Text Box: Abdominoplasty is the operation in which the loose skin and fat of the abdominal wall are removed by elevation of the skin and fat and pulling it down.  The navel is usually re-inserted into the skin after the tightening procedure.  It is particularly effective in instances of childbirth causing stretch marks, but it must be understood that not all the stretch marks can be eliminated.  You must accept the judgment of your plastic surgeon and realize he well remove as much as is safe and suitable to obtain the optimum result in each case.  The operation is directed toward an improvement, and does not, in any way, guarantee complete obliteration of all folds and stretch marks.  The operation should not be undertaken unless the patient intends no further pregnancies and it is desirable that the patient’s weight be optimum and stable. A usual question is, “How long will it last?”  This is impossible to judge. Factors affecting the length of the result include age at the time of operation, physical conditioning afterwards, type of skin and alterations in weight.    

Text Box: paul howard, md Board Certified Plastic Surgery Since 1988 (205) 879-6665   c Surgery Since 1988 (205) 879-6665

 

 

 

Abdominoplasty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post-Operative Care

 

Text Box: There will usually be a long scar extending from hip to hip.  The scar may be itchy, thick and/or painful.  It is unusual for areas of fat to liquefy and drain through the incision.  This may require several weeks of healing, and you may need to wear dressings over the draining wound.  Because of the extensive skin and fat elevation, there are areas in the skin that may scab and slough off.  It is not possible to list every conceivable complication.  The foregoing is not intended to frighten you, but enable you to make your decision with an understanding of some of the involved risks.

 

 

Possible Complications

 

Social Activity

 

 

Text Box: Two weeks are usually required for recovery prior to returning to work and social activities.  Lifting over 15 pounds should be limited for six weeks.  Strenuous activity should be avoided for three weeks.

 

 

 

Text Box: An abdominal binder us required for support for up to three months.  This could be in the form of a well-fitted corset or girdle.  An abdominal binder will be placed immediately following your surgery.  DO NOT remove this garment until instructed by your physician.  The sutures are removed approximately seven days after surgery if dissolvable sutures are not used.  There will be swelling on the upper half of the incision, which will recede in anywhere from three weeks to three months.  Some discoloration may be present over the lower portion of the abdomen, which usually clears in three weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: ·             After Surgery, rest on your back with your head elevated on three to four pillows   for the first few days. ·             You will be extremely sore after this procedure.  You may find changing positions difficult; please do so slowly and with caution. ·             You may have lost some fluid during the procedure.  Therefore, you need to drink ample fluids to replace your loss.  Drink at least eight glasses of water or juice per day the first three days following your surgery.  Avoid diet drinks of any kind during this period. ·             It is common to have a moderate amount of bloody drainage after this procedure.  You may reinforce your dressing with gauze. ·             Report severe pain and severe swelling to your doctor. ·             Some swelling and discoloration are to be expected.  This will resolve in approximately two months. ·             You will be unable to shower or take a tub bath until your drains are removed or as directed by your physician.  You will be placed in a compression garment in the operating room.  DO NOT remove this garment until instructed by your physician.  Once you have been instructed in removed your garment, you may wash and had dry the garment. ·             You are encouraged to walk and move about 24 hours after your surgery.  Limit this to simply walking around the house each day for approximately one week.  Lifting over 15  pounds should be limited for 6 weeks. ·             An abdominal binder is required for support for up to three months.  This could be in the form of a well-fitted corset or girdle. ·             Sutures are removed seven to ten days after surgery if dissolvable ones are not used.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires approximately 2 1/2 hours of operating time.  An incision is made across the lower portion of the abdomen, and the skin and fat of the abdominal wall are elevated to the rib margin.  The navel is released.  The skin and fat are pulled downward and the excess removed.  A new opening is created in the skin of the abdominal wall to re-insert the navel.  The abdominal muscles are tightened by suturing the external covering layer of the muscles together.  Silastic drains are inserted prior to suturing the wound closed and removed approximately three to four days after the operation.    The operation described is a full or complete abdominoplasty.  Since there are many variations of the contour deformity, there are several operations, both very extensive and less extensive, that may be used to treat abdominal wall contour deformities.  For the largest and most severe deformities, the flanks or sides can be included in the abdominoplasty.  Less severe, more localized problems may be treated with the mini-abdominoplasty.

 

 

 

Post-Operative Instructions for Abdominoplasty

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This page was most recently updated on: 01/09/2008