ANTIAGING BODY TREATMENTS
Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty or a 'tummy tuck' is where extra skin
and stretch marks of the lower abdomen are removed and
the muscles tightened. It is often done along with liposuction
to address contour concerns of the hips and thighs as
well.
The procedure does leave a lower abdominal and belly
button scar.
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.
Procedure
The tummy tuck is done under general anesthesia as
an outpatient.
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five
hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial
abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.
- A long incision from hipbone to hipbone is made
just above the pubic area.
- A second incision is made to free the navel from
surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the
incision is much shorter and the navel may not be
moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural
shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.
- The skin is separated from the abdominal wall all
the way up to your ribs.
- This large skin flap is lifted to reveal the vertical
muscles in the 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 the navel, which is then
stitched in place.
- The incisions are stitched, and dressings applied.
A temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid
from the surgical site.
After Care
A pain management pump for postoperative comfort to
allow early walking the day of surgery to reduce postsurgical
risk and speed recovery.
The abdomen will probably be swollen for a few days,
and there is likely to be some pain and discomfort which
can be controlled by medication.
Surface stitches are 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.
Expect to be back to work in 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous
activity should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks or more.
Fading and flattening of scars should occur in 3 months
to 2 years. Diet and exercise to maintain results.
Complications
This is not a good procedure for smokers or the very
overweight patient because of healing and recovery concerns.
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.
Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal
skin, bruising, tiredness for several weeks or months.
Expected Results
After surgery, the patient has a flatter, trimmer
abdomen. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.
Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces
excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal
muscles or excess skin. In most cases, where a balanced
diet and exercise program are followed, the results
are long lasting.
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