| Bariatric Surgery.info Complete Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) After Weight Reduction |
Remove excess skin, fat from abdomen,
tighten ab muscles |
Complete Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) After Weight LossWhat is Abdominoplasty?The plastic surgery operation known as abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is performed under general anesthesia and may last 2-5 hours. (See also Mini-Tummy Tuck). It is performed to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles (rectus abdominis or "abs") of the abdominal wall. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. Abdominoplasty is sometimes combined with liposculpture (liposuction) to smooth edges and improve body contour. Patients who have large amounts of loose skin may need a modification of this operation called a panniculectomy. Loose Skin Replaced By ScarsWhen having a complete abdominoplasty operation, you are basically exchanging excess loose skin for a surgical incision along the bikini line, which may extend from hip to hip. The incision can be made so that it is hidden by high cut swimwear. A second small incision encircles the naval. Though the incision scars are permanent, they usually fade within the first year of surgery. Recovery from AbdominoplastyBandages are removed in 1-4 days. Surface stitches are removed in 7 days, deeper sutures protruding through the skin, will come out in 14-21 days. Drains are placed at the time of surgery to prevent postoperative fluid collections, called seromas. They are usually removed between 2 days and 2 weeks following surgery. You can expect 3-8 days of pain medication, together with a degree of abdominal numbness for 6 months or longer. Muscle Tightening of Inner GirdleComplete or mini-abdominoplasty surgeries are typically more uncomfortable due to the muscle tightening element of the procedure. The tighter your surgeon makes your inner girdle, the greater your discomfort will be. Post-Operative RecuperationGeneral recuperation is about 7-14 days, after which you may return to
light work; you will be presentable in a bathing suit within about 4 weeks
of surgery; after 3-4 weeks light exercise is possible, but patients need
to wait 4-6 weeks before playing active sports (tennis, swimming, golf,
etc.) or doing vigorous activity. ------------------------------------------------ Bariatric Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss |