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Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty this operation is done to tighten the loose skin of the abdomen and repair the weak muscles of the abdominal wall. It is sometimes combined with liposuction to smooth the edges and improve the contour. If the patient suffers from obesity the panniculus of fat is removed at the same time. A mini-abdominoplasty is used when there is localized fullness of the lower abdomen and a less large procedure is needed.
The method of surgery is to tighten the skin of the abdomen by undermining the skin and stretching it. The incision is placed across the lower abdomen but sometimes is like an upside down T. Clothing conceals the marks. The operation is done under general anesthetic. Frequently, this is an outpatient operation but many patients choose to stay in the hospital overnight. Patients who are heavy or have large amounts of loose skin may need a modification of this operation called a Panniculectomy. Be sure to tell surgeon if patient smoke, and if patient taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that will not respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which regularly occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
In general it is considered insecure to suction the skin that is damaged because this may damage the blood supply of the skin and the skin may die. All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First those that is seen in all operations and seconds those that are exclusive or special for this operation.
In the first group, the main risks are bruising, fluid collections, bleeding, swelling, infection, a blemish and numbness or change in feeling. The main problem, which is special for this operation, is the long and sometimes heavy mark. The opening is sometimes slow to heal and crusting or scabbing along the scar may occur for several weeks. There are many different ways to do this operation and patient best advice comes from patient?s own plastic surgeon.
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