Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Procedure and Risks

Method and Procedure

First, your plastic surgeon typically makes a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue.

Then, the surgeon separates your skin from your abdominal wall as far as your ribs and opens a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These ab muscles are then tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This narrows your waistline and provides a firmer abdominal wall.

Then, the skin flap is then stretched and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched into place.

Lastly, the surgical incisions are stitched, dressings are applied, and a temporary drainage tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the operation-site.

Risks of Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty carries the standard risks of any serious operation. In addition, tummy tuck carries specific post-operative risks and complications, including:

Blood Clots
These are rare, but can be minimized by moving around as soon as possible after surgery.

Skin Death
This is a serious healing problem which is due to poor circulation to the abdominal skin. It occurs due to poor circulation after the separation of your skin and fat layer from your inner girdle prior to tightening your abdominal muscles. As a result of this inadequate blood-circulation the skin above the scar line may turn black and die. However, skin death is uncommon, and when it occurs it is usually limited to a small area and heals on its own within a few weeks.

Dog Ears
These are puckers of skin at either end of your abdominal scar. The looser your skin, the greater the risk of dog ears. However, it is a simple procedure for your plastic surgeon to remove your dog ears under local anesthetic.

Bariatric Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

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Laparoscopic or open bariatric surgery, such as gastric banding or bypass is not an easy solution to morbid obesity and weight loss. It is a serious surgical procedure, involving health risks. To produce lasting weight loss it requires a long-term patient commitment to eating a healthy diet and following a regular program of physical exercise. Life-long use of nutritional supplements may also be necessary. So, before deciding, discuss your options fully with your doctor. © 2003-2008 Bariatric-Surgery.Info - Terms - Contact - Information - Resources - Add URL