Abdominoplasty, or a “tummy tuck,” is designed to
correct a protruding abdomen.
Abdominoplasty
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. There is fair amount of discomfort associated with a tummy tuck and many patients elect to have a pain pump placed to deliver local anesthetic to the surgical site for the first few days following surgery. This, in combination with oral pain medications and muscle relaxants, is most effective for post operative pain control. Drains are placed and left in for one week. Recovery time is 1-2 weeks but patients need to refrain from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for one month.
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