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Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdominal and to tighten the muscles of the abdomen wall.

Details: The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

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:Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, ,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.

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 surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall. 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.

Length: Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two. .
Anesthesia: The surgeon may select general anesthesia, so you'll sleep through the operation. Other surgeons use local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You'll be awake but relaxed, and your abdominal region will be insensitive to pain. (However, you may feel some tugging or occasional discomfort.)
In/Outpatient: Abdominoplasty is performed either an an outpatient or an inpatient depending on individual circumstances and the extent of the surgery.

Side-Effects / Risks:Postoperative 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.

Recovery: 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. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.

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.

You will likely be back to work in 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars should occur in 3 months to 2 years.

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. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Who are the best candidates for the Tummy-Tuck procedure?

A. The best candidates for a tummy-tuck(abdominoplasty) are men and women who are in pretty good shape but have large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that wont respond to diet or exercise.

Q. How soon can I return to work after abdominoplasty?

A. Some people return to work after a couple of weeks, while others take three to four weeks to rest and recuperate.

Q. What kind of results should I expect after the tummy tuck?

A. By removing the sagging excess skin and accumulated fatty tissue, you'll immediately enjoy a flatter, firmer abdomen and a thinner waist line. Although every effort is made to minimize scarring, the scars will be permanent but will fade over time. Within 3 to 6 months, your scars should get flatter become lighter in colour and improve considerably. Even though they will never disappear completely, your scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.