What is an Endoscope and how is it used for a Tummy Tuck?

To understand endoscopic abdominoplasty, let’s first know what an endoscope is. An endoscope is an instrument for visually examining the interior of a bodily canal or a hollow organ, like the colon, bladder or stomach. This instrument is popular in the field of gastroenterology and consists of a hollow, thin, flexible tube that uses a lens or miniature camera to view the areas wherever it’s inserted. Examining an area through the use of an endoscope is referred to as endoscopy.

Understanding endoscopic tummy tuck

According to www.emoryhealthcare.org, endoscopic abdominoplasty is primarily a technique to tighten muscular contours of the abdominal region for patients with minimal or no excess skin.

It’s often used in combination with liposuction. Why this technique is becoming popular is because it’s least invasive of all tummy tuck procedures and it also minimizes the scar by using a small incision hidden at the pubic hairline and navel. And it’s most ideal, if you’ve weakened muscles of the lower abdomen, excess abdominal fat, but have relatively tight abdominal skin. However, if you’ve loose skin on the stomach, this procedure may not be sufficient enough to tighten it.

Endoscopic abdominoplasty procedure

The endoscopic abdominoplasty procedure involves attaching an endoscope to the surgical instrument, which is then introduced into the affected area through a small incision, usually placed above the pubis or in the navel. The muscles are tightened and sutured through this incision with endoscope guiding the surgeon. The excess fat is also removed using liposuction.

Once the procedure is completed the incision is closed. Unlike normal tummy tuck procedure, endoscopic tummy tuck surgery requires a drain in the incision, in case of fluid build up. The drain is generally put before the incision is closed, as not doing so may result in excessive fluid build up in the abdomen leading to complications, which may ultimately require manual aspiration with a syringe or even additional surgery.

Some studies indicate endoscopic abdominoplasty is more beneficial to male patients with rectus diastasis, than for women. However, regardless of your gender, even if you’ve rectus diastasis, but a generally taut skin, you may be a good candidate for endoscopic abdominoplasty.

Just click on the diagram below and see it more clearly in a new window. The first diagram depicts a cross-section of a normally-spaced rectus abdominus and its sheath. In the next diagram, the blue arrows depict what happens when rectus diastasis exists. The rectus muscles become farther apart due to the stretching of the sheath or fascia and are unable to regain its former tautness.

As far as recovery is concerned, endoscopic abdominoplasty requires time, despite the fact it’s not as invasive as full tummy tuck surgery. And the postoperative symptoms, like slight to moderate discomfort and swelling is usually experienced, which is a part of the normal healing process.

So, if you’re thinking of a tummy tuck, know that endoscopic abdominoplasty is an excellent option, provided your surgeon recommends it for you.