Surgical procedure:
To smooth out the abdomen, the surgeon makes a low abdominal incision across the pubic area that spans across the tummy from hip to hip, and sometimes from the naval down. The sagging skin is then pulled down over the abdomen before it is cut and removed. The surgeon then removes the navel from its surrounding skin and relocates it through a new opening that is in proportion to your new tummy. In the event that loose skin and muscle weakness are limited to the area below the navel, a modified procedure may be performed and usually leaves a smaller scar and no scarring around the navel. Abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction to help reduce the areas of fat accumulation. Patients that are obese or have excessive loose skin may need modification surgery called a Panniculectomy. Your surgeon may request you remain in hospital for approx. 3 nights following surgery.
Technique: This procedure tightens the loose skin of the abdomen and repairs weak muscles of the abdomen wall.
Duration of operation: 3 hours.
Anesthetic: General anesthesia
Risks and complications:
All operations have some risks. The most common risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, fluid, scarring, numbness, or a change in sensation to the affected area, which should improve after nerve damage has repaired itself, which may take up to 12 months. The most common risks associated with this surgery are that you may be left with a long and heavy scar. The incision may heal slowly causing crusting and scabbing along the scar, which may take several weeks to heal. As this is considered a major operation you may also suffer the risk of blood clots. All precautions are taken if you select a reputable accredited surgeon. After the healing process is complete you must remember to maintain a balanced diet as not to increase weight gain as this will stretch the skin and increase the possibility of stretched, heavy, permanent scarring. Abdominoplasty usually produces excellent results, and in most cases, the results are long lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
After Care:
After surgery you will require to remain in bed for approx. 3 days. Whilst in bed you will be advised to lay with your legs in a bent position in order to reduce strain on the abdominal area. The abdomen may be dressed with bandages and some pulling will be felt. You will be required to wear a light surgical support garment for approx. 3 months to support the tightened area following surgery. You may not be able to stand straight for some time due to the pulling but it is necessary to start walking as soon as possible. Surface sutures are removed after approx 5 days and deeper sutures may remain for up to 7 days before being removed.
Recovery:
The recovery period takes approx. 2 weeks, although you may have some swelling and bruising, most people are happy with the result and may return to work after approx 4 weeks, or as advised by their surgeon.
Pre operative Care:
Inform your surgeon of any allergies, any medical conditions, and any medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery.
Do not smoke for 2 weeks prior to surgery as this may affect your reaction to the anesthetic and prolong the healing process.
Post Operative Care:
Your surgeon will advise you on changing your dressing and bathing. The extent of the post operative swelling and bruising depends on whether you tend to bruise or swell easily. The amount you can expect varies for each individual. It is important not to perform any strenuous activity after surgery to avoid tension on the wound, which could stretch your incisions and increase scarring. Your surgeon will advise you when you can return to your normal routines.
