Abdominoplasty
(Tummy Tuck)

WHO IS A CANDIDATE

• A patient who is healthy but has excess skin and/or fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. Patients who have undergone significant weight loss and have hanging skin. Women with loose skin and stretch marks following pregnancy. Older patients with loss of skin elasticity. Patients who are unable to tighten the abdominal wall with exercise.

INTENDED RESULTS

• A smoother, flatter abdomen.

Before	After

PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION

• This is a surgery designed to improve the appearance of the abdomen, which may be overly protruding, or may have excess skin and/or fat. There are variations of the standard operation, including "mini-tucks", which may be of benefit to patients who require only tightening of the abdominal muscles or removal of a small amount of skin. On the other hand, patients with massive weight loss may require a more extensive surgery.
• Usually, under general anesthesia, an incision is made across the lower part of the abdomen. A circular incision is made around the navel, which stays attached to the muscle. The skin is then separated from the muscle up towards the ribs, so that it can then be pulled down and redraped like a window shade. The tummy is then "tightened", (narrowing and flattening the abdomen) by stitching the muscles together. The excess skin is then removed and the abdominal skin is tailored and sutured. This procedure can be done at our accredited, outpatient surgical facility or in the hospital.
• "Mini" abdominoplasty can benefit patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat or protrusion of the lower abdomen. Liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with a tummy tuck to benefit selected patients.
• "Modified" abdominoplasty addresses conditions where just the muscle wall or just the abdominal skin needs repair.
• "Standard" abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles.
• "Extended" abdominoplasty tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides (Requires a longer scar the extends around the flanks onto the lower back).

Before	After

RECUPERATION AND HEALING

• After surgery, the bed is positioned so that the patient is flexed at the hips (waist) to keep tension off of the newly tightened skin. Within 24 hours, walking is encouraged in a bent-over position. Although strenuous activities, exercise and lifting more than 10 pounds must be avoided for 6 weeks, some people return to work and daily activities as soon as 10 days after surgery. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months.

OTHER OPTIONS

• Additional procedures that may enhance the result are liposuction, breast procedures and thigh lift.

INSURANCE GUIDELINES

• In general, abdominoplasty is considered cosmetic surgery. Several conditions may be covered completely or in part by insurance. These include defects of the abdominal wall, such as hernias, diastases (separation of the muscles), or trauma resulting in muscle loss, weakness or painful scar contracture. In addition, a large abdominal panniculus, frequently seen after massive weight loss, is removed for purely functional reasons. It may or may not be a covered expense. Preauthorization is required from your insurance company requiring photos and a letter from our office.

NOTE

• The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for you may be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk.