Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty

The abdominoplasty procedure is designed to correct the protruding abdomen that results from weak abdominal muscles and excess skin. Many patients who have experienced fluctuations is their weight or pregnancy, may consider abdominoplasty, also known as a “tummy tuck”. Often, the abdominal musculature has been stretched and may not improve with exercise. Abdominoplasty can give you a narrower, flatter abdomen and can be combined with liposuction to contour specific areas of a woman’s figure.

Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss. Patients planning to lose weight should be close to their target weight before having this surgery. If you are planning to become pregnant in the near future, you may wish to postpone this procedure until after you have had children.

Not all tummy tucks are the same. Our preferred technique is the high lateral tension abdominoplasty. The benefits of the high lateral tension abdominoplasty are that the scars are much thinner and the placement of the scar is more predictable. The scars in other abdominoplasty techniques may result in wide, unsightly scars. A predictable scar location is important to make certain that the scar stays well hidden in your bathing suit or underwear. There is also less risk of wound healing problems with this technique. This is because there is less undermining of the skin which would ordinarily decrease the amount of blood supply to the tissues.In the high lateral tension abdominoplasty, there is less undermining and loosening of the skin. This preserves the optimum blood supply to the tissues in the operative area.

The tummy tuck procedure can last between one to three hours depending on the method that your surgeon feels is best for you. In a standard abdominoplasty, an incision is made from hip bone to hip bone low on the abdominal skin, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding tissue. Next, your surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal muscle wall up to the ribs and lifts the skin to expose your muscles. If you have muscle separation, pulling your muscles closer together and suturing them will give a tighter look to your abdomen. This is like an internal corset. The skin is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. The procedure will only remove stretch marks on the piece of skin that is excised. Your belly button is brought out through a new hole as the skin is moved down .It is then repositioned and sutured in place. Finally, the lower incision is sutured, dressings applied, and temporary tubes are inserted to drain excess fluid and infuse a numbing solution for your comfort. An overnight stay in the hospital is usually required.

In a mini abdominoplasty, or partial abdominoplasty, a shorter incision is made above the pubic area, and does not extend out to the hip bones. The mini abdominoplasty is indicated in women who have weakening of the abdominal muscles in the lower half of the tummy. The skin is separated only between the incision line and your navel. A limited muscle repair will be performed from your belly button to your pubic bone. Your navel may not be moved, but may be pulled as the skin is stretched and tightened. The mini abdominoplasty does not tighten the skin or muscles above the belly button.

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Preparing for your surgery

Your initial consultation is very important. It is vital to talk about your expectations, and what the best approach is for you. You should be comfortable and able to speak honestly and openly with your surgeon about your desired outcome and goals. You will need to provide your medical history and also tell your doctor about any vitamins and/or medications, including over-the-counter, you are taking. Other items to tell your surgeon are if you smoke, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, allergies, blood clotting problems, or a tendency to form excessive scars. These issues can affect the results of your surgery.

At the time of your consultation, your plastic surgeon will examine your upper arms in several positions. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin will be assessed. You will also be able to discuss whether brachioplasty can be combined with any other procedures in which you are interested.

Do not take products containing ibuprofen (such as Aspirin) for at least two weeks before and after your procedure. These medications thin the blood, which help headaches, but interfere with your body’s normal blood clotting and increases the risk of bruising and bleeding. Rather, use medications that contain acetaminophen (such as Tylenol). Your plastic surgeon will suggest that you stop smoking at least six weeks before your brachioplasty. Smoking constricts the small blood vessels in your skin, slows the healing process, and increases the risk of getting open wounds on your arms. Don’t drink alcohol for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Lowering your salt intake will help reduce swelling after surgery. Make sure to be hydrated and drink a lot of water to help flush toxins from your body both before and after your surgery. You must stop taking all vitamins and herbs for at least two weeks before your brachioplasty. Your surgeon will give you prescriptions to fill prior to your surgery date.

After your surgery

Most patients back to work 7 to 10 days for a mini-abdominoplasty and 2 to 3 weeks for a standard abdominoplasty. Your doctor will decide with you the appropriate time frame for your recovery.

Bruising that is present right after your abdominoplasty will disappear within a few weeks, and some swelling can remain for up to nine months. Numbness of the abdominal skin is expected and can last for one to two years. Some skin sensation will often gradually return. Scars may worsen for the first 3 to 6 weeks, but this is normal and to be expected. After 9 to 12 months have passed, the scars should begin to flatten and lighten in color. Scars can be hidden by most clothing and bathing suits.

You can shower the day after surgery and the discomfort is moderate. The tighter the tuck, the more discomfort you will feel. Pain medication prescribed by your surgeon can help minimize the pain, but if the discomfort persists, contact your surgeon immediately. Pain pumps are used to help the discomfort after surgery. They are usually removed three days after your abdominoplasty. You should begin walking as soon as possible to reduce swelling, lower the chances of blood clots, and tone muscle. Sutures may be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery although most sutures are the dissolving type and do not require removal. Bandages are removed after one to four days, and the drains will be removed in 10 to 14 days. Your surgeon may instruct you to wear a support garment for a recommended amount of time.

After your abdominoplasty, you will see an immediate improvement in your figure. Final results vary person to person and can be seen between six months and one year. The results after abdominoplasty can be long lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise on a regular basis.