Abdominoplasty
Women who have loose or sagging abdominal skin are the best candidates for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Often, through weight gain and loss, pregnancies, and as part of the normal aging process the skin has stretched beyond its elastic limit, or ability to return to normal shape. The normal waistline may have disappeared. The actual procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia with an overnight admission. Excess skin and fat are removed and the underlying muscles tightened.
For those women where the sagging skin is mainly in the lower abdomen the mini-abdominoplasty is an additional option. This procedure is not as extensive, with a smaller incision, often easily hidden under a 2 piece bathing suit. This procedure also offers a more rapid recovery and may be done on an outpatient basis under conscious sedation.
View Abdominoplasty results photos
Who is a Candidate
- If you have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin.
- If you have abnormal relaxation of the anterior (front) abdominal wall muscles due to weight gain or loss, pregnancies, or prior surgery.
- If you are unable to tighten abdominal wall skin with exercise.
Intended Result
- A smoother flatter abdomen.
Procedure Description
- The procedure is usually performed at the hospital under general anesthesia with an overnight admission.
- Mini-abdominoplasty can usually be performed under conscious sedation on an outpatient basis.
- Standard abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin leaving a standard scar.
- Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only leaving a shorter scar.
- Small suction drains are inserted with both procedures.
View Abdominoplasty results photos
Recuperation and Healing
- Discomfort is usually controlled with oral medications or nasal spray.
- An overnight admission is required for the standard procedure.
- The drains are removed in 2-7 days.
- All sutures are usually removed in 2-3 weeks.
- A compression garment with dressings over the incision sites is used.
- Light activity may be resumed in 7-21 days. Sports will probably not be comfortable for about 6 weeks.
- An abdominal binder (compression garment) is required for 4-6 weeks.
Other options
- Liposuction of the area.
Note
- The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
