A
flat stomach is important to a physically fit
appearance. However, a healthy 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. This
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.
You'll
find basic information about abdominoplasty in
this brochure. However, the best way to get complete
answers to specific questions that relate to your
individual needs is to have a personal consultation
with Dr. Srinivasa Rao Surapaneni Cosmetic Surgeon
well trained abroad in this field under the guidance
of world famous Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Prof.
Ivo Pitanguy of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Is
an abdominoplasty right for me?
Abdominoplasty
is best suited to women and men who are in relatively
good shape, but have 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 one or more of the following conditions:
•
excess or loose, sagging abdominal skin.
• an abdomen that protrudes and is out of
proportion with the rest of the body.
• abdominal muscles that have been weakened
by pregnancy or aging.
• excess fat that is concentrated beneath
the abdominal skin.
If
you plan to become pregnant or to lose a significant
amount of weight, you should discuss these plans
with your surgeon. Scars from previous abdominal
surgeries may limit the results of an abdominoplasty.
However, in some cases, an existing scar can be
used for a new incision, as is often the case
for women with caesarian section scars.
What
should I expect from the consultation?
A
personal consultation is the first step for every
patient considering abdominoplasty. During this
meeting, Dr. Surapaneni will assess your physical
and emotional health and discuss your specific
cosmetic goals for the surgery.
You
should arrive at the consultation prepared to
provide complete information about:
•
previous surgical procedures.
• past and present medical conditions.
• medications you are taking, including
herbal remedies or nutritional supplements.
When
examining your abdomen, Dr. Surapaneni will evaluate:
•
the quality of your abdominal skin.
• the location of existing scars.
• the amount and location of any excess
fat.
• the status of the underlying muscles.
Dr.
Surapaneni may suggest other treatments to better
meet your appearance goals. For example, some
patients may benefit from liposuction alone or
a more limited type of abdominoplasty.
How
is abdominoplasty performed?
Generally,
a horizontal incision is placed just within or
above the pubic area.The length of the incision,
which extends outward toward the hip bones, depends
largely on the amount of skin to be removed. In
other words, the more loosen skin that needs to
be removed, the longer the incision will be. For
women, Dr. Surapaneni keeps the incision within
swimsuit line, when it is possible. Working through
this incision, your surgeon may tighten the underlying
muscles by pulling them together and stitching
them in place. Any excess skin for the lower abdomen
is trimmed away. Skin that contains stretch marks
may be removed as well: however, it may not be
possible to remove them all.
In
patients with larger amounts of loose skin, a
second incision may be made around the navel /
umbilicus. This way, the excess skin above the
navel is separated from the deeper tissues so
it can be pulled downward and removed. Although
the navel's position remains unchanged, its appearance
may be slightly altered.
Are
there other options?
Traditional
abdominoplasty is not the best choice for everyone.
Dr. Surapaneni will advise you if either of these
other options will work well with your anatomy
and meet your surgical goals.
The
"mini" abdominoplasty - This procedure
may benefit you if you are primarily dissatisfied
with the appearance of your 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
future.
How
will I learn about the safety of abdominoplasty?
Each
year, thousands of people undergo abdominoplasty
and experience no major complications. However,
abdominoplasty is an extensive procedure and it
is essential for you to be informed of the risks
as well as the benefits. One of the most important
parts of your consultation is the discussion that
you and your surgeon will have about the possible
complications of abdominoplasty. In addition to
listening carefully to what your surgeon tells
you, be sure to raise any questions or concerns
that you may have about the safety of the procedure.
Remember
that by carefully following your surgeon's advice
and instructions - both before and after surgery
- you can do your part to minimize some of the
risks.
. What
can I do to prepare for my surgery?
When
the date for your surgical procedure has been
set, your Cosmetic surgeon will provide you with
specific instructions for the days immediately
before and after your surgery. A number of points
may be covered, including:
•
avoiding certain medications that may complicate
surgery or recovery
• stopping smoking for a period of time
before and after surgery
• arranging for help or special care following
surgery
• will be subjected for pre-op routine &
necessary lab tests etc; pre anesthetic check
up and clearances from other allied specialties
as per the requirement is a must
• measurements and photographs will be taken
for your medical records.
How
will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?
Abdominoplasty
may be performed in a hospital, your stay will
be a short one, perhaps two days or a bit more.
Medications
are administered to keep you comfortable during
the procedure. Often a general anesthetic is used
so that you will sleep throughout the procedure.
Abdominoplasty may also be performed using local
anesthesia with intravenous sedation.
How
will I look and feel right after surgery?
When
surgery is complete, you'll be taken to a recovery
area. 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 your surgeon. 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. Your surgeon may
instruct you to sleep on your back with your knees
up.
Although
everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect
that your recovery will follow this general time
line:
Within
the first week
• surgical draining tubes will be removed.
• stitches will be removed (may take 10
days).
• bruising and swelling will reach its peak.
After
several weeks
• you will no longer need t wear the support
garment
• you may gradually increase your activity
and exercise
• you may return to non-strenuous work (typically
within the first 3 weeks)
• bruising and swelling will continue to
subside and you'll begin to see your 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. Your incision line may begin to fade
from its reddish color (full fading may take a
year or more)
• 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 out doors. Heat
absorbed by dark-colored clothing can actually
burn your healing skin and complicate recovery.
What
should I know about my results?

Quite
soon after surgery, you will see a noticeable
difference in the shape of your body. Many people
find that their firmer, flatter abdomen boosts
their confidence and makes them feel more comfortable
in clothing.
As
the months pass, your incision line will continue
to fade; however, it's important to realize that
your scar will be permanently visible. Many patients
view the scar as a small tradeoff for their firmer,
sleeker appearance.
Abdominoplasty
produces long-lasting results. Unless you gain
or lose a significant amount of weight, you can
expect to retain your new shape for many years.
Over time, gravity and aging may cause your skin
to loosen somewhat. If this occurs, your plastic
surgeon may suggest additional treatment for restoring
a more youthful abdominal contour.
How
long will I continue to see my Cosmetic surgeon?
After
the initial healing period, you will return to
your Cosmetic surgeon's office for a post-operative
follow up visit so that your healing and progress
can be evaluated. In the following months, your
surgeon may ask you to return for periodic checkups.
It's important to keep these appointments so that
your surgeon can assess your long term results
and address any questions or concerns you may
have.
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