Pulsed Light Hair Removal

Abdominoplasty

Surgery of the Abdomen-Tummy Tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to eliminate excess fat and sagging skin from the abdominal area. The muscles of the abdominal wall may be tightened to achieve a flatter abdominal profile. Abdominoplasty is not a solution to being overweight.

Reasons to consider an abdominoplasty:

• You have excess fat and loose skin in the abdominal area with no benefit from diet and exercise.
• You have lost abdominal muscle control due to pregnancy or aging.
• You are of average weight with a protruding abdomen.

Liposuction, a modified or mini-abdominoplasty, or a combination of these procedures are alternate treatments. Upon examination, your plastic surgeon may determine what procedure you will benefit most from.

Your Cosmetic Consultation:

During your cosmetic consultation, you will meet with the plastic surgeon and staff. Your physical and emotional health will be reviewed and photographs may be taken for your medical record. Your surgeon will examine your abdominal region. Skin quality, previous surgical scars, amount of localized fat, and the condition of abdominal muscle tone will be evaluated. Risks of the procedure and surgery expectations will be reviewed at this time. This is also a good opportunity for you to go over any questions and concerns you may have.

Preparing for your surgery:

• You must have preoperative testing.
• You must avoid certain medications prior to surgery.
• You must stop smoking two weeks prior to surgery.
• You must arrange for help or care following your surgery.

About Abdominoplasty surgery:

• You will require anesthesia.
• Your surgery may take place in a hospital or out patient surgery center.
• You may be required to spend one night in the hospital.
• A horizontal incision is made just above the pubic region.
• The length of the incision varies with each individual and depends on how much skin must be removed.
• Excess skin is trimmed away and pulled down.
• Some patients may require the reconstruction of a new navel.
• On women with Cesarean Section scars, the new incision can often be made directly on the existing scar.
• Abdominal muscles may be tightened and pulled together.
• Some liposuction, in combination with the abdominoplasty, may be required to achieve the desired result.

Recovery following surgery:

• You will be released with an abdominal support garment.
• Surgical drains may be placed in the abdomen to prevent fluid accumulation.
• You will be encouraged to get up and walk immediately after surgery.
• You will be more comfortable not standing straight for a few days after surgery.
• You may resume light activity after three to four weeks.
• Swelling and bruising will subside after several weeks.
• Results will be evident after a few months.
• The redness of the scar will begin to fade within the months following surgery.

***It is important to remember healing time varies with each individual***

Although, a scar will never permanently fade, your final result will be a flatter, tighter abdomen and a sleeker profile.