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Abdominoplasty, or "Tummy Tuck," is a surgical procedure for
removing excess skin and fat, tightening the
muscles, and eliminating or improving the appearance of scars of the lower abdomen. During pregnancy some women experience the abdominal skin and muscles becoming loose and flabby. Excessive weight gain followed by
weight reduction also may leave a layer of loose stretched-out skin. Abdominoplasty is designed to correct these conditions as well as Hernias.
Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss technique. Although the
procedure removes some fat, it is not a substitute for a healthy diet or sensible exercise. Patients should be at normal or near-normal weight before surgery.
Complete abdominoplasty is performed for patients
requiring maximum correction. A horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen at the level of the pubic hair. The abdominal musculature is tightened with stitches, and any hernias or weaknesses are repaired. The
umbilicus (belly button) is usually circumscribed during the operation. It remains in the same position on the abdominal wall but is brought out through a new skin opening. A limited procedure is performed on patients
requiring lesser corrections. During consultation, you will learn whether you are a candidate for a complete or limited abdominoplasty.
As with any surgical procedure, small nerves to the skin are
interrupted during the abdominoplasty and you will experience diminished sensitivity and swelling, that is, portions of the abdomen will feel numb or have less than full feeling. Sensibility returns over several months,
but some diminished feeling may last indefinitely.
Infection or wound healing problems, including loss of skin and excessive scarring, occur less frequently in my experience. Other serious or even
life-threatening complications are possible. Pulmonary thromboembolism (blood clot traveling to the lungs) has been reported in a recent survey of plastic surgeons as occurring with an incidence of 1 in 400. Obesity is
the most frequent associated factor. I do not offer this operation to obese patients.
A tummy tuck may be combined with intra-abdominal procedures such as tubal ligation or with cosmetic operations on other parts
of the body such as breast or facial surgery. Liposuction of the hips and other areas is commonly performed with abdominoplasty.
General anesthesia, given by an expert anesthesiologist (separate charges for this
service), is the norm; limited abdominoplasties can be done under local anesthesia. Operating time is 1 to 3 hours depending on the scope of the procedure. Hospitalization is required with discharge 1-3 days
after surgery. Limited abdominoplasties can be done on an ambulatory basis (usually in the morning) but do require a further stay of 4 hours after surgery. Patients who live more than one hour away must stay overnight
in Houston after surgery. If you desire, we will recommend a nearby hotel. A relative, friend or nurse must be with you for an overnight stay. |
