TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)

Different surgical procedures allow one to change the contour and shape the breasts, abdomen, and other parts of the body. These body contouring procedures include Ultrasonic Liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck); thigh, buttock, and arm lifts, breast reduction, breast lift, and others. The success of these procedures depends in great part on your age, general health, and the shape, size, and skin quality of the area to be treated. Often a combination of procedures will be used to alter one particular area. For example, ultrasonic liposuction and abdominoplasty will often be used together to re-contour the abdomen and waist area. Abdominoplasty is a commonly performed surgical procedure to get rid of excess skin and fat in the tummy area and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. In patients who have had one or more pregnancies, or who have lost large amounts of weight, the skin and fat in the abdomen can become loose and flaccid and no amount of exercise will alter this condition. Additionally, because the muscles of the abdomen have been stretched, the intestines can push forward from the inside, creating an unsightly abdominal bulge. Abdominoplasty can tighten these muscles to help create a flat, firm abdominal wall. At the same time, any excess loose, hanging skin and fat is removed. Frequently liposuction will be combined with abdominoplasty to remove unwanted fat from the hips and other areas. This is a popular operation for both women and men.

What to expect:

This operation is done under general anesthesia (patient asleep), and usually requires a stay overnight in the hospital or similar overnight facility. An incision is made at the pubic hair line and extended outwards on each side. A second incision is sometimes made around the belly button to allow it to be repositioned after the skin and fat are pulled down. The muscles of the abdomen are tightened, and the waistline is sculpted into an attractive shape. The excess fat is removed by liposuction and/or direct excision. The skin is then re-draped so the excess can be removed, and the navel is repositioned into a natural position. Following surgery, the new abdomen will feel tight, and patients will walk slightly hunched over for about a week. This will then resolve quickly. Any sutures are removed in 10-14 days. There will be some swelling and firmness around the re-contoured abdominal wall for several weeks that will subside with time.

Complications:

Although the operation is usually straight-forward and uneventful, problems can sometimes happen as with any operation. These possible complications include excessive bleeding after the surgery, infection, scarring, asymmetry, and problems with wound healing. Wound healing problems can occur especially in smokers, diabetics, patients in poor medical health, or patients with old abdominal scars. Some patients may accumulate clear, yellow fluid under the skin (seromas) after the surgery. This fluid is easily removed, and constitutes a nuisance more than a complication. To minimize this possibility, most patients will have temporary drains for several days and wear a compression girdle. Although complications following abdominoplasty are very unusual, it is important that every patient be well informed about the procedure, the options available, and the potential problems. Ask your plastic surgeon if you are a good candidate for this procedure, and write down a list of questions and concerns to discuss with your doctor at the time of your visit. >> click here to see before and after photos