Abdominoplasty
Procedure:Flatten abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles of abdominal wall.
Length: 2 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia: General.
Recovery: Back to work: 2 to 3 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years.
Abdominoplasty, or a “tummy tuck,” is designed to correct a protruding abdomen resulting from weak abdominal muscles, weight gain or pregnancy. Excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles typically don’t respond to exercise. In this procedure, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened and excess fatty tissue and skin are removed to improve the body contour. The goal is a narrower, flatter abdomen. It can be done in combination with liposuction to further define areas such as the flanks, hips and lower back. An abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss.
The surgery takes 2-3 hours under general anesthesia and involves an incision that goes from one hip to the other. Drains are placed and left in for one to two weeks. Recovery time is 1-2 weeks but patients need to refrain from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for one month.
