Questions and Answers

With increasing participation in outdoor activities and a generally less restrictive attitude towards revealing styles, greater attention is directed to the size and shape of our bodies. We are also more conscious of our weight and it relates to general health and social acceptance. It is not at all surprising, therefore, to find greater interest in those surgical procedures that can be selectively employed to figure improvement. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is one of these.

Surgical procedures of this kind are not directed toward weight reduction, which is still a dietary issue. Surgery does, however, afford an opportunity to correct some of those conditions result from earlier obesity and pregnancy. There are also some situations, familial in nature that may be considered for correction.

Abdominoplasty is an operation performed to remove excess fatty tissue and skin folds in the mid to lower abdominal region, most often accompanied by stretching of all the abdominal structures resulting from pregnancies. Diet and exercise alone cannot provide correction, since the deformity stems primarily from structural change. Repair may include tightening of the ab dominal supportive structures and surgical removal of the excess skin folds.

There are several methods that can be employed. The basic operation involves raising the abdominal skin and fatty tissue, stretching it in a downward direction, and removing the excess with suture line closure within the so-called "bikini line". Repair of muscular supportive structures is done at the same time. The operation frequently requires repositioning the navel to a higher level.

In considering abdominoplasty from a strictly elective standpoint (that is, where no other surgery is required), one must carefully consider the question of post-operative scarring, which may take as long as six to twelve months for resolution. There will always be a permanent mark. The question is whether or not the redundant abdominal folds are of such a degree that scars are preferable. Minor degrees of abdominal wrinkling or looseness should not be treated surgically. Old Caesarean scars may be partially or totally eliminated by this procedure. In this connection, the trade of an old and particularly unattractive scar for one that is less obtrusive may be an appropriate choice.

Surgical risks in abdominoplasty as a separate procedure carries the same risks as any other major surgical operation. Since the patient is usually in good health beforehand, the dangers are significantly lessened.

How Long Does It Take?

The procedure itself takes up to four hours. You will then normally stay in hospital for two nights. About 10 days after the procedure the stitches are removed.

When Do I Look Normal?

You will immediately have a flat tummy and the scars will heal in approximately six weeks, but will still continue to flatten and fade over a six to twelve month period.

NO SMOKING FOR 6 MONTHS AFTER SURGERY