Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, or what is commonly known as a ‘tummy tuck’, is a very well known surgical procedure which removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdominal area as well as tightens abdominal muscles. Skin, in some ways, can be compared to a rubber band. While it is able to stretch, it can only be stretched so far before it won’t be able to return to its normal shape. When skin is stretched too far, from either multiple pregnancies or rapid weight gain followed by rapid weight loss, it fails to be able to return to its normal shape. This can result in stretched, crinkly skin that is unable to respond to diet or exercise.

The Procedure

The Abdominoplasty procedure begins with a horizontal incision that usually runs above the pubic area. Surgeons try to place the incision where it can be hidden by either undergarments or a bathing suit, but the location of the incision will differ based on the amount of skin being removed. Once the incision is made, the skin is separated from the underlying muscle and tissue and pulled back toward the rib cage. Excess fat and tissue is then removed by trimming and suctioning. The muscles can also be sutured in order to make them tighter.

Once the muscles are tightened, the skin will be brought back down. The navel area can be repositioned and the excess skin will be trimmed before the incision is sutured shut. Because this procedure reduces the fat and skin in the abdominal area, the results are often a flatter abdomen and a smaller waist.

Will It Hurt?

Surgeons will use either a general or a local anesthetic. Patients will be asleep with a general anesthetic; a local anesthetic combined with a sedative will make the patient awake yet relaxed during the procedure. Patients under a local anesthetic might feel some tugging and discomfort, but it is usually minimal. For several days following the procedure, the abdomen area will feel swollen and will cause the patient to feel pain and discomfort. This can be controlled with medication.

What Will My Results Be?

Surface stitches will be removed anywhere from 5 to 7 days following the Abdominoplasty procedure and deeper sutures will be removed about 2 weeks post surgery. It will be hard to stand up straight because of the strain on the abdominal muscles, but surgeons recommend trying to stand up and walk around as much as possible. It will take several weeks to feel back to normal. Though it may cause pain to the abdomen, mild exercise is recommended for faster healing.

Patients with weakened muscles and excess skin have found that abdominoplasty is a great procedure. Results take about three to six months to be fully realized, but with proper diet and exercise, they can be very long lasting.

What Are The Costs?