Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. Abdominoplasty also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
2. How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me?
3.
4. Where are the incisions placed?
5.
6. Risks
7.
8.
9. How will I look and feel initially?
10. When can I resume my normal activities?
11.
How long will the results last?
Am
I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
You
may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you have one or more of the
following conditions:
-excess
or sagging abdominal skin |
-an
abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body |
-abdominal
muscles that have been separated and weakened |
-excess
fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen |
If
you plan to become pregnant or lose weight in the future, you should discuss
this with your plastic surgeon. Scarring from previous abdominal surgery may
limit the results of your abdominoplasty.
During
the consultation, you will be asked about the results you would like to achieve
from abdominoplasty. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations
and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.
How
will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for abdominoplasty?
Your
plastic surgeon may examine your abdomen while you are standing as well as lying
down. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in the abdominal region will
be assessed. Your surgeon also will evaluate the amount of excess fat in your
abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles.
You
should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This
will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical
treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications
that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete
information.
Will
my insurance help cover the cost of surgery?
Abdominoplasty,
as an aesthetic (cosmetic) procedure, generally is not covered by insurance. In
some instances, however, a patient may have a hernia and not just a spreading of
the abdominal muscles. Insurance reimbursement may be available for that portion
of the procedure that is not cosmetic.
How
Abdominoplasty Is Performed
Individual
factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected
to smooth and flatten your abdomen.
Where
are the incisions placed?
Generally,
a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. The length
of the incision, which extends laterally toward the pelvic bones, depends
largely on the amount of skin to be removed. The contour of this incision will
vary somewhat according to the structure of your abdomen and the style of
bathing suit or undergarments that you prefer. Your plastic surgeon will try to
keep the incision within your bathing suit lines, but this may not always be
possible.
Some
patients have loose skin above the navel. In such cases, the surgeon may make a
second incision around the navel so that the redundant skin above it can be
pulled down. The excess abdominal skin is then removed. The position of the
navel remains unchanged.
What
are some variations to the common abdominoplasty technique?
There
are many variations both to the design of the incisions and the technique
itself. In some instances, it may be possible to avoid an incision around the
navel. When the amount of loose skin is minimal and the excess fat deposits are
located below the navel, a short horizontal incision is all that is necessary.
This procedure is called a partial, or "mini," abdominoplasty.
Sometimes
liposuction may be used alone, or in conjunction with abdominoplasty, to remove
abdominal fat. Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you the particular method
that he or she recommends for achieving the best result in your particular case.
Fortunately,
significant complications from abdominoplasty are infrequent. Every year, many
thousands of people undergo successful aesthetic surgery of the abdomen,
experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone
considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks.
I
understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how will I learn more so
that I can make an informed decision?
The
subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a
personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon. Some of the potential
complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and
reactions to anesthesia. Tissue loss along portions of the horizontal incision
is a possibility when the abdominoplasty is very extensive. This complication,
which delays healing and prolongs recovery, is more common in patients who smoke
or have medical conditions such as diabetes. Revisionary surgery is sometimes
helpful in certain instances where incisions may have healed poorly.
The
goal of your plastic surgeon and the entire staff is to make your surgical
experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.
How
should I prepare for surgery?
If
you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.
Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you
should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your
surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
What
will the day of surgery be like?
Your
abdominoplasty may be performed in a hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility
or office-based surgical suite.
You
may be permitted to go home after a few hours, unless you and your plastic
surgeon have determined that you will stay in the hospital or surgical facility
overnight.
How
will I look and feel initially?
The
day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks to
promote blood circulation. Although you may not be able to stand up completely
straight, it is best if you do not sit for long periods of time during the first
several days. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, since these
activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding. You may be
instructed to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees.
When
can I resume my normal activities?
It
is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies
greatly among individuals. Depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty and
your general physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work
anywhere from one to three weeks after surgery. In many instances, you can
resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise,
after a few weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort
and swelling during this time, but such feelings are normal. Severe pain should
be reported to your doctor.
Any
sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of two weeks, and your plastic
surgeon may advise you to wait longer.
Abdominoplasty
will enhance your body contour by making your abdomen firmer and flatter. You
may find that you feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident
about your appearance.
The
incisions from the procedure will heal and fade over time. It is important to
realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some
instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may
have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions for
your abdominoplasty are usually in locations concealed by most bathing suits and
undergarments.
How
long will the results last?
Unless
you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen
should remain firmer and flatter for many years. However, gravity and the
effects of aging will eventually take their toll. If, after a period
of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen, you
may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful body
contour.
Maintaining
a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon
You
will return to your plastic surgeon's office for follow-up care at prescribed
intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated. Once the immediate
postoperative follow-up is complete, many surgeons encourage their patients to
come back for periodic checkups to observe and discuss the long-term results of
surgery.
Please remember that the relationship with your plastic surgeon does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact your surgeon.
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