Introduction to Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” is a major
surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and
fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten
the abdominal wall muscles. The procedure usually results
in a flatter, tighter abdominal area where fitted clothing
and bathing suits can be worn with confidence.
Best Candidates for Abdominoplasty
The best candidates for the procedure are men and women
who are healthy, but who are bothered by loose abdominal
skin, loose abdominal muscles and overhanging fat.
The procedure is most commonly performed on women who,
after multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal
muscles and skin beyond the point where they can’t
return to normal. Patients who plan future pregnancies
or significant weight loss should postpone surgery.
The scars are permanent, usually extending from hip
to hip. Sometimes, depending upon the extent of work
required, a partial abdominoplasty is performed, leaving
a smaller scar.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
At your initial consultation, Dr. James Matas will
discuss your goals and motivations for surgery, along
with assessing your physical and emotional health and
reviewing information you provide about previous surgeries
and pregnancies, past and current medical conditions,
as well as nutritional supplements, herbal remedies
and pharmaceutical medications you take.
He will examine your abdominal region, assessing the
amount of fat and loose skin you have. He will explain
factors that may affect outcome, along with the risks
and benefits of the procedure.
He may require you to take certain steps before surgery,
including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking and
taking certain medications and vitamins. When necessary,
he may ask you to lose weight before the procedure is
performed to obtain best results.
How Abdominoplasty is Performed
First, an incision is made which extends from hipbone
to hipbone and is just above the pubic area. An additional
incision is made around the navel. Then, the skin and
accompanying fat is lifted to access the muscles of
the abdominal wall, which run from pubic hairline to
just below the bra line. These muscles are brought together
and tightened by permanent sutures. The skin, with attached
fat, is stretched down and removed. The navel is then
repositioned and stitched into place. Finally, the incisions
are brought together with several layers of suture and
surgical staples.
In a “mini” tummy tuck, the skin is separated
between the incision line and the navel. The skin and
accompanying fat is stretched down, excess skin is removed
and then stitched into place.
Abdominoplasty surgery usually takes three to four
hours to complete, and is performed under general anesthesia.
An overnight stay is necessary, with our specially-trained
registered nurse responsible for your care until you
are discharged the following morning.
Recovery from Abdominoplasty
For the first few days, your abdominal muscles will
be extremely tight, with swelling, pain and discomfort,
and you may find it difficult to stand up straight during
this time. Over the first week, all support staples
and sutures will be removed from your abdomen. You will
be wearing an abdominal binder for support during the
next few weeks.
Over several weeks, our licensed massage therapist
will use a special massage technique to reduce your
swelling and increase your mobility.
In two weeks, you can usually go back to light work.
After several weeks, bruising and swelling will subside
and you may gradually increase your activity and exercise.
Vigorous exercise is to be avoided for six to eight
weeks.
Your scars will be red during the initial months, and
should lighten in color and flatten within the first
year. It is important to protect your scars for one
year from the sun and tanning beds to prevent them from
darkening. Abdominal scarring is permanent, but hidden
under most clothing and bathing suits.
Your New Look
After abdominoplasty, your abdomen will be flatter
and tighter. You’ll be thrilled during your first
shopping trip to find you fit into clothing and bathing
suits you’ve had trouble wearing before! And the
results of abdominoplasty are permanent if you do not
have excessive weight gain in the future.
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