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Abdominoplasty
Plastic Surgery Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess wrinkled skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower portions of the abdomen. It can tighten stretched skin, strengthen abdominal muscles and flatten the lower abdomen. Preoperative Considerations A consultation with a plastic surgeon is the first step an individual should take if considering abdominoplasty. The patient should discuss candidly his or her expectations about looking and feeling better after surgery, white keeping in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection. After examining you, the surgeon will discuss the variables that influence the decisions involved in the procedure, such as your age, skin tone and body build. Patients who are of relatively normal weight but have weak abdominal muscles and excess skin and fat are the best candidates. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight reduction, nor is it meant to treat minor skin wrinkling or looseness. Frequently, however, diet and exercise alone cannot correct certain conditions, particularly when underlying muscles as well as skin are stretched as often occurs after multiple pregnancies. Loss of skin elasticity, which frequently occurs with slight obesity in older patients, is another condition that can be improved. When extreme weight loss results in large hanging abdominal folds, a more extensive procedure, referred to as a panniculectomy is performed. If a large abdominal hernia complicates a patient’s condition, an abdominal or general surgeon may assist the plastic surgeon in treatment. A hernia restricted to the area around the umbilicus can be corrected by the plastic surgeon at the same time the abdominoplasty is performed. During the initial visit, the surgeon will explain specific details of your case, including the surgical technique to be used, the anesthesia, where the operation will be performed and what the surgery realistically can accomplish. Additional factors to be considered before electing abdominoplasty, such as risk and cost, should be discussed with the surgeon at this time. Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. Nevertheless, you should be aware of the potential risks of surgery and specific complications associated with this operation. Postoperative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare. Poor healing, resulting in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Heavy smokers should be aware that nicotine can delay healing. Risk of complications can be minimized by closely adhering to your surgeon's advice on follow-up care. Fees and operative facility costs of abdominoplasty vary widely. A recent study that surveyed member surgeons and the hospitals with which they are affiliated determined total surgical fees range from $2,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on the length and complexity of the operation. Additional expenses will depend upon where surgery takes place and the anesthesia used. Since abdominoplasty generally is carried out on an elective basis, most insurance plans normally do not offer coverage. If surgery is deemed necessary to correct a condition that impairs normal abdominal function or interferes with other physical activity, the surgeon's fees and other costs may be partially or fully paid by your insurance carrier. In most cases, you may be able to deduct the costs as a medical expense on your income tax return. The Surgical Procedure
Abdominoplasty typically is performed to remove excess abdominal skin
and tighten underlying musculature. The extent of the procedure depends
on what changes are desired and what your surgeon deems appropriate.
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There are several possible approaches to abdominoplasty. The most frequently employed technique is transverse incision across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the umbilicus from surrounding skin so it will remain undisturbed. Skin is separated from the elevated above the rib cage. The surgeon then pulls loose tissue covering the abdomen's large vertical muscle towards the center of the abdomen and sutures it together. This tightens muscles, provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. the elevated skin is lowered and the excess removed. |
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The surgeon makes a small opening for the umbilicus. It is reinstated, creating a new navel where the old one had been. Incisions are closed with a series of stitches and a firm elastic dressing is applied. |
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Postoperative
Recovery
After surgery, there is soreness and discomfort, which is easily controlled by medication. The patient will remain in the hospital for two to three days with hips bent to reduce tension on the abdominal area. An appropriate abdominal supporter replaces the dressing before the patient is discharged. He or she is advised to continue wearing a light support garment for two to three months.
The elimination of sagging superfluous skin and excess fatty tissue results
in firmer, flatter abdominal appearance and a narrower waistline. Although
the surgeon makes every effort to minimize scarring, abdominoplasty scars
are permanent. However, within three to six months scars will flatten,
lighten in color and show considerable improvement.
Although you may be up and about in a day or two after surgery, your plastic surgeon will advise you on the proper schedule for resuming your usual routine. To permit proper healing, you should avoid overactivity and straining for three to four weeks. The decision on when to return to work and normal activities depends on how fast you heal and how you feel. This brochure is intended as an introduction to abdominoplasty. When considering plastic surgery, you should feel comfortable asking your surgeon for any additional information you might need.
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