Abdominoplasty
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2 Years After Surgery |
Abdominoplasty Overview
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is performed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal region. Individuals may develop a protruding or disproportionate abdomen from pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, or as a normal process in an otherwise healthy person. The abdominoplasty procedure improves the appearance of the abdominal region, and helps to tighten the abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty may restore self-confidence in individuals who are bothered by the physical appearance of their abominal region. Dr. Gallego will discuss the procedure as well as risks and potential complications during your complimentary consultation.
The Abdominoplasty Procedure
Abdominoplasty involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal region. In addition, it involves a tightening of the abdominal muscles with strong permanent sutures. Although the scar can be long, it generally is well hidden by the patient’s undergarments and tends to fade with time. There will also be a circular scar near the base of the belly button. During the procedure, plastic suction drains are placed and sutured in place. The drains are generally used for the first 7 to 10 days, and are later removed in the office. An abdominal compression binder is worn for the first 6 to 8 weeks.
Anesthesia type: General anesthesia
Length of surgery: 3 hours
Risks of Abdominoplasty
There are risks associated with the abdominoplasty procedure. These risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Unfavorable scars
- Skin loss
- Risks of anesthesia
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Skin discoloration
- Fat necrosis
- Major wound separation
- Asymmetry
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Deep vein thrombosis/Pulmonary embolus
- Nerve damage
Recovery from Abdominoplasty
After abdominoplasty, patients generally return to work and are able to start driving by 2 weeks. Heavy lifting greater than 20lbs or any strenuous activity is prohibited for the first four weeks following surgery. You may start to resume normal activity in 4 weeks, and most patients report feeling back to normal in 6-8 weeks. An abdominal compression garment is worn for the first 6-8 weeks.
Duration of effect: >10 years
More Images: Abdominoplasty Before and After Photos
Useful Information on Abdominoplasty
• Abdominoplasty information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Abdominoplasty information from Wikipedia
About Gallego Plastic Surgery
Gallego Plastic Surgery has two offices conveniently located to serve you. Our Irvine Office is located in the city of Irvine and the serves the surrounding Orange County region. Our Corona Office is located in the city of Corona and the serves the surrounding Inland Empire and Riverside regions.
For more information, or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Gallego, please contact us.
