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Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure which removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. Good candidates for a tummy tuck include men and women who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations and, though in relatively good shape, are looking to improve the appearance of a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that has proven resistant to proper diet and exercise. This procedure is particularly effective for women who have undergone multiple pregnancies which have stretched the abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Tummy tuck should not be considered an alternative for weight loss.
Tummy tuck surgery is sometimes performed in an outpatient surgical center, though a hospital setting is often preferred. A complete abdominoplasty typically takes between two and five hours to perform while a partial abdominoplasty may take only an hour or two. General anesthesia is most commonly used, though local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation may also be used. For a complete abdominoplasty, one long incision is made just above the pubic area running from hipbone to hipbone, along with an additional incision which is made around the navel in order to free it from the surrounding tissue. For a partial abdominoplasty, the incision is a much shorter one and the incision around the navel may not be required.
Once the incision is made, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall up to the ribs and lifted to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them closer together and stitching them in place. The skin flap is then stretched down, the extra skin removed, and a new hole cut for the navel which is stitched into place. The incisions are then closed. For a partial abdominoplasty, the skin may only be separated between the incision line and the navel, the skin flap is then stretched down, excess removed, and stitched into place.
After surgery, patients may experience some pain and discomfort which can be controlled with medication. Dressings are applied to the surgical site, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid. Swelling and bruising may also occur. Though some patients can return home within a few hours, others may need to remain in the hospital for two to three days. Once the dressings are removed, patients may be required to wear a support garment. Patients are typically able to return to work within two to four weeks, though more strenuous activities will need to be avoided for four to six weeks.
The results of a tummy tuck can be long lasting with sensible diet and exercise. The potential complications associated with tummy tuck surgery can include the following: adverse anesthesia reactions, bleeding, blood clots, excessive scarring, infection, poor healing, skin loss, and the need for additional surgery.
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