INTRODUCTION

A firm, flat abdomen is important to a physically fit appearance. Abdominoplasty, also called “tummy tuck,” is a surgery designed to contour the lower abdomen . Abdominoplasty surgery focuses on three main goals: (1) removing loose skin and excess fat [“if you can grab it, we can remove it”], (2) tightening the underlying muscles to restore the foundation of the abdomen, and (3) suspending the pubic area for a more youthful look.

Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight reduction surgery. Surgery is best performed either at or “near” your ideal realistic weight. It is also best to finish your family before having abdominoplasty surgery. Pregnancy is possible after abdominoplasty surgery, but the tissues will again be stretched, thus diminishing the results of the surgery.

In most cases cosmetic goals can be accomplished in a single surgery. However in about 20% of patients it is simply not possible or safe to do everything needed at a single surgery. In such cases an additional surgery is required. Most of the time we will be able to predict ahead of time if you will need one or two procedures to meet your goals. The additional surgery most commonly consists of: liposuction, excision of additional extra skin, and scar revision.

ANALYSIS

The goal of surgery is to make you happy. At your consultation we will obtain a very thorough medical history. We will want to know if you have had any previous abdominal surgery. We will want to know your goals of treatment, both in terms of the kind of look you would like to achieve as well as the kind of look you would like to avoid. We will carefully examine you and make measurements as indicated.

Often patients will have other “problem areas” that need attention at the same time as abdominoplasty surgery. We often perform concurrent liposuction at the same time to optimize the overall results of your surgery. The most common additional areas treated with liposuction are: flanks, hips, thighs, and knees.

Following the analysis we will present to you a comprehensive treatment strategy. We will discuss the procedure(s) recommended in detail. We will also advise you of the potential risks and complications of surgery. We will outline your recovery period and make focused suggestions to make your surgery experience safe, easy, and as pleasant as possible.

PROCEDURE

The surgery usually takes about 3½ hours to perform, depending on the needs and goals of the patient and how much surgery is performed. You will be totally asleep for the surgery to minimize anxiety and to maximize comfort.

The surgery consists of a fine incision just above the pubic area and an incision around the navel. The underlying wall muscles are then tightened, and then excess skin and fatty tissue are removed to create a firm and flat abdomen. Drains are placed which are removed in 7-10 days, depending on the amount of drainage observed. All sutures are “dissolving.” You will also be placed in a special elastic compression garment for support and protection.

AFTERCARE

Recovery from abdominoplasty surgery is a “process” and will depend largely on the amount of surgery performed, your motivation for success, and your dedication in precisely following our written after-surgery instructions. Discomfort is minimal. Your “down time” will be between 1 and 2 weeks. You will need to wear your garment for 6 weeks.

There are scars as a result of this surgery. It usually takes at least 6-12 months for the scars to completely fade.