The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a Protruding Abdomen. But keep in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which varies in length, depending on the original problem and on the surgery used to correct it.

Who is best for Abdominoplasty?

The best candidates for Abdominoplasty are men and women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose, stretch marked Abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their Abdominal muscles and skin beyond the pointwhere they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the Abdomen are tightened during the surgery and can separate again during pregnancy. Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence; since it has certain limitations, your expectations should be discussed in consultation.
 

This procedure may be carried out using general Anesthesia, in which case you will sleep through the operation. Another option is an epidural block, the same type of regional Anesthesia commonly used in childbirth; it may combined with a sedative to make your drowsy. With this type of Anesthesia, your abdominal region and your legs will be insensitive to pain.

Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to four hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial Abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.

Most commonly, a long incision is made from hipbone to hipbone, going down from one hipbone and passing just above the pubic area, then going up to the other hipbone. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial Abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel nay not be incised, although it may be pulled downward a bit, as the skin is tightened and stitched.

Next, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and a large skin flap is lifted to reveal the vertical muscles (the Rectus Abdominis Muscles) in your Abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together at the midline of the body and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

In a partial Abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. The skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.

Your new Appearance:

Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, can produce excellent results for patients with weakened Abdominal Muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

If you are realistic in your expectations and prepared for an adequate recovery period and a permanent scar which may be hidden with your clothing or bathing suit, Abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.

 

Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, can produce excellent results for patients with weakened Abdominal Muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

If you are realistic in your expectations and prepared for an adequate recovery period and a permanent scar which may be hidden with your clothing or bathing suit, Abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.
 

Side effects include temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness. Infection, fluid loss, fluid accumulation, asymmetry, pigmentation may occur.

Swelling and bruising may take one to two weeks. Result is usually permanent with sensible diet and exercise.