Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty is more commonly known as a "tummy tuck.” It is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. In general, in order to remove enough skin to achieve a satisfying result, a scar is needed that usually extends from hip to hip.
If you're considering abdominoplasty, this section is designed to give you a basic understanding of the procedure---when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will be better able to provide you with more specific information based on your exam.
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose 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 point where 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 the muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy.
Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations.
During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region and assess your skin tone. In some cases, patients will be advised to pursue a mini-abdominoplsaty or liposuction alone, depending on his or her exam.
Attention to detail will ensure as low and as short of a scar as possible to maximize your ability to fit in a wide variety of clothing. Of particular importance is the care we take in creating your belly button, or umbilicus. An umbilical closure that is done without care to creating as attractive a navel as possible can significantly detract from this surgery.
Getting Back to Normal
Part of the healing process and one of the most common problems after a tummy tuck is fluid accumulation. This is a natural part of the healing process requiring tubes to drain into a bulb-shaped cylinder that needs to be emptied on a regular basis. However, there is advanced technology that Dr. Faeza Kazmier is using called TissuGlu® that allows for a drain-free tummy tuck that streamlines your recovery. TissuGlu® is an adhesive that forms a strong bond between tissue layers where fluid collects. It allows your body to absorb the fluid as part of the healing process, eliminating tubes. This drain-free technology is the first and only FDA-approved surgical adhesive that speeds up your recovery time and eliminates pain, discomfort and possible infections associated with tubes.
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably which is usually at 6 weeks after surgery.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
Your New Look
Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces 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're realistic in your expectations, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.
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