Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, known 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 may dramatically change
the appearance of a protruding abdomen, however it does produce a permanent
scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery
required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.
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. Loss
of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight
obesity, can also be improved. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight
should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should
wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery
can separate again during pregnancy.
Abdominoplasty
can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily
change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you
differently. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in
body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless,
there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications
associated with this procedure. Post-operative complications such as infection
and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage
and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the
risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.
Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second
operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the
risk of complications and delay healing.
In
the initial consultation, your health status will be determined, the extent
of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and your skin tone will be assessed.
Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications,
vitamins, or other drugs. If, for example, your fat deposits are limited
to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called
a partial abdominoplasty, also know as a mini-tummy tuck, which can often
be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, benefit
more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction
to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. Or maybe
liposuction alone would create the best result.
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, and do not go on
a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop
a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.
Mostly,
the procedure is done under general anesthesia, so you'll sleep through
the operation. Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours,
depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take
an hour or two. Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from
hipbone to hipbone, ,just above the pubic area. A second incision is made
to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty,
the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it
may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.
After surgery, for the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen
and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled
by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released
within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three
days. Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper
sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two
to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support
garment. It may take weeks or months to feel like your old self again. Some
people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks
to rest and recuperate. Your scars may actually appear to worsen during
the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it
to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten
in color. While they will never disappear completely, abdominal scars will
not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences
of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be
just the answer for you.
