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Overview
Also known as an abdominal lift or tummy tuck, this frequently performed plastic surgery removes excess abdominal fat and skin from both men and women to achieve a slimmer abdomen. While it shouldn’t be a substitute for healthy eating and exercise, an abdominoplasty can create a slimmer abdomen when these steps aren’t enough. This procedure can help eliminate excess skin and fat after weight lossor pregnancy. remove scarring and stretch marks, and reduce back pain by removing weight in the abdominal area while improving how well abdominal muscles support the back.
Who is a candidate?
Patients experiencing abdominal sagging brought on by a variety of factors, may be good candidates for abdominoplasty:
- Pregnancy
- Drastic weight changes
- Aging
- Heredity
What to expect
Abdominoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, except under very unusual circumstances. Performed under general anesthesia, the surgery takes between 3 and 5 hours. An incision is made across the lowest part of the abdomen. In cases with loose skin in the upper abdomen, a vertical incision may also be made. If needed. Abdominal muscles can be tightened. Absorbable sutures and surgical glue are used to close each of the layers.
The recovery period for abdominoplasty is typically 3-6 weeks and begins with one week of rest. A drain tube—or two—is needed during the first week or so, to prevent fluid build-up. After about three weeks, patients can usually begin non-strenuous activity.. A compression garment is worn to support the abdomen during healing. Patients whose muscles have been tightened should not lift anything over ten pounds for six weeks.