Difference Between Abdominoplasty and Tummy Tuck

January 2023 · 3 minute read

Abdominoplasty Vs Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty and tummy tuck are two dissimilar terms that refer to one same procedure. Perhaps one of the reasons why the latter was developed is because it is much easier to say and memorize rather than its original alternate name abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is done to take away the extra skin and fat from the person ‘“ it does not contribute to weight loss. By doing so, the procedure aims to restore any weakened muscle. It also tightens any muscle that has been separated. The end result of a tummy tuck procedure is an abdomen that will look a lot firmer and smoother. The person will also appear slimmer than usual, not to mention having a more proportionate waistline.

Those who are eligible for this procedure must be in good health. Nevertheless, most candidates elect (plan) to undergo such because they have that extra skin on their abdominal wall. Other patients will also be prescribed to lose weight first to simplify the procedure for the surgeons.

There are actually many types of abdominoplasties today. The complete procedure would require the surgeon to make a cut across the patient’s hipbone. The cut is made low at the pubic area transversely. He then removes the unneeded tissues and fat and repairs the rest of the abdomen by suturing them. In addition, most complete tummy tucks require the actual replacement of the navel.

The second type, termed as partial abdominoplasty, is meant for those whose fat deposits primarily reside below the navel area. In this procedure, there’s less cutting involved for an endoscope can be used to perform such. The navel doesn’t even need to be replaced or altered. This approach is a lot faster to do compared to the complete tummy tuck procedure.

After the procedure, the patient will obviously feel pain at the operated area. Under normal circumstances, most tummy tuck patients aren’t able to stand erect for the first few days after the procedure. Painkillers will be prescribed to combat the pain and bandages will have to be applied over the incised area. In most cases, a temporary drainage tube is placed beneath the skin to drain away extra blood or fluids.

As a surgical procedure, tummy tucks carry some risks of bleeding or infection. Nevertheless, modern developments in both surgery and medicine have significantly reduced these risks.

All in all, although abdominoplasty and tummy tuck are the same, they still differ in the following minor aspects:

1. Abdominoplasty is a term that’s less popular compared to tummy tuck.

2. Abdominoplasty is the more technical or scientific term for tummy tuck while tummy tuck is just the more fashionable or conventional (easy-to-remember) way of saying abdominoplasty.


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