The decision to undergo Abdominoplasty is an exciting one. It is my belief, that an educated patient allows you to better
determine your personal goals, and enables you to make an informed decision about surgery. I have developed this website as
a patient information resource. Hopefully, this site will prepare you for your consultation.
If you cannot eliminate the excess fat and loose sagging skin by diet and exercise or have extra skin after childbirth
around your abdominal area, an abdominoplasty may be for you. A firm, smooth abdomen will give your body a more contoured lean
appearance, and boost your self-image.
Procedure
Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is a surgical procedure used to tighten the abdominal wall. With pregnancy or fluctuations
of weight, many patients develop extra stretched skin as well as weakening of their underlying abdominal muscles. The
abdominoplasty procedure removes excessive hanging skin, and tightens loose or stretched muscles, improving abdominal wall
tone and appearance. Skin that contains stretch marks on the lower abdomen under the navel may be removed as well. The tummy
tuck requires a horizontal incision across your lower abdomen (within or slightly above the pubic area) which is easily hidden
below your underwear. The length of the incision varies depending on the amount of skin to be removed and the preoperative
size of the patient. In some cases an incision around the navel is made so that the excess skin above the navel is pulled
downward and tightened. The navel's position remains unchanged. Even though the scar is considered permanent and visible
it should fade over time.
Options
Mini-Tummy Tuck:
If your skin laxity and muscle weaknesses are confined to the area below your navel, a mini-tummy tuck may be a good option.
The scar will be shorter, and an incision around the navel is not required.
Ideal Candidates
- Patients who seek abdominal wall contouring and are not candidates for
abdominal liposuction alone.
- Patients who are not planning to become pregnant in the future.
- Patients with excess or loose, sagging abdominal skin.
- Patients with weakened abdominal muscles from pregnancy or aging.
- Patients who are in good health.
- Patients with realistic expectations.
- Patients who are doing it for the right reasons (i.e. for themselves).
Risks and Complications
Risks and complications may include but are not limited to poor scarring, bleeding, infection, change in skin sensation,
skin contour irregularities, blood clots with pulmonary complications, asymmetry, delayed healing, chronic pain, fluid or
blood accumulations under the skin, as well as risks and complications associated with anesthesia. It is important to remember
that complications can occur, but are rare.
Risks and potential complications of surgery are best discussed at the time of your consultation.
Smokers and Diabetics have a greater risk of skin loss, pulmonary and wound healing complications.
Recovery
Within the first week the drainage tubes put in during surgery to prevent fluids from accumulating will be removed. A
support garment will be worn for two weeks. You should be able to return to work or school within two weeks. Exercises
that use the abdominal muscles should be avoided for three to four months. Low impact exercise can be resumed within 2-3
weeks. High impact exercise may be resumed within 6-8 weeks. Abdominoplasty produces long lasting results as long as you
can maintain your weight and do not become pregnant. After a tummy tuck, pregnancy will not hurt the mother or baby, but
will alter the results.
In/Out Patient
Abdominoplasty is usually done as an out-patient under general anesthesia. The surgery usually takes 2-3 hours.
Call Dr. Kole for a complimentary consultation: 215-354-1010
For more information on Tummy Tucks, see our Tummy Tuck FAQ page.
