Patients who are healthy but have EXCESS SKIN OR FAT that does not respond to diet and exercise. Patients who have undergone SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT LOSS and have hanging skin. Women with loose skin and stretchmarks FOLLOWING PREGNANCY. Older patients with LOSS OF SKIN ELASTICITY. Patients who are unable to tighten the abdominal wall with exercise.

INTENDED RESULTS

A smoother, flatter abdomen.

PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION

This is an operation designed to improve the appearance of an abdomen which may be overly protruding, or may have excess loose skin and fat. There are variations of the standard operation, including "mini-tucks", which may be of benefit to patients who require only tightening of the abdominal muscles or removal of a small amount of skin. On the other hand, patients with massive weight loss may require a more extensive operation.

If you have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin; frequently associated with abnormal relaxation of the anterior abdominal wall muscles (frequently secondary to multiple pregnancies or prior to surgery).

Usually, under general anesthesia, an incision is made across the lower part of the abdomen. A circular incision is made around the navel which stays attached to the muscle. The skin is then separated from the muscle up toward the ribs, so that ft can be pulled down like a window shade. The tummy is then "tightened", (narrowing and flattening the abdomen) by stitching the muscles together. 'Mini1 tummy tucks can benefit patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat or protruding of the lower abdomen. This operation may be done under local anesthesia with sedation, on an outpatient basis. Liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with a tummy tuck to benefit selected patients.

Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only (shortest scar).

Modified abdominoplasty addresses conditions where just the muscle wall or just the abdominal skin requires repair.

Standard abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles (standard scar).

Extended abdominoplasty tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides (longest scar extending around the flanks onto lower back.)

A general anesthetic is most common, although mini-tucks may be done with local anesthetic and intravenous sedation. Standard abdominoplasties generally require a short hospitalization of 1-2 days.

RECUPERATION AND HEALING

After surgery, the bed will be positioned so that you are bent at the hips (waist) to keep tension off the newly tightened skin. Within 24 hours you will be walking in a bent-over position. Although strenuous activity, and lifting more than ten pounds, must be avoided for 6 weeks, some people can return to work and daily activities as soon as 2 weeks after surgery. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months. Abdominoplasty can be one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures and probably requires more time-consuming and limiting recovery.

1-3 days of hospitalization or skilled nursing care or assistance at home is usually indicated.

You will be encouraged to move and walk regularly within 1-2 days.

Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. Sports will not be comfortable for about 6 weeks.

OTHER OPTIONS

Additional procedures that may enhance the result are Liposuction, Breast Procedures, or Thigh Lift. Variations of the standard abdominoplasty, including "mini-tucks" may be possible.

INSURANCE GUIDELINES

In general, "tummy tucks" are considered cosmetic surgery. Several conditions, however, may be covered completely or in part by insurance. These include defects of the abdominal wall, such as hernias, diastasis (separation of the muscles), or trauma resulting in muscle loss, weakness or painful scar contracture. In addition, a large abdominal panniculus, frequently seen after massive weight loss, is removed for purely functional reasons and, therefore, should be a covered expense. Pre-authorization may be required from your insurance company; they will require photographs to document your condition.

NOTE

The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for you may be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.