Our Summary

This study looked at the types of cosmetic surgery that Nigerian women are getting. From January 2020 to July 2021, the researchers examined the records of a private cosmetic surgery office. Out of 392 people who came in for consultations about cosmetic procedures, 245 (or about 62%) ended up having surgery. The vast majority of these were women, and most were not married. The average age of the patients was 29, and the average weight was about 79 kilograms.

The study found that liposuction was the most popular procedure, with about 91% of patients getting it. The next most common was buttock augmentation, which about 81% of patients got. Other procedures like tummy tucks, facial cosmetic surgery, belly button reshaping, and labia reshaping were much less common.

For liposuction, the most common areas that patients wanted treated were the abdomen, back, and arms. The least common area was the calves. The study also found that patients who wanted liposuction on their arms were more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of body fat based on weight and height.

In summary, liposuction and buttock augmentation are the most popular cosmetic surgeries among Nigerian women who visited this particular practice.

FAQs

  1. What were the most common cosmetic surgeries among Nigerian women according to the study?
  2. What were the most common areas that patients wanted to treat with liposuction?
  3. How common were tummy tucks compared to other procedures in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient considering a tummy tuck is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine both before and after the procedure. This can help optimize results and improve overall health and well-being. It is also important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure a smooth recovery.

Suitable For

Tummy tucks may be recommended for patients who have excess abdominal skin and fat that has not responded to diet and exercise. This procedure is often sought by patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, have had multiple pregnancies, or are dealing with loose skin due to aging. Tummy tucks can help improve the appearance of the abdomen by tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat. It is important for patients considering a tummy tuck to be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery.

Timeline

Before Tummy Tuck:

  1. Patient schedules a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if they are a good candidate.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination and medical history review to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Patient discusses their goals and expectations for the procedure with the surgeon.
  4. Patient receives pre-operative instructions, which may include stopping certain medications, quitting smoking, and avoiding certain foods and drinks.
  5. Patient undergoes the tummy tuck surgery, which involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the abdominal muscles.
  6. Patient is monitored closely during the surgery and recovery period to ensure their safety.

After Tummy Tuck:

  1. Patient experiences some pain, swelling, and bruising in the abdominal area immediately after the surgery.
  2. Patient is given pain medication and instructions on how to care for the incision site.
  3. Patient may need to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the abdomen as it heals.
  4. Patient follows post-operative instructions, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, wearing the compression garment for a certain period of time, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and sees the full results of the tummy tuck as swelling goes down and the abdomen heals.
  6. Patient may experience improved self-confidence and body image as a result of the tummy tuck surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about a tummy tuck include:

  1. Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a tummy tuck?
  3. What type of tummy tuck technique do you recommend for me?
  4. What kind of results can I expect from a tummy tuck?
  5. How long is the recovery period after a tummy tuck?
  6. Will I need to follow a special diet or exercise regimen before or after the tummy tuck procedure?
  7. What kind of scarring can I expect from a tummy tuck and how can I minimize it?
  8. How long do the results of a tummy tuck typically last?
  9. What kind of post-operative care will I need after a tummy tuck?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be more suitable for me than a tummy tuck?

Reference

Authors: Michael AI, Oladeji FJ, Abe OO, Ethe E. Journal: Niger J Clin Pract. 2023 Jun;26(6):737-741. doi: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_582_22. PMID: 37470646