Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck is a body contouring option offered as a way to correct these problems. There are lots of reasons why people have this type of surgery, including having weaker abdominal muscles after pregnancy or having previously lost a lot of weight. Dramatic changes are achieved with this procedure, restoring the abdominal contours to a more youthful and proportioned appearance.

Abdominoplasty is an operation performed to remove excess fatty tissue and skin folds in the mid and lower abdominal region and to tighten up the abdominal wall. Diet and exercise alone cannot provide correction, since this condition is often accompanied by separation and stretching of the abdominal muscles and weakening of the abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty is not directed toward weight reduction. It is designed to remove only as much excess skin and fatty tissue as is practical and safe. Stretch marks, where possible, will be removed along with the excess skin. However, stretch marks on the remaining abdominal skin cannot be removed. Photographs are as important to the plastic surgeon in the proper care of his patients as X-rays are to the physicians in other medical specialties. Therefore, photographs are taken before and after the surgery and become a permanent part of the patient's confidential medical record. Abdominoplasty is considered major surgery and is usually performed in our inpatient surgical facility.

Pre-operative preparations for abdominoplasty surgery

• Healh & Medication: You must be in good health to undergo any elective cosmetic surgery. It is very important that Doctor is aware of any medical conditions and all medication you are taking. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products for 2 weeks before and after surgery. You may be advised breathing exercises before surgery to help you have a smooth post op recovery.
• Smoking: It is imperative that you do not smoke 3 weeks before and after surgery. This would impede your healing greatly.
• Diet: An adequate diet with vitamin supplements, especially Vitamin C, is recommended. You should be in the best nutritional state possible prior to surgery. If you will be preparing your own meals at home after surgery, have on hand easy to prepare foods.

The abdominoplasty surgical procedure

The tummy tuck procedure takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Abdominoplasty surgery usually involves two incisions. One incision extends along the lower abdomen just above the pubic hairline. The other is a circular incision around the navel, as the operation frequently requires repositioning the navel to a higher, more natural level. The abdominal skin and fatty tissue are raised away from the underlying abdominal structures. When necessary, repair of the abdominal wall and muscles is done at this time. The tissue is then stretched in a downward direction and the excess tissue is removed. Small rubber drains may be inserted in the wound to remove blood and serum that may accumulate. The incision is closed either with suture material, special tapes or metal clips. A large pressure dressing is applied followed by a supportive abdominal binder. An I.V. is routinely placed in the hand or arm prior to surgery for fluid maintenance and remains in place usually until the next morning. A urinary catheter may be inserted at the time of surgery and will be removed usually straight after surgery, sometimes in 24 hours if staying in aftercare.