TUMMY
TUCK
(Abdominoplasty)
Genetics, pregnancy and weight loss are just
some of the contributors to a protruding tummy. Loose skin, concentrated
fat and weakened stomach muscles can give a disproportionate
look to an otherwise fit body. Abdominoplasty, also known as
tummy tuck, can help repair these problems by removing excess
skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightening
underlying abdominal wall muscles.
The size of each
individual patient and the amount of skin & fat to be removed
will determine which type of abdominoplasty procedure may be
appropriate. Your surgeon will help you to determine which type
of tummy tuck will bring you the best possible results.
Partial or “Mini” Tummy
Tuck tightens loose in the lower abdomen only. This
procedure is for those women who have a small amount of loose
or saggy skin but still have good elasticity and firm abdominal
wall muscles. The scar for this type of abdominoplasty surgery
is relatively short.
Full or Standard Tummy Tuck is
generally for those who have had children or lost a little weight.
Age plays a factor in how loose the skin may be after weight
loss or pregnancy. Depending on the amount of skin to be removed,
the incision may extend from hip to hip.
Extended Tummy Tuck is for
a much larger patient with a greater amount of excess fat and
skin to be removed. Incision for this procedure may be slightly
extended beyond the hip area and slightly towards the back.
Circumferential or Beltplasty technique
may be required for those patients who have lost large amounts
of weight on their own or have undergone the gastric bypass procedure
for obesity. These patients are left with excessive amounts of
skin hanging down in the frontal abdominal area as well as extending
around the back and waist. Standard or Full Tummy Tuck cannot
address this excess amount of skin. The incision for this procedure
extends completely around the back to help eliminate the excessive
amount of skin that can cause much irritation, infection and
rash in the folds of this skin.
In some cases, abdominoplasty may be combined
with liposuction to help contour the waist.
Who is a candidate for abdominoplasty?
- Those with loose or sagging abdominal skin, muscle and/or
stretch marks either as a result of pregnancies or significant
weight loss. Pregnancy or weight loss will stretch the abdominal
skin and muscle beyond the point where patients can tighten
this area on their own.
- Those who are unable to tighten skin and muscle through exercise.
It is important to note that patients
who plan on having future pregnancy or wish to lose a significant
amount of weight, should postpone this type of surgery. The
muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can
again split or separate, requiring a secondary surgery.
How will I look and feel after surgery?
- Following surgery, your abdomen will
be very tight, swollen and you’ll have some pain & discomfort.
A pain pump is provided that will enable you to administer
a local numbing agent directly into the incision area, as needed,
to help ease some of the discomfort for the first few days.
Additional oral pain medication is prescribed by your surgeon
to help reduce some of the discomfort.
- Although you will not be able to stand up straight right
away, it is recommended that you get up and begin to move slowly,
within 1 -2 days.
- You will be sent home in a compression
garment, (abdominal binder) much like a girdle, that is used
to help keep swelling down. The garment will be worn for a few
weeks.
- Scars may be noticeable in the first three to six months,
but you should start to see an improvement after six months
to a year. While the scars will not disappear entirely, they
will become less noticeable with time. It is important, however,
to remember that each individual patient will heal differently.
Some may end up with scars that are more noticeable due to keloiding
(raised or excess scarring) or poor healing. Most abdominoplasty
incisions are placed as low as possible by the surgeon, just
above the pubic area, and are concealed even in bathing suits
and low rise pants.
When can I get back to my regular
routine?
- Recovery time will vary from person to person, but light
activities can typically start within 2 weeks.
- More strenuous activities/sports can begin after six to eight
weeks.
- Patients who undergo tummy tuck have
reported that it was one of the best decisions they made. Clothes
fit better and they feel more confident, especially in low-rise
jeans, swimwear, form fitting dresses & skirts.
How long will my results last?
To keep the results of your surgery lasting,
it is important to maintain a good weight and exercise regularly.
If you stick to a good regimen and take care of yourself, your
tummy tuck should look good for many years.
Age can affect skin elasticity over time.
Weight gain and loss, pregnancy may also affect the long-lasting
results of your tummy tuck.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE
- There are risks associated with any surgical
procedure.
- The specific risks
and suitability of each procedure for a given individual can
only be determined at the time of consultation.
- Minor complications that do not affect
the outcome may occasionally occur.
- Major complications are rare.
Your
plastic surgeon will review any and all risks and benefits with
you during a private consultation.
