Tummy Tuck – Is A Flat Stomach In Your Future

Health Articles | December 25, 2008

An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. An important component of most abdominoplasties is to tighten the loose abdominal muscles. It is these muscles and overlying fascia that become permanently overstretched following a pregnancy. A properly performed abdominoplasty will make a remarkable difference in the appearance of the abdomen restoring not only shape but confidence as well. With all surgical procedures there is a down side. An abdominoplasty cannot be done without creating a transverse low abdominal scar, similar to a C section but longer. The up side is that the scar can be hidden under most bathing suits and underwear. There are many women who are good candidates for this procedure. It is especially useful in women who have stretched out skin and extra fat of the abdomen following pregnancy and weight loss. There is a new category of patients who desire abdominoplasty surgery. This is the massive weight loss patient.

Most abdominoplasty procedures take approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on the size problem and the amount of contouring that is required. The operation is typically performed under general anesthesia and may require an overnight stay. There is a 1 to 2 week recovery time needed following an abdominoplasty. To ease the recovery process a pain pump can be inserted. This is a syringe type mechanism that delivers a dilute Novacaine type anesthetic to the surgical zone. This general speeds recovery and decreases the amount of pain medication required. By the third to the forth week most patients are building their way back to normal activities.

Following surgery a taped dressing is applied directly to the incision. This may be left intact for the first week. The superficial bandages can be changes as needed. There will be a closed suction drain exiting the skin. This is to remove any accumulated fluid under the skin.

You will be instructed to empty and record your drain output each day. The drains will be removed after 7 to 10 days depending upon the out put. In general we like for there to be less than 30 cc for a 24 hour period. An elastic abdominal binder is applied to give you support and to aid with soft tissue contouring. Never use a heating pad directly over a surgical area. The skin may have decreased sensation and it is possible develop a severe burn.

It is important to walk about during the recovery period. Think of your calves as a pump. Whenever you are walking the calves are pumping to prevent blood from stagnating in the calves. This will help to avoid the complication of deep vein thrombosis or DVT.
Over the first 2 – 3 weeks you will gradually get back to normal activities. Following these simple instructions will promote a smooth recovery.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Zwiren has lived in the Atlanta Area since 1961. His medical education was at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. He completed a plastic surgery fellowship at OhioState. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and pratices at PrimaCenter for Plastic Surgery in Duluth Georgia.

Dr. Zwiren 's primary interests are aesthetic surgery and age management. He is currently conducting a research product in methods to improve the quality of the skin.