Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty

Introduction
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck”, is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.

Who Are The Best Candidates For Abdominoplasty?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.

What Are The Risks Involved?
Abdominoplasty is a relatively common procedure. Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur.

Before The Surgery
In your initial consultation, you will have a total medical evaluation as well as an extensive evaluation of your problem including the degree of increased abdominal girth, fat content, and skin laxity. If your problem is limited to the area below the navel, you may require a simpler procedure called a mini-abdominoplasty, also know as a mini-tummy tuck. If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen.

The Surgery
Your surgery will be done under general anesthesia in a hospital, where you can stay for several days. Complete abdominoplasty usually takes four hours, depending on the extent of work required whereas mini-abdominoplasty may take two. The surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone. With mini-abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter. The abdominal muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. The skin is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place.

After The Surgery  
For the first new days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. You may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days. You should start walking as soon as possible.
Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.

In Conclusion
Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent long lasting results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. For any inquiry, feel free to contact your surgeon.