Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, Full - Tummy Tuck

It is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.

Best Candidates
Men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise.

Women who, through pregnancy, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.

Men or women who have lost significant weight and as a result have loose and sagging skin with poor elasticity.

NOTE: Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery.

Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against abdominoplasty or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.

Risks
All surgery carries risk, and you should be fully aware of the medical risks associated with this procedure before you consent to surgery. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you during your consultation, and you are encouraged to ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You will be required to sign a consent form before surgery stating that you have been informed of the risks involved; that you understand those risks; and that you accept those risks. This is standard hospital protocol and surgery will not be performed if you do not sign.

It is your obligation to inform your surgeon of key medical information that may influence the outcome of your surgery or may increase the level of risk. These include medications you are taking, history of disease, medical complications, etc.

Risks and risk rates vary from patient to patient depending on a range of factors. No two people are alike. The risks listed below are possible risks associated with this type of surgery and are mentioned regardless of how remote the possibility:

Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin flap. Poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss. Need for a second operation.

The procedure is intended to reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, but it does produce a permanent scar, which can extend from hip to hip.

Surgery Time Required: 2-5 hours

Anesthesia: Genera/Epidural or local with sedation. Usually done under general or epidural anesthesia.

Side Effects
Temporary pain. Moderate pain for 24-48 hours and controlled by I.V. pain medication.

Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, tiredness for several weeks or months. 70% of swelling and ecchymoses will disappear within 2-3 weeks. Final result will be appreciated in 3-4 months. Numbness may take 6-12 months to normalize.

Abdominoplasty Recovery
Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks, with return to normal activities gradually after 4 weeks.

More strenuous activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more

Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years

Please note that this information should be used only as a guide to your treatment. All specifics will be discussed with your Physician at your consultation.