| FAQ : Criteria |
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Who is a candidate for lipectomy? |
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In general, the best candidates for abdominoplasty are :
- 18 years of age or older.
- Mature enough to fully understand the procedure.
- In relatively good shape, except for the abdominal area.
- Not pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Not severely overweight.
- Not planning to lose a considerable amount of weight.
- In good health.
- Wanting to improve their appearance and/or comfort.
- Realistic in their expectations.
- The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your surgeon if he / she considers you an ideal candidate for abdominoplasty.
Note: If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against abdominoplasty or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent |
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| FAQ : Surgical Procedure |
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What is Abdominoplasty? |
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The purpose of the Abdominoplasty operation (aka Tummy Tuck) is two-fold. First, to flatten the abdomen by tightening the muscles and tissues of the abdomen under the skin and secondarily to remove excess skin and fat that is on the abdomen. The abdomen tends to take on a rounded appearance with aging and after childbirth. The muscles and tissues between the muscles of the abdomen become stretched. No amount of sit-ups or leg raises can remove this shape. Strengthening the abdomen is very helpful but this will not reposition stretched tissues. A tummy tuck can re-contour and reposition these tissues. An added benefit is that often scars on the lower abdomen can be removed. |
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How much pain is there? |
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For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery and the technique used, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days. |
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How soon can the patient get back to work? |
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The patient will gradually adapt to the tighter abdomen and, after 10-14 days, can usually perform ordinary light tasks. |
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| FAQ : Result |
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What are some of the most common benefits of this surgery? |
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Abdominoplasty can dramatically tighten the abdominal muscles, as well as the sagging, excess skin and accumulated fatty tissue. Not only will the abdomen be firmer and flatter, but the waist will be smaller as well. The amount of improvement depends upon the extent of surgery and the patient's skin tone, body build, and healing process. Most people are happy with the results, and report a better body image after the surgery. |
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What can I expect after surgery? |
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Bed rest for two to three days is recommended. While in bed, your legs should be bent at the hips in order to reduce the strain on the abdominal area. You will be provided with a firm abdominal binder to offer support to the tightened areas. Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible. Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. |
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What is the long-term outcome like for most people? |
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As long as you keep your weight relatively constant, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and follow your surgeon’s instructions about how to resume physical activity, the long-term results from this procedure are generally excellent. |
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What Results Can Be Anticipated? |
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The operation does not remove extensive stretch marks. It does not remove generalized fat due to obesity, but it does remove some of the fat attached to the loose skin, and it does successfully remove a great deal of loose skin, flattening the abdomen appreciably. Usually the abdominal wall is tightened and flattened. The main reason that the scar is acceptable to the patient is that most bathing suits will cover it. |
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How long will the result last? |
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Gravity continues to have its effect and some relaxation of the abdominal skin and abdominal wall will be noted after a period of time. However, if the patient doesn't gain excessive weight and doesn't bear more children, the effect should be noted for a decade or more.
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