| Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) |
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Weight gain and loss, pregnancies and aging causes abdominal skin to stretch beyond its elastic
limit and hinders its ability to return to normal shape. An abdominoplasty removes excess skin
and fat and tightens the abdominal muscle. For those patients where the sagging skin is mainly
in the lower abdomen, the mini-abdominoplasty is an option. This procedure is not as extensive
due to a smaller incision that is easily hidden and has a more rapid recovery. Both procedures
may be done on an outpatient basis. At times, liposuction is performed simultaneously to achieve
optimal results. The risks of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at
the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Major complications,
however, are rare.
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| Who is a Candidate? |
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Patients with loose or sagging abdominal skin and those with abnormal relaxation of the abdominal
wall muscles due to weight gain or loss, pregnancies, or prior surgery are the usual candidates.
Also patients who can not tighten the abdominal wall skin with exercise will benefit from this
procedure.
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| Procedure Description |
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The incisions and design vary depending on the looseness of the skin and tissues, the amount
of fat, and the condition of the overlying skin. The procedure is usually performed at an
accredited outpatient facility or hospital. Anesthetic is usually a combination of local
anesthesia in the tumescent solution and general anesthesia. Standard abdominoplasty tightens
the entire abdominal wall, involves a relocation of the umbilicus and leaves a standard scar.
Mini-abdominoplasty tightens only the lower abdominal wall, below the umbilicus, leaving a
shorter scar. At the end of the procedure, suction drains are inserted to reduce accumulation
of blood of fluid. A compression garment is placed as a final step.
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| Recovery, Recuperation, and Healing |
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Abdominoplasty is generally an outpatient procedure, and recovery is at home with a responsible
adult. Moderate to severe pain should be expected for the first 3-7 days. Discomfort is usually
controlled with oral medications. Swelling, bruising and discomfort should be expected. Drains
are removed in 5-7 days. Sutures, if any, are removed in 1-2 weeks. A compression garment is
used for period of 4 to 6 weeks. Light activity may be resumed in 7-10 days. Full activity
including sports will probably not be comfortable for about 4-6 weeks. Although some results
are noted immediately, your final shape and form will continue to improve as your swelling
resolves. Final results greatly depend on proper nutrition, exercise and decreasing your
caloric intake.
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