Abdominoplasty is also known as a "tummy tuck".
This procedure helps flatten the stomach and can dramatically
reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
The
Abdominoplasty Procedure
It is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from
the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal
wall.
Best Candidates
Men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by
fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or
exercise.
Women who, through pregnancy, have stretched their abdominal muscles
and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.
Men or women who have lost significant weight and as a result have
loose and sagging skin with poor elasticity.
NOTE: Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone
the surgery.
Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles
in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again
during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery,
your doctor may recommend against abdominoplasty or may caution you
that scars could be unusually prominent.
Risks
All surgery carries risk, and you should be fully aware of the medical
risks associated with this procedure before you consent to surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you during your consultation,
and you are encouraged to ask questions if there is anything you do
not understand.
You will be required to sign a consent form before surgery stating
that you have been informed of the risks involved; that you understand
those risks; and that you accept those risks. This is standard hospital
protocol and surgery will not be performed if you do not sign.
It is your obligation to inform your surgeon of key medical information
that may influence the outcome of your surgery or may increase the
level of risk. These include medications you are taking, history of
disease, medical complications, etc.
