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Tummy Tuck

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall to create a narrower waistline.

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• Quick Facts about Tummy Tuck

  * Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia or peridural plus sedation depending on    the specific case

  * Duration of the procedure: 2 - 4 hours, depending on the specific case

  * Hospital stay: 1 night

  * Recovery time / time back to work: 16 days

  * Incision: lower abdomen

• What Can a Tummy Tuck Do for You?

  - Remove excess skin in the abdominal area

  - Remove excess fat in the abdominal region

  - Tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall

  - Narrows the waistline

  - Reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen

  Bear in mind that this procedure leaves a permanent scar at the lower region of the abdomen. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

• The Surgical Procedure

  Most commonly, the surgeon will make an incision just above the pubic area. Its length depends on the specific case. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty (or mini- tummy tuck), the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved. Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

  The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.

  *Anesthesia:

  General anesthesia or peridural plus sedation depending on specific case.

• Post-Op Recovery & Time Back to Work

  Post-Op

  For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand-up straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible. Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.

  Time Back to Work

  It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate. Vigorous exercise should be avoided until you can do it comfortably and your doctors confirm that you are ready. Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars can be hidden under bathing suits.

• Uncertainty and Risk

  Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year and the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible. Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

The information provided on surgeryBA.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her physician. Individual results may vary according to each patient's individual objectives, health, and circumstances. The information provided here stems from our professional experience with patients and from our doctor's advise.

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