TUMMY TUCK (Abdominoplasty)

A flat stomach is important to a physically fit appearance. However, a health diet and regular abdominal workouts can sometimes do little to eliminate accumulations of excess fat and loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area. If you are bothered by these appearance problems, Abdominoplasty (also called tummy tuck) may be a good choice for you.

Abdominoplasty is designed to firm and smooth the abdomen. The cosmetic procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and may also tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The result is a flatter, tighter abdominal profile.

IS AN ABDOMINOPLASTY RIGHT FOR ME?

Abdominoplasty is best suited to women and men who are in relatively good shape, but have to loose abdominal skin and/or a significant amount of abdominal fat that won't respond to dieting or exercise. You may be a good candidate for Abdominoplasty if you have on or more of the following conditions:

- Excess or loose sagging abdominal skin
- An abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body
- Abdominal muscles that have been weakened by pregnancy or aging
- Excess fat that is concentrated beneath the abdominal skin.

ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS?

The "mini" Abdominoplasty - this procedure may benefit you if you are primarily dissatisfied with the appearance of the abdominal area below the navel. A mini Abdominoplasty requires only a short horizontal incision and no navel incision. It's important to realize, however, that the mini Abdominoplasty will not correct loose skin above the navel.

Liposuction alone - If you have good skin elasticity and muscle tone, liposuction alone may be used to remove abdominal fat. This alternative may appeal to patients who are planning to become pregnant in the future.

HOW WILL I LOOK AND FEEL RIGHT AFTER SURGERY?

In many cases, small drainage tubes will have been placed beneath the skin to help prevent fluids from accumulating. Any discomfort you may feel can be controlled with medication prescribed by Dr. Solomon. Dressings may be applied to your abdomen and covered with tape or an elastic bandage.

Although you may not be able to stand perfectly straight at first, you will be encouraged to get out of bed soon after surgery to promote blood circulation. In this early phase of healing, straining, bending and lifting should be avoided.

Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general time line:

WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK
- Surgical drainage tubes will be removed
- Stitches will be removed
- Bruising and swelling will reach its peak

AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS
- You will no longer need to wear the support garment
- You may gradually increase your activity and exercise
- You may return to non-strenuous work within the first 3 weeks
- Bruising and swelling will continue to subside and you'll begin to see you results.

AFTER A FEW MONTHS
- You'll see a truer picture of the final result of your surgery
- Feelings of numbness or tightness will disappear.
- In the months following surgery, it's important to treat your healing skin with extra care-that means avoiding sun exposure and not wearing black or other dark colors when you are outdoors.