Abdominoplasty
Description
"Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a
surgical procedure designed to flatten
the abdomen by removing excess skin and
fat, tightening the muscles of the
abdominal wall. Tummy tucks can
dramatically reduce the appearance of a
protruding abdomen.
Length
2 to 5
hours. A partial tummy tuck may take 1
to 2 hours (see description below).
Side Effects
Patients may
experience temporary pain, bruising,
swelling, soreness, or numbness in the
abdominal skin for several weeks or
several months.
Recovery
Back to
work: 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous
activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading
and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2
years.
Technology
Most
commonly, a surgeon will make a long
incision across the hipbone directly
above the pubic area, with a second
incision following to free the navel
from surrounding tissue. The surgeon
will separate the skin from the
abdominal wall up to the ribs, lifting a
large skin flap to reveal the vertical
muscles in the abdomen. He or she will
eventually tighten the muscles by
pulling them close together and
stitching them into their new position.
Some patients qualify for a minimum
tummy tuck, if most of their fat is
carried below their navel. This is
considered a less complex procedure.
Patient Status
Outpatient -
Usually outpatient; dependent upon
individual circumstances and extent of
surgery.
Anesthesia
Local with
Sedation
General
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