Complete Guide to Tummy Tuck Surgery in Thailand

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive alternative to a full tummy tuck and is suitable for individuals with less excess skin and fat below the navel. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the procedure involves making a single incision above the pubic mound. Through this incision, the cosmetic surgeon addresses two main issues: tightening loose muscles in the lower abdomen to flatten out any bulging or “pooch,” and removing excess skin below the belly button for a smooth and flat appearance. The resulting scar typically appears as a thin, horizontal line after the procedure. It is a shorter surgical procedure compared to a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with less recovery time.

Full Tummy Tuck

The most common type of tummy tuck is a full tummy tuck. Following the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, The procedure involves making a horizontal or U-shaped incision in the skin above the pubic mound. This allows the surgeon to remove a significant amount of excess skin and fat while also tightening the underlying muscles. In some cases, a second incision around the navel may be necessary to address excess skin above the belly button and ensure natural-looking results. Based on Dr. (Stephanie) Teotia, liposuction is often used as part of the procedure to smooth out the transition zones across the abdomen. The resulting scar from a full tummy tuck is generally longer than that of a mini-tummy tuck, extending from hip to hip.

Extended Tummy Tuck

The extended tummy tuck procedure, known as circumferential abdominoplasty, is suitable for individuals with a significant amount of excess skin and fat around their abdomen and flanks due to significant weight loss and multiple pregnancies. This procedure involves a longer incision that aims to contour the waistline and the abdominal area. As mentioned in My Plastic Surgery Group, the extended tummy tuck has an extensive incision around the lower torso. In contrast, the standard tummy tuck incision is limited to the front of the abdomen. Nevertheless, many patients are willing to accept some visible scarring in exchange for a significantly improved body shape.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for tummy tuck surgery. Certain factors need to be considered to determine eligibility for the procedure.

• Overall Health: Candidates should be in good overall health without any conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks.

• Stable Weight: It’s essential to have a stable weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. Significant weight fluctuations after the surgery can affect the results.

• Non-Smokers: Smoking can interfere with the healing process. Candidates should ideally be non-smokers or willing to quit before and after the surgery.

• Realistic Expectations: While a tummy tuck can enhance the appearance of your abdomen, it is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle, so maintaining realistic expectations of the outcome is crucial.

• Excess Skin and Fat: Ideal candidates have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise.

Benefits and Risks

A tummy tuck is not only a cosmetic procedure to boost confidence, but it can also address various medical conditions, leading to improved overall health and well-being.

Benefit

• Improved Appearance: One of the most obvious benefits is a flatter, more toned abdomen which make you feel comfortable and confident in your clothing choices in daily activity.

• Reduce Lower Back Pain and Improved Posture: The procedure can tighten weakened or separated muscles, improving core strength and stability. This provides a more upright and healthy posture, which can alleviate certain forms of back pain and improve your overall physical comfort.

• Reduce Irritation and Rashes: Extra skin in the abdomen and pelvic area can create friction, leading to irritation and rashes, especially in areas where skin folds occur. A tummy tuck addresses this issue by removing excess skin which preventing irritation and rashes, thus promoting healthier skin overall.

• Repair Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs when there’s extra pressure on your bladder and urethra, causing unintentional urine leakage during certain activities like sneezing, laughing, or working out. While there are several non-surgical ways to help manage SUI, a tummy tuck can also reduce SUI symptoms.

Tummy tuck is like hitting two birds with one stone – you get a cosmetic lift while potentially addressing these health issues. Even though the benefits of undergoing abdominoplasty surgery are compelling, it’s equally important to consider the associated risks in order to make a well-rounded decision.

Risks

• Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma): Fluid can accumulate beneath the skin in the area of the surgery, potentially forming a seroma. Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce this risk, and your doctor might also use a needle and syringe to remove excess fluid if necessary.

• Scarring: Like any surgery, a tummy tuck will leave scars. However, skilled surgeons can often place incisions in less noticeable areas, snd the visibility of the scar varies from person to person.

• Numbness or Changes in Skin Sensation: Patients may experience numbness or altered sensations in the surgical area, which could be temporary or permanent.

• Skin Discoloration and Prolonged Swelling: Some patients might experience changes in skin color and swelling that lasts longer than expected.

• Tissue damage: The fatty tissue deep within the skin may die, which can create hard lumps and affect the appearance.

• Unsatisfactory Results: While most patients are happy with their results, it’s always possible that you may not achieve the desired outcome.