What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, commonly called as “tummy tuck”, is an operation to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen. The surgeon may also tighten the tummy muscles. The aim is to produce a tighter, flatter stomach and it may partially reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Why is it required? If you have any or some of the underlying conditions, you may want to consider this option

• Abdominal skin that is excess or sagging

• A protruding abdomen that is out of proportion to the rest of your body

• Abdominal muscles that have been separated and weakened

• Excess concentrated fat tissues around your abdomen

Any plans of pregnancy in future or of losing a significant amount of weight must be discussed with your plastic surgeon. Any resultant scarring from previous abdominal surgery may limit the results of your Abdominoplasty, A tummy tuck is not a treatment for weight control and is not a substitute for regular physical activity and a healthy balanced diet.

What are the Alternatives?

(Please note that some alternative treatments may not be available or suitable to everyone.) The purpose of tummy tuck plastic surgery is to change your body shape, not to lose weight. If fat is localized in the abdomen, but there is no excessive skin, then liposuction is an alternative to tummy tuck. Liposuction and tummy tuck are not usually done at the same time, because suction of the skin during liposuction may damage the skin that is being stretched and repositioned.

Obese patients, or those who have large amounts of loose excess skin, may undergo a modification of the tummy tuck procedure called panniculectorny. For less severe conditions, you may want to consider the less-invasive mini tummy tuck

How to Get Prepared for the Surgery?

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery. including guidelines on

Diet & eating habits

Overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen

Smoking & drinking

If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery

Taking or avoiding certain vitamins, and medications

Aspirin and Vitamin E containing medications must be avoided at least 7days prior to your surgery.Specific instructions on this will be given by your surgeon.

Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. However, if you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed. Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital.

What Type of Anesthesia can be Used?

Your doctor may select general anesthesia, so you’ll sleep throughout the operation. Other surgeons use local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy.

What Happens During the Procedure?

A tummy tuck usually begins with a long incision across the abdomen, from hip bone to hip bone. A second incision is made to free the navel from the abdominal tissue. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall, up to the ribs, exposing the vertical abdominal muscles (rectus muscles). The rectus muscles are then stitched into a new position, tightening the muscles and reducing the waistline. After the muscles have been repositioned and tightened, the excess skin is stretched and removed. The remaining skin is rewrapped over the abdominal area and sutured in place. The hole created by the incision around the belly button is normally removed when the excess skin is cut away, and a new hole is formed to place the navel proportionally.

What Happens After the Procedure?

For the first few days

Abdomen will probably be swollen

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. Your doctor will give you instructions for

Showering

Changing your dressings

All though you may find it difficult to stand straight in the beginning but make sure you start walking as soon as possible. Surface stitches will be removed in seven to ten days. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.

What Are the Benefits of this Procedure?

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.

When to Contact your Doctor?

After the surgery contact your doctor if

You develop a fever over 100°F (37.8°C).

You have drainage from your incision, or the incision separates.

You become dizzy or faint.

You have nausea and vomiting. You have chest pain.

You become short of breath.

What are the Expectations from the Surgery?

Expectations from the surgery

• Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently

General Risks of having an Operation:

These have been mentioned in the “Anesthesia Consent Form.” Please discuss this with your Anesthetist before signing the Anesthesia Consent Form.

What are the Risks of the Procedure?

While majority of patients have an uneventful surgery and recovery, few cases may be associated with complications. These are seen infrequently and not all the ones listed below are applicable to one individual. However, it is important that you are aware of the complications/risks that may arise out of this procedure which are as below:

Note: The listed risks and complications are not all inclusive

• A long, horizontal (across) scar, which is noticeable but usually fades in time Sometimes the scars can be red, thick and itchy

• The pubic hairline may be pulled out

• A scar like an upside-down T, or occasionally two scars, a horizontal (crosswise) one and a transverse (up and down) scar

• Necrosis (dying) of remaining skin due to poor circulation where there is scar tissue

• The navel may not be central Loss of the navel, the scar may provide a reasonable substitute

• Muscle soreness immediately after operation

• Numbness of skin pulled down below the navel for up to a year or more

• Increased risk of clots in the leg for patients who are on the oral contraceptive pill. Part of this clot may break off and go to the lungs, which can be fatal

• Collection of fluid under the skin above the horizontal scar

• Marked increase of failure of the procedure due to effects of smoking on quality of blood supply to the skin of the lower part of the abdominal wall