The flaccidity of the abdomen not only occurs due to excess fat, but also due to the lack of elasticity in the skin. Which loses its properties when changes are made such as can occur after pregnancy or metabolic changes, these changes become excess skin and weakness of the abdominal muscles that extend from the ribs to the pubic bone. This abdominal wall that holds the internal muscles in place is responsible for the muscle tone and appearance of the abdomen.

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This musculature can lose its firmness particularly after sudden weight changes or after stretching during pregnancy. Tummy tuck surgery can remove excess oil and sagging skin to offer a more streamlined and harmonious appearance.

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Key points:

• Anesthesia: General vs. local anesthesia with intravenous sedation

• Surgery duration: up to 3 hours

• Hospitalization time: Ambulatory or 1 night of observation depending on the patient

• Highlights: Inflammation that can persist for 6 weeks and up to 3 months to disappear completely.

• Discomfort : Medium, controlled with pain relievers

• Duration of results: Generally long-lasting unless substantial weight gain occurs.

• Recovery: It is possible to return to work in 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. You can rejoin your exercise routine in 3 to 4 weeks.

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A tummy tuck can also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen. Liposuction can be practiced to improve the contour of the thighs, waist and hip for a better result. A tummy tuck can define the waist, but not the hips. To achieve aesthetic balance, the surgeon may recommend liposuction on the hips and thighs if the patient requires it.

Candidates for a tummy tuck should completely abstain from all nicotine-containing products, as well as avoid exposing themselves to being passive smokers for at least six weeks before and after surgery, and refrain from consuming aspirin three weeks before and three weeks later.

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What can i expect

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The abdominoplasty notches the belly by removing the excess skin and fat that accumulates in the area between the navel and the pubis in a horizontal elliptical range, thus offering a more defined, balanced, aesthetic and harmonious contour. The skin around the navel is adjusted to show a flatter stomach. The navel is positioned through a small incision and sutured to its normal position. The incision that covers from hip to hip is made in the middle of the growth of pubic hair, suture techniques are used to hide it with the bikini cut when healing naturally, the duration and visibility of this scar can vary from patient to patient.

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Drains can usually be placed during surgery to prevent accumulation of seromas. In some cases, the drains remain under the skin for a couple of weeks, the patient will receive instructions on their care, and they must also use a compression girdle during postoperative recovery to prevent fluid accumulation and offer support for better toning.

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