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Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
Today dermato lipectomy is a procedure
usually considered secondary or ancillary to liposuction. Liposuction
alone causes skin contraction, which may correct the entire problem
or will, at least reduce the extent of any subsequent skin resection.
Even though liposuction is the current body contouring procedure
of choice, derma lipectomy still has its place, especially when
there is too much skin to respond favorably to liposuction alone.
The most obvious area to benefit from
this type of operation is the abdomen of patients who have lost
large amounts of weight (fifty pounds or more). The best candidate
for this surgery is a person with relatively normal weight, weak
muscles and excess skin.
A Tummy Tuck or abdominoplasty is
a surgical procedure designed to flatten a protruding abdomen by
tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall and removing excess
fatty tissue and skin. Many patients combine their tummy tuck with
other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation
or breast reduction surgery.
THE PROCEDURE
A transverse incision is made across
the lower abdomen and the skin is lifted upward toward the rib cage,
saving the belly button by freeing it from the skin. Then the abdomen
muscles which were flacid are pulled together and tightened.
The skin flap is then redraped across
these newly repaired muscles and the apron of excess skin and fat
is removed. Then the belly button is repositioned and reshaped.
Finally the incisions are sutured closed and Firm elastic dressings
are applied.
POST OPERATORY
Abdominoplasty is usually carried
either under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, although in
some cases local anesthesia and sedation may be used. The procedure
takes about three hours to be performed, and then you will be transferred
into your own private suite, where our professional staff will assist
you in all of your needs.
In abdominoplasty a one night stay
is recommended, especially if associated with other procedures,
although in selected cases the procedure may be carried out as an
outpatient procedure, depending on the extent of the surgery and
preoperatory conditions of the patient. For the first few days your
abdomen will be swollen and you're likely to feel some discomfort,
which can easily be controlled with medication.
Physical activity will be limited
somehow after the surgery, but with the support garment, you are
going to be able to increase your activity at a steady pace. You'll
be feeling better with each day passing. We encourage our patients
to begin walking as soon as possible although you must refrain from
any stenous activity or lifting .
One important matter is that scars,
usually fade over time and are placed in areas where they will be
easily hidden by underwear. Sutures are removed in between 7-10
days and most patients are able to return to their desk jobs after
that. Patients who understand well this surgery are usually very
satisfied because results are quite dramatic giving them a slimmer,
trimmer figure, with a flatter abdomen.
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