Surgery of the Abdomen (Abdominoplasty)
| Abdominoplaty,
known more commonly as a "tummy tuck", is a
major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat
from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the
muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can
dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding
abdomen. But bear in
mind, it does produce a permanent scar - which, depending
on the extent of the original problemand the surgery
required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip. If your considering abdominoplasty, this site will give you a basic understaning of the procedure - when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual. Please ask Dr. Washak about anything you don't understand.
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The Best Candidates for Abdominoplasty
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, Dr. Washak may recommend against abdominoplasty or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.
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. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Washak.
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty & Risks
Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. Postoperative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.
Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Washak's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.
In your initial consultation, Dr. Washak will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell Dr. Washak if you smoke, and if you're taking medications, vitamins, or other drugs. Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr. Washak. He will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.
If, for example, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also known as a mini-tummy tuck, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour.
During the consultation, Dr. Washak will also explain the anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. In most cases, health insurance policies do not cover the cost of abdominoplasty, but you should check your policy to be sure.
Dr. Washak will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. 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, if needed.
An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. Skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs Dr. Washak draws underlying muscle and tissue together and streches them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall. Abdominal skin is drawn down and excess is removed. With complete abdominoplasty, a new opening is cut for the navel. Both incisions are stitched closed.
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate. Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
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. If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.
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Copyright © 1997 Dr. Ronald V. Washak
Artwork (The Rose) courtesy of The Gallery of Manrico Orlandi
The
best candidates for abdominoplasty
