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Surgery of the Abdomen
(Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty,
known more commonly as a "Tummy Tuck",
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. The procedure
can dramatically reduce the appearance of a Protruding
Abdomen. But keep in mind, it does produce a permanent
scar, which varies in length, depending on the original
problem and on the surgery used to correct it.
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Who
is best for Abdominoplasty?
The
best candidates for Abdominoplasty are men and
women who are in relatively good shape but are
bothered by a large fat deposit or loose, stretch
marked Abdominal skin that won't 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 frequently
occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
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 are tightened during the surgery
and can separate again during pregnancy. Abdominoplasty
can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence;
since it has certain limitations, your expectations
should be discussed in consultation.
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Anesthesia :
This procedure may be carried out using
general Anesthesia, in which case you will
sleep through
the operation. Another option is an epidural
block, the same type of regional Anesthesia
commonly used in childbirth; it may combined
with a sedative to make your drowsy. With
this type of Anesthesia, your abdominal region
and
your legs will be insensitive to pain.
Surgery :
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two
to four hours, depending on the extent of
work required. Partial Abdominoplasty may
take an
hour or two.
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Most commonly, a long incision is made from
hipbone to hipbone, going down from one hipbone
and passing just above the pubic area, then
going up to the other hipbone. A second incision
is made to free the navel from surrounding
tissue. With partial Abdominoplasty, the
incision is much shorter and the navel nay
not be incised,
although it may be pulled downward a bit,
as the skin is tightened and stitched.
Next, the skin is separated from the abdominal
wall all the way up to your ribs and a large
skin flap is lifted to reveal the vertical
muscles (the Rectus Abdominis Muscles) in
your Abdomen. These muscles are tightened
by pulling
them close together at the midline of the
body and stitching them into their new position.
This provides a firmer abdominal wall and
narrows
the waistline.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the
extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for
your navel, which is then stitched in place.
Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings
will be applied, and a temporary tube may be
inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical
site. In a partial Abdominoplasty, the skin is
separated only between the incision line
and the navel.
The skin flap is stretched down, the excess
is removed, and the flap is stitched back
into place.
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Your new Appearance :
Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete,
can produce excellent results for patients
with weakened Abdominal Muscles or excess
skin. And in most cases, the results are
long lasting,
if you follow a balanced diet and exercise
regularly. If you are realistic in your expectations
and prepared for an adequate recovery period
and a permanent scar which may be hidden
with your clothing or bathing suit, Abdominoplasty
may be just the answer for you.
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