Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck (TT) is a body contouring procedure designed to sculpt the torso.  TT involves surgically removing the excess skin and fat between the navel and pubic bone.  Any scars, lesions, or stretch marks within this area will also be removed.  Beneath the skin and fat layers, the muscle/strength layers are tightened.  On closing the wound, the lax skin is also tightened.  The overall result is sculpting the abdomen and flank regions.  In many cases, an improvement in the appearance of the back may also be appreciated after surgery.  If the mons pubis (groin) is sagging, it is routinely lifted/rejuvenated on wound closure.

Who are the best candidates?

Abdominoplasty can be performed on virtually any body type.

The best candidates are patients who are generally in good health.  Your weight should be stable and within about 10 pounds of your “target weight” (I define your target weight as the weight that you can comfortably maintain, as opposed to your “ideal body weight” which is based on your height, and is commonly lower than your “target weight”) You should not have significant abnormalities of your blood work, and you must be emotionally ready to go through a major operation and recovery.  You will need help at home during the early part of your recovery.  Smoking increases risks of just about every complication, so it is best to not smoke for at least one month before and after surgery.  For your health, you should quit smoking anyway.

Preparation for surgery:

Abdominoplasty is a major operation, so you should be in the best best physical condition possible.  I recommend that you consult with your primary physician to design a fitness program to optimize your cardiovascular status prior to surgery.

On your pre-operative visit, you will be given specific instructions on medications to avoid and your pre-operative diet.  You will need to have someone to drive you to and from the surgery center, and stay with you.  You should plan to have help around the house for about 10 days, and perhaps longer.

On the day of surgery, you should wear loose fitting clothes, button or zipper up shirt, and flat, safe, comfortable shoes. Do not wear jewelry or makeup.  Bring underwear or a swim suit bottom that you wish to wear in the future; I will try to conceal the incision beneath it.

After surgery, you will need to walk and sleep flexed at the hip, to ensure that there is no excess tension on the wound.  To help with this you will need to get a recliner or a “bed buddy”/”husband” reading pillow.  The pillow is inexpensive, and can be purchased at a local discount bedding store.  You may want to place dark towels beneath you in anticipation of some soiling that may result during the first day or so.

Type of Anesthesia:

General Anesthesia (you will be “asleep”) while an anesthesiologist monitors your vital signs.  Local anesthesia will be administered during surgery to help you wake up comfortably.

Recovery:

Abdominoplasty is a major operation, and requires an appropriate commitment on your part to the recovery process.  Because the muscle layer is tightened, you should expect significant pain and discomfort for the first several days; however, I will prescribe adequate analgesics and muscle relaxants to help you stay comfortable.  The pain gradually subsides, but you may expect to be stiff and sore for many weeks to come.  It is very important to walk frequently, cough, and deep breathe.  These simple exercises help to reduce risks of pneumonia and blood clots in the legs, and help relax the muscle which eases discomfort.

Your appetite in the first few weeks may be reduced compared to normal.  It is OK if you do not eat that much, however you should eat small meals frequently to maintain your strength.  It is very important however to keep hydrated, so drink a lot of fluid.  Fluids should include fruit juices, and perhaps Gatorade® like products.  You should also take stool softeners during your recovery to help prevent constipation.

After surgery, you will likely feel fatigued.  Stamina usually starts to return after a couple of weeks and you should feel almost back to normal in about four weeks.  As you regain your stamina, it is important not to do anything that would strain your abdominal muscles.  I will advise you when it is safe to resume full activities.

Results:

The expected outcome of surgery is improved sculpting of the torso and flanks, and possibly back/posterior flank region.  Your results will vary depending on your height, weight, bone structure, and the condition of your tissues.  Regardless of your pre-operative body type, you should see a nice improvement.  As long as you have realistic expectations, you should be very happy with your results.

Risks/Complications:

Abdominoplasty is a major operation that is usually performed without complication.  However some serious complications may occur from time to time.  The most serious complications include blood clot formation in the legs which can break off and travel to the lungs.  Pneumonia is possible, but not common.  Occasionally wound healing or tissue loss problems may result. Infection is possible, and on rare occasion, a blood transfusion may be necessary.

In order to minimize your complication risks, and optimize your outcome, it is imperative to communicate any and all changes in your health status immediately to Dr. Kasden.  From the pre-operative period extending through the point you are healed, even subtle changes may indicate something significant in a surgical patient.  Do not take or change medications without first checking with Dr. Kasden.  Likewise, do not undergo any treatments unless you inform Dr. Kasden first.  Finally, comply with all instructions, or discuss your situation with Dr. Kasden.

The risk of other complications may apply to you depending on your particular medical history.  Be sure to share with me all information about your medical history so that we can minimize your risks.

The anesthesiologist will review anesthetic risks with you.

Disclaimer:

The information on this site is intended to help you with your quest for knowledge.  Any decision to undergo a treatment or surgery is an individual decision which can only be made in consultation with your plastic surgeon.

If you feel that any information presented is inaccurate, or you would like to provide feedback, please contact me at scottkinfw@msn.com.