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(Abdominoplasty)
An Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure designed to remove loose abdominal skin and the underlying fat. This procedure is particularly helpful to women who through multiple pregnancies have stretched their abdomen so far that it does not return to its normal shape and individuals who have lost significant amounts of weight through diet and exercise or Gastric Bypass surgery.
The Abdominoplasty surgery is most commonly performed on an out-patient basis allowing you to retire to the comfort of your own home. A general anesthetic is required. The morning of the surgery a horizontal incision is designed just above the pubic region extending laterally. The length of the incision depends on the amount of skin to be removed but generally extends from one hip to the other. If there is loose skin above the navel a second incision is needed around the navel to permit tightening of this skin. I try to keep the incision hidden in the swimsuit line. Working through this incision the underlying muscles are tightened by pulling them together with sutures. The redundant skin and fat is pulled downward and the excess is trimmed. The stretch marks included in this excess will be permanently removed. A new opening for the navel will made at the same location but the shape will be altered.
A rubber suction drainage tube is placed and sutured to the skin where it exits. All the incisions are closed and covered with a dressing. An adjustable Velcro binder is applied for compression, comfort and support. After surgery, you should position yourself in bed or recliner so that there is no tension on the incision. 48 hours after surgery the binder and underlying dressings can be removed so that you can shower.
The first postoperative visit in my office is scheduled when the drain is ready to be removed. This is when there is less than 25cc of drainage for a full 24 hour period. After the Abdominoplasty the skin and abdominal wall will feel tight.. Initially, ambulation will be in a bent over position until the tissues relax usually around one to two weeks. Most patients can return to work after two weeks if there is no heavy lifting required. No strenuous exercise is allowed for five weeks.
As with any surgical procedure there are risks involved. Some of these risks include; bleeding, infection, scarring, loss of sensation of the skin, unevenness, contour irregularities, loss or delayed healing of the skin near the pubic incision, fluid collections, emboli, and secondary liposuction to improve contouring. These concerns will be discussed in greater detail during your consultation.
The shape of your body will be more pleasing, allowing you to wear clothing with greater confidence and comfort. Your self-esteem will brighten building your confidence.
A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure in which excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen and the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened. This procedure is particularly helpful to women Tummy tucks are often performed in conjunction with liposuction.
The best candidates for an Abdominoplasty are men or women in good health and relatively good shape, but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to exercise.
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