Tummy Tuck ? Is A Flat Stomach In Your Future
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. An important component of most abdominoplasties is to tighten the loose abdominal muscles. It is quite common to see a woman following pregnancy request this type of surgery.
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat from the
abdomen. An important component of most abdominoplasties is to tighten the loose
abdominal muscles. It is these muscles and
overlying fascia that become permanently overstretched following a
pregnancy. A properly performed
abdominoplasty will make a remarkable
difference in the appearance of the abdomen restoring not only shape but
confidence as well. With all
surgical procedures there is a down
side. An abdominoplasty cannot be done
without creating a transverse low abdominal scar , similar to a C section but
longer. The up side is that the scar can
be hidden under most bathing suits and underwear. There are many women who are good candidates
for this procedure. It is especially
useful in women who have stretched out skin and extra fat of the abdomen
following pregnancy and weight loss. There
is a new category of patients who desire abdominoplasty surgery. This is the massive weight loss patient.
Most abdominoplasty procedures take approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on the
size problem and the amount of contouring that is required. The operation is typically performed under
general anesthesia and may require an overnight stay. There is a 1 to 2 week recovery time needed
following an abdominoplasty. To ease the
recovery process a pain pump can be inserted.
This is a syringe type mechanism that delivers a dilute Novacaine type
anesthetic to the surgical zone. This
general speeds recovery and decreases the amount of pain medication
required. By the third to the forth week
most patients are building their way back to normal activities.
Following surgery a taped dressing is applied directly to
the incision. This may be left intact
for the first week. The superficial
bandages can be changes as needed. There
will be a closed suction drain exiting the skin. This is to remove any accumulated fluid under
the skin.
You will be instructed to empty and record your drain output each day. The drains will be removed after 7 to 10
days depending upon the out put. In
general we like for there to be less than 30 cc for a 24 hour period. An elastic abdominal binder is applied to
give you support and to aid with soft tissue contouring. Never use a heating pad directly over a
surgical area. The skin may have
decreased sensation and it is possible develop a severe burn.
It is important to walk about during the recovery
period. Think of your calves as a
pump. Whenever you are walking the
calves are pumping to prevent blood from stagnating in the calves. This will help to avoid the complication of
deep vein thrombosis or DVT.
Over the first 2 ? 3 weeks you will gradually get back to normal
activities. Following these simple
instructions will promote a smooth recovery.
About the author
Dr. Zwiren has lived in the Atlanta Area since 1961. His medical education was at Emory University
School of Medicine in Atlanta,
Georgia. He
completed a plastic surgery fellowship at OhioState. He is board certified by the American Board
of Plastic Surgery and pratices at PrimaCenter
for Plastic Surgery in Duluth Georgia.
Dr. Zwiren ’s primary
interests are aesthetic surgery and age management. He is currently conducting
a research product in methods to improve the quality of the skin.
Tags: abdomen, abdominal muscles, abdominoplasty, anesthetic, bathing suits, c section, excess skin, fascia, general anesthesia, massive weight, new category, novacaine, pain medication, recovery time, remarkable difference, scar, surgical procedures, syringe, tummy tuck, type mechanism