across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall between the incision above the pubic hair right up to the navel. Fat deposits are removed and the skin is stretched down to the incision line, with the excess skin removed before it is restitched. If the navel is not repositioned, it can be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.
Full Abdominoplasty (full tummy tuck) During the operation, a large cut is made which runs across the lower abdomen, usually from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is then made to free the navel (tummy button) from surrounding tissue. Next the skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribcage to reveal the abdominal muscles. The muscles are then pulled and tightened and stitched into position to provide a firmer abdominal wall which provides the foundation for a slimmer waistline. Fat deposits may also be removed. The skin is then stretched down, with the excess skin again being removed. A new hole is then usually cut for your navel. Next, the navel is stitched back into place and the original incision is closed as the tightened skin is stitched back into place.
After an abdominoplasty, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the area of surgery. Firm elastic bandages are then applied to support the area.
Recovery time Depending on the extent of the procedure, you may be released to go home after a few hours, or stay in hospital for 1 or 2 days.
