Tummy Tuck
(Abdominoplasty)
Women
and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated
in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Sometimes these
conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight
loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. Abdominoplasty
also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened
by pregnancy. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance
of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.
During
the consultation, you will be asked about the results you would
like to achieve from abdominoplasty. This will help your surgeon
to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically
can be achieved.
Am
I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
You
may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you have one or
more of the following conditions:
• excess
or sagging abdominal skin
• an
abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest
of your body
• abdominal
muscles that have been separated and weakened
• excess
fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen
If
you plan to become pregnant or lose weight in the future, you
should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Scarring from
previous abdominal surgery may limit the results of your abdominoplasty.
How
will I look and feel initially?
The
day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed
for short walks to promote blood circulation. Although you may
not be able to stand up completely straight, it is best if you
do not sit for long periods of time during the first several
days. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, since
these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding.
You may be instructed to sleep on your back with a pillow under
your knees.
Any
surgical drains probably will be removed within a week following
surgery, at which time your dressings may also be changed or
removed. Depending on the abdominoplasty technique used, you
may be instructed to wear a support garment for several weeks.
Generally, stitches will be removed in stages over a period
of approximately one or two weeks.
You will notice swelling
and bruising, which is to be expected. The bruising and much
of the swelling will disappear over a period of weeks. However,
it may be months before all swelling subsides and you see the
final result of your abdominoplasty. You may also notice some
numbness over portions of the abdominal area, and this may persist
for several months. Incisions will initially be red or pink
in color. They will remain this way for many months following
surgery and may even appear to worsen before they finally begin
to fade.
When
can I resume my normal activities?
It
is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for
recovery varies greatly among individuals. Depending on the
extent of your abdominoplasty and your general physical condition,
you may be able to return to non-strenuous work anywhere from
one to three weeks after surgery. In many instances, you can
resume most of your normal activities, including some form of
mild exercise, after a few weeks. You may continue to experience
some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during this time,
but such feelings are normal. Severe pain should be reported
to your doctor.
Any sexual
activity should be avoided for a minimum of two weeks, and your
plastic surgeon may advise you to wait longer.
