Tummy Tuck

Synonymous to : Abdominoplasty

Flat and well-toned abdomen is an appealing body profile or contour that a lot of people aspire to have. We often strive to have this feature through diet and exercise. However, sometimes these methods fail to achieve this goal. Abdominoplasty or commonly known as tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes the excess skin and fat of the abdomen, restores or repair weakened abdominal muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. However, patients must be informed that this procedure is not a substitute for diet, weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.

There are a lot of individuals, particularly women of childbearing age that has abdomen, which is protruding, and with loose and sagging skin. These individuals may even have a normal body weight and proportional body profile. These changes in quality of the skin and muscle of the abdomen are commonly caused by multiple factors that weaken the structures of abdominal. This may be due to pregnancy, aging, massive weight lost, hereditary disorder, and previous abdominal surgery or trauma. These may affect or change the strength of the abdominal muscles and lead to laxity of the abdominal wall.

Eventhough results of this procedure may last for a long time, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in weight that is often accompanied by inelastic and excess skin. This is why, an individual who is planning to have substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck surgery.

Tummy tuck is recommended for patients with excess or redundant abdominal skin and/or laxity of abdominal muscle. This is usually seen among women that had multiple pregnancies or patients with massive weight lost after a Bariatric Surgery. To be a good candidate for this procedure, patients must be physically healthy and at a stable weight, patients must have realistic expectations, don’t smoke and don’t have any uncontrolled medical illness. The procedure cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally those treated areas below the belly button.

Individuals planning to undergo abdominoplasty are prepared prior to scheduled surgery. Patients are advised to avoid the following for 2 to 3 weeks before surgery; smoking, alcoholic beverages, steroids, NSAIDs or pain medications like mefenamic acids and naproxen, herbal tea, herbal medications, Vitamin E, blood thinning medications like aspirin, heparin and coumadin, regulated drugs like valum, prohibited drugs like methamphetamines, diet pills and oral contraceptive pills. These medications and social activity may delay healing, prolong bleeding during surgery and may interact with the medications used during surgery. It is advised that patients discuss this further with their surgeon to minimize possible risks and complications.

The surgery is performed either under sedation, regional or general anesthesia depending on the extent of the procedure. This can be performed in an out-patient surgical facility that is accredited by local health department or patient may be admitted in a hospital for a few days. A full tummy tuck procedure requires a horizontally oriented incision, located at lower abdomen just above the pubic hair line; the incision may extent from hip to hip depending on the amount of excess abdominal skin that needs to be removed.  Through this incision, a large area of the lower abdomen skin and fat is removed. The weakened abdominal wall muscles are repaired with non-absorbable plication sutures. This will tighten the abdominal wall and improve abdominal tone and contour.

After abdominoplasty, the abdomen will be flat and firm that is more proportionate with the patient’s body contour. The initial results after the surgery may be obscured by swelling and some bruising. This is temporary and may resolve after 1 to 2 weeks, but patients are advised, that the final outcome will be evident after 3 to 6 months.

Pressure garment or abdominal binder is applied for 2 to 3 weeks at the abdomen after surgery. This will help the skin redrape to the muscles and control the swelling. Sutures are usually removed  10 days after surgery.

Prospective patients planning to have this procedure are required to allot 12 to 14 days. This time will be used for the initial consultation, laboratory, medical clearance, surgery, follow up, suture removal and early recuperation. After this patient is safe to travel since wounds are dry and healed.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks and complications include:
Unfavorable scarring
Bleeding (hematoma)
Infection
Fluid accumulation
Poor wound healing
Skin loss
Blood clots
Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
Anesthesia risks
Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
Major wound separation
Asymmetry
Recurrent looseness of skin
Pain, which may persist
Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
Persistent swelling in the legs
Nerve damage
Possibility of revision of surgery
Suboptimal aesthetic result

More information on Tummy Tuck procedure

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The information that is provided in this website is intended to help educate prospective clients regarding basic information about each particular cosmetic procedure and the cosmetic plastic surgery specialty. This should be use by patient in order to make a logical decision prior to any procedure and consultation. This information in any way would not guarantee the results.  It would be best for all clients to discuss all of their concerns with their surgeon. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or clear out any concerns.

If you have any other questions or concerns you may send it via email to Dr P Lorenzo and he would reply to your concerns the soonest possible time.