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Procedures - Tummytuck (Abdominoplasty)
The purpose of an abdominoplasty is to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. Basically, whatever can be pinched together can be removed.
The major trade-off is the possibility of a long scar. The more fat that needs to be removed, the longer the scar. The scar begins just above the public hairline, and extends outwards toward the hips. The scar is intended to be hidden under the panty line. There is usually a scar that goes around the umbilicus as well. Many times, especially after childbirth, the muscles of the abdomen are stretched apart. If needed, the muscles are repaired as part of the abdominoplasty. A mini-abdominoplasty is possible if the patient is thin, and if only excess skin needs to be removed. In this case, the resulting scar is shorter and no scar is made around the umbilicus. In addition, muscle repair is only done below the umbilicus. This operation, although desirable, is only useful in a select group of patients. These operations are done as outpatient surgery if done alone. Abdominoplasty can, in some cases, be done at the same time as a hysterectomy, hernia repair, or gall bladder surgery. However combining procedures does increase some of the risks of surgery, such as infection and the possibility of blood clots. Consult your gynecologist or general surgeon first. Abdominoplasty takes about 1 1/2 hours. Patients wear a binder or girdle for about three weeks after surgery, and are not allowed to lift any significant weight for four weeks. Most people, if lifting is not a part of their job, may return to work in 10-14 days without too much discomfort. Risks of abdominoplasty include, as in any surgery, the possibility of infections, wound healing complications, and bad scars. The risk of a blood clot in the legs, which can be very serious, is significantly increased in patients who smoke, use birth control pills, or are obese. It is very unusual that abdominoplasty is covered by insurance, and if so it is always associated with sores or chronic infections. Body Contouring Links: American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Tummy Tuck WebMD American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Body Contouring Procedures: Abdominoplasty / "Tummytuck" Liposuction Brachioplasty / Armlift After Massive Weight Loss |
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