ABDOMINOPLASTY
What are the benefits?
Significant weight loss, childbirth or age can all sometimes result in flabby skin and fat in the abdominal area. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and mini-abdominoplasty redefine the abdomen by stretching back the skin and fat, and can even sometimes tighten the muscles.
Is it for me?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men and women who are in good physical condition and are bothered by the stubborn excess fat and flabby skin that no amount of exercise and diet seems to eradicate. For example, this procedure is particularly appropriate for women whose abdominal skin and muscles have been stretched by pregnancy, or older individuals who’ve lost skin elasticity. One more thing: if you’re thinking about losing a significant amount of weight, it’s probably a good idea to wait until you do so before considering surgery.
Abdominoplasty can improve your appearance and self confidence, however, it won’t necessarily change your relationships with others. Before opting for this type of procedure, be clear about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Duclos. She’ll be happy to answer any questions clearly and provide information on the type of procedure that’s best for you, including the pros and cons.
What techniques are used?
Abdominoplasty lifts the skin and fat away from the abdominal belt to the ribs, while removing the excess skin and fat by pulling downwards. When necessary, muscles of the abdomen are sutured together so that the figure may be refined even further. An incision is then made to relocate and suture the navel to its proper site on the skin. While this procedure can, indeed, tighten the tummy, there will be a permanent scar. Depending on the original state of the skin and the type of surgery needed, this scar can stretch from one hip to the other.
The incision used when performing a mini-abdominoplasty is usually smaller; the skin and fat are lifted to the navel, then stretched down and the excess is cut away.
What should I expect?
During your consultation, Dr. Duclos will evaluate your health, skin quantity and quality, amount of fat and where it’s localized, as well as the state of your abdominal belt. She may then recommend either a complete abdominoplasty, a mini-abdominoplasty, which is a more conservative procedure, with or without liposuction of the stomach and hips, or perhaps just liposuction, which may be judged to be more appropriate for you than abdominoplasty. She will show you exactly where the incisions will go, explain the inherent risks of the procedure and each step of the procedure itself, which is usually performed under general anaesthetic, and discuss pre and post operative care.
Before the procedure, you will have to purchase an abdominal support girdle/corset as well as special support hose for the day of the operation. The morning of the procedure, you’ll put on your support hose as soon as you get up. The duration of the procedure is dictated by how much work is to be done. The procedure takes place while you are under general anaesthetic. Suction drains will probably be put in place to avoid having liquid and blood accumulate between the skin and abdominal belt. These are usually removed during your first post operative visit.
You will then remain under observation until the doctor decides you may leave the clinic. Painkillers will be prescribed and the date of your next appointment will be given to you before you leave. Make sure you ask someone to accompany you back home.
After the procedure (especially the first two days), you will feel some pain and discomfort, which can be relieved with your prescribed medication. You will experience some swelling, which will be at its worst two to three days after the procedure. Final results will be visible about 6 months after the procedure.
If you do have suction drains, they must be emptied of accumulated liquid at regular intervals. Take note of the quantity of liquid and the time at which you empty the drains. A nurse will provide complete details about this before you leave the clinic. Avoid getting your bandage wet.
For the first week after the procedure, it is recommended that you place one or two pillows under your knees at bedtime. We encourage you to walk regularly after the procedure in order to minimize the risk of thrombophlebitis. Make sure you have support hose and wear them until you get back to your normal activities.
You must wear an abdominal support at all times for the first two weeks after your operation, and about 12 hours a day for the following two weeks.
Most patients undergoing this procedure are able to resume work 2 to 4 weeks after the operation. In general, you can resume any sports one month after the procedure. You should avoid exposing your scars to sunlight or any kind of tanning salon for 6 months.
What are the risks?
In the great majority of cases, results are satisfactory. However, any surgical procedure comes with some risks of which you must be aware. Here are the most common.
An infection may require antibiotics or a drain. Haemorrhaging or bleeding may require a procedure to repair the bleeding vessel and remove clots that have formed.
Another risk is thrombophlebitis, which could lead to a pulmonary embolism or in rare cases, death. This risk is minimized by wearing support hose and walking regularly after surgery.
Bad scarring may require future correction. A delay in healing and skin necrosis may also occur, particularly among smokers.