Abdominoplasty, or a “tummy tuck,” is designed to correct excessive skin and fat as a result of weight gain or pregnancy. Obesity causes the skin to lose its elasticity. These conditions may not respond well to diet or exercise if the skin and underlying muscles have been stretched. Even some of the thinnest patients have excessive skin or fat that they just can’t remove.
With abdominoplasty, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened and excess fatty tissue and skin are removed to improve the body contour. The goal is a narrower, flatter abdomen. Realistic expectations are important. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss.
I consider age, obesity and smoking habits when evaluating a candidate for this procedure. Patients who are obese or who smoke are a significantly higher risk of wound healing problems.
Before Surgery
We will take a complete medical history and conduct a careful examination to evaluate your general, overall health. Ideally, the abdominoplasty patient has no health problems, and wishes only to remove an excess deposit of fat or loose abdominal sk ann. Patients on a weight-loss plan should be close to their target weight before having the operation. Women planning future pregnancies should delay abdominoplasty, as pregnancy may promote further abdominal stretching. Dr. Begovic will outline for you in your pre-op visit how long the scar will be and where it will be placed in relationship to your bikini or underwear line.
Photographs will be taken before and after surgery.
Antibiotics will be prescribed prior to surgery to prevent infection. To minimize the possibility of excess bleeding, you will need to avoid taking drugs containing aspirin or any teas, alcohol, or herbal medications. You will also be advised to bathe with an antiseptic soap for several days prior to surgery.
The Procedure
Abdominoplasty is performed using general anesthesia. You may be given medication beforehand so you will feel relaxed. The surgery may take 2-5 hours, depending on your overall condition. You may be released after a few hours, or you may require a couple days of hospitalization.
The procedure is most commonly performed by making a U-shaped incision below one hipbone, across the pubic area and under the other hipbone. A second incision is made around the navel. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up to the hipbone, exposing loose tissue covering the abdominal muscle.
Loose, stretched out muscles are tightened with sutures, and excess skin and fat are removed. The skin is lowered over the abdomen and the navel is reconstructed. The incisions are then sutured together. Drains are often inserted to eliminate fluid buildup, and firm elastic bandages are applied to the area. There is often a lot of drainage and the drains may need to be left in place for several weeks.
Recovery: What to Expect
You may experience some discomfort immediately following surgery that can be controlled with pain pills. Some swelling is normal. You will be given special instructions for showering and changing your dressings until the surface stitches are removed in 5-7 days. You may also be required to wear a support garment.
The speed of recovery depends on your physical condition prior to surgery; those with stronger abdominal muscles usually recover faster. Allow at least 2-4 weeks to recuperate before returning to work. Wait at least 4 weeks to start any strenuous exercise and 6 weeks to do abdominal exercises. However it is EXTREMELY important to start walking immediately after surgery. One of the few but most serious complications after abdominoplasty is a blood clot in the legs that can travel to the lungs. Prior to surgery, please make plans to have someone help you ambulate after surgery.
Some scarring is also normal. It often takes 9-12 months before the scars begin to fade.
Though the recovery period is longer than that of other cosmetic procedures, the rewards are great for a patient who are distressed by their excessive skin and fat. My patients feel that they can finally fit into clothes that they like. They feel much more confident in a bathing suit or bikini. The extra hanging skin that kept them from getting dressed up in their favorite dress before pregnancy is no longer there. It is rewarding for me to call my abdominoplasty patients the first summer after their surgery to hear about the new summer clothes and bathing suits they are looking forward to wearing.
Those who follow a proper exercise routine and healthy diet will benefit from abdominoplasty the most.