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All about Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures among women over the age of 40. The procedure is designed to reduce sagging skin or fat tissue around the stomach area, creating a slimmer and more toned appearance.
Why Abdominoplasty?
Many women, even those of normal or petite body frames, eventually develop
a pouch of fat or skin tissue around their abdomens as time goes by. This
phenomenon occurs as a result of the normal aging process, gravity, genetic
makeup, dramatic weight gain and/or loss, or stretching of the stomach
muscles due to pregnancy. An abdominoplasty procedure can remove the unwanted
excess skin and fat, and give you a smoother, firmer, and more contoured
look.
The Consultation
An initial consultation will be held with the patient prior to abdominoplasty
surgery in order to determine whether or not the patient is a viable candidate
for the procedure. During the consultation, the doctor will evaluate the
patient’s abdomen and ask her to express her concerns regarding
its appearance. The patient’s expectations and desired results will
be considered and discussed to ensure that they are achievable and realistic.
The doctor should inquire about the patient’s prior medical history
and lifestyle and take these issues into account before making a recommendation
for the procedure. If the patient appears to be eligible for a tummy tuck,
the plastic surgeon will explain the procedure in detail and answer all
of the patient’s questions.
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The Procedure
During the tummy tuck procedure, the patient will be sedated or put under
general anesthesia, and the surgeon will make a horizontal incision a
few inches below the bellybutton. Excess fat and tissue will then be extracted,
and corrections will be made to strengthen the weak abdominal muscles.
The incision is then closed and sutured. In some cases, an additional
incision may be made closer to the bellybutton to repair the upper abdomen.
Depending on the amount of work required, an abdominoplasty can last from
one to five hours.
Recovery
During the recovery period following a tummy tuck, the patient will typically
experience some swelling, tightening, and soreness around the abdomen,
and it may be a while before she can stand up straight. A tube may be
inserted in the abdomen to drain any excess fluid or blood, and the patient
will likely wear a compression garment for a few weeks following the procedure.
Stitches will be removed within a week of the surgery; however, the overall
recovery time, which varies with each individual, could extend to four
weeks. The closer the patient adheres to her doctor’s instructions
regarding rest and self-care, the quicker the recovery time is likely
to be. The doctor will advise as to when the patient can resume her normal
activities. If moderate to severe pain persists after this timeframe,
the patient should contact her doctor immediately.
The Cost of an Abdominoplasty
There are many factors affecting the cost of this procedure, including
the surgeon’s fee, the extent of the repair, the region where the
surgery takes place, and whether or not additional procedures will need
to be performed in concurrence with the tummy tuck. Taking into account
all of these considerations, the price of an abdominoplasty could be as
little as $3,000 or as much as $10,000.
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