Abdominoplasty
A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.
Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Significant fluctuations in weight
- Heredity
- Prior surgery
Tummy Tuck Overview
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal region, and in most cases tightens weakened or separated muscles, creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. An abdominoplasty can also remove or improve the appearance of stretch marks. The result is a slimmer, trimmer appearance and a flatter abdomen. Candidates include men and women who have excess skin and fat concentrated in the abdominal region, but are otherwise in relatively good shape.
Good candidates include women who have had multiple pregnancies or people who have had a large amount of weight loss. The procedure involves a lower abdominal "bikini line" incision that extends from hipbone to hipbone. The skin and fat is then separated from the abdominal muscles up to the ribs. The muscles of the abdomen are tightened, the skin is then stretched down, and any extra skin is excised. A new opening is cut for the navel.
In some cases, a mini-abdominoplasty is indicated. A smaller bikini incision is used and some of the lower muscles are tightened, but the navel is not moved and it does not address the mid- or upper abdomen. Sometimes liposuction of the abdomen can complement the small skin removal that completes this procedure.
The abdominoplasty operation is generally performed in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia or IV sedation. It may take around 3-4 hours depending on the amount of tissue to be removed. The patient will need to wear an abdominal binder or compression garment for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
What it won’t do:
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.
Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.
Also, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally those treated areas below the belly button.
Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Abdominoplasty is a good option for you if:
- You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- You have realistic expectations
- You are a non-smoker
- You are bothered by the feeling that your tummy is too large
What to expect during your consultation
The success and safety of your tummy tuck procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.
Be prepared to discuss:
- Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
- Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
- Previous surgeries
Your surgeon may also:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Take photographs for your medical record
- Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss likely outcomes of the tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications
Preparing for surgery
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
Special instructions you receive will cover:
- What to do on the day of surgery
- The use of anesthesia during your tummy tuck
- Post-operative care and follow-up
Possible risks of abdominoplasty include:
- Unfavorable scarring
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Infection
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Poor wound healing
- Skin loss
- Blood clots
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Anesthesia risks
- Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
- Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
- Major wound separation
- Asymmetry
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Pain, which may persist
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Persistent swelling in the legs
- Nerve damage
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Suboptimal aesthetic result
Something else to expect: You’ll need help!
If your abdominoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery. You will not be able to drive yourself until you are no longer taking pain medication.
