Hello, I am doctor Jeff Zwiren at Prima Center for Plastic Surgery. In this video we will discuss Abdominoplasty surgery.
Now, Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is one of the most popular body contouring procedures. The procedure helps our patient achieve a tight, flat abdomen. The procedure itself removes excess abdominal skin and excess fat, utilizing the incision just above the pubic bone. Similar to a C Section but longer.
Women who have given birth or have lost a significant amount of weight, they find themselves with a loose, stretched out midsection. No matter how much you exercise, what kind of diet, or kind of cream is applied, the redundant skin never seems to go away. The skin has lost its elasticity; it can no longer shrink back.
Abdominoplasty will remove the redundant skin and significant portion of the stretch marks.
This is an operation that has a high degree of patient satisfaction. The scar will probably be placed across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. When artistically placed, the scar is easily hidden by a baby suit or underwear.
There are many modifications of Abdominoplasty. The most appropriate procedure for you can only be determined at the time of an examination. We need to check your skin excess, skin quality, fat excess, fat distribution, and body type. Together we will discuss your goals and match you to the correct procedure.
We must consider the three components that create the abdominal problem and determine how each one must be handled. We must assess skin, fat, and muscle. If there is loose skin at the abdomen, this will need to be removed. This is most easily assessed when sitting.
Now if the muscle layer is loose, then this will need to be tightened.
Take a moment and look at yourself in the mirror and identify what bothers you. Be specific about what features you would like to improve. An Abdominoplasty does an excellent job in eliminating the abdominal bulge.
In addition to removing excess skin and fat, they also tightened the underlying muscles, to flatten the stomach and narrow the waistline.
And stretch marks below the umbilicus will also be removed. A properly performed Abdominoplasty will help create an hourglass waistline.
Many types of additional contouring liposuction will be needed. This may include contouring of the hips and posterior flanks. For safety reasons, overly aggressive liposuction should be avoided.
Liposuction can jeopardize the abdominal blood supply and can lead to wound healing problems.
Now, Abdominoplasty creates a scar from hip to hip and requires reposition of the umbilicus to avoid positioning it too low on the abdomen.
Now, Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and usually it will last two-and-a-half to four hours depending upon your size, shape, and amount of contouring that must be done. An estimated length of the surgery will be provided to you at the time of your examination.
Typical procedure can be done as an outpatient. Some patients may require an overnight stay. Again, we will discuss this as well at the time of your consultation.
An Abdominoplasty can be done in our office operating room or in the outpatient area of the hospital. We use only Board certified Anesthesiologists. Blood lost is typically minimal.
It's important to stop smoking prior to Abdominoplasty to reduce your chances of wound healing problems.
We encourage our patients to start walking as soon as possible to reduce the risk of blood clots. Pain after surgery is managed using oral narcotics. You will be placed in a postoperative binder. The binder helps contour the soft tissue and helps to reduce swelling and bruising.
You will be able to gradually increase your activities over the first seven to ten days. After surgery you may expect to limit heavy lifting for the first four to six weeks.
After ten days or two weeks, most patients are able to return to work. The results of an Abdominoplasty are expected to be permanent, future pregnancy or sizable weight gains can change the results.
Swelling may be present for the first three to six months. As with all Abdominoplasty procedures, it is important to understand the operation as well as potential risk, complications, and benefits.
If you have any further questions about this procedure, please visit our website at primacenter.com. Thank you.
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