Abdominoplasty

What is abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is the surgery that removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something that many people strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve these goals.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include aging, heredity, pregnancy, prior surgery, significant fluctuations in weight.

Although the results of an abdominoplasty are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.

For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone an abdominoplasty.

An abdominoplasty cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.

The first step

The medical appointment is the first step and it is the time to discuss why you want to have this surgery, your expectations and the desired outcome.

At this stage the patient should report his health history, previous surgeries, current medications and the use of alcohol or tobacco.

It’s very important to understand all aspects of your abdominoplasty procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress.

Procedure steps

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. An abdominoplasty requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.

The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.

In patients who lost massive weight, usually after bariatric surgery, sagging in the navel region may not be sufficiently treated with the horizontal incision alone. In these situations an additional “anchor” type incision (adds a vertical scar on the abdominal midline) might be necessary.

Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

The most common risks of abdominoplasty is unfavorable scarring, bleeding and fluid accumulation (seroma).

Commonly, liposuction of abdomen, flanks and back is performed in conjunction with the abdominoplasty. The combined procedures improve the overall abdominal contour.

The final results of the abdominoplasty  may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete.

Within a week or two, the patients are standing tall and confident in your new slimmer profile. Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.

Source: www.plasticsurgery.org