Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
The patient may remain in the hospital or surgical facility overnight, or return home the day of surgery after spending several hours recovering from the procedure and anesthesia. Before leaving the facility, the patient will receive the following...
instructions on post-surgical care:
- For the first several days after surgery, it is recommended that the patient remain flexed at the hips (i.e., avoid straightening the torso) to prevent unnecessary tension on the surgical site.
- Walking as soon as possible after the procedure is recommended to improve recovery time and prevent blood clots in the legs.
- Mild exercise that does not cause pain to the surgical site is recommended to improve muscle tone and decrease swelling.
- The patient should not shower until any drains are removed from the surgical site; sponge baths are permitted.
- Work may be resumed in two to four weeks, depending on the level of physical activity required.
Surgical drains will be removed within one week after abdominoplasty, and stitches from one to two weeks after surgery. Swelling, bruising, and pain in the abdominal area are to be expected and may last from two to six weeks. Recovery will be faster, however, in the patient who is in good health with relatively strong abdominal muscles. The incisions will remain a noticeable red or pink for several months, but will begin to fade by nine months to a year after the procedure. Because of their location, scars should be easily hidden under clothing, including bathing suits.
Advertisement
This video provides a detailed description of different bariatric surgeries used to treat obesity. It describes gastric bypass surgery and lap banding with an overview of the current trends towards a laparoscopic approach. A discussion of patient selection and bariatric surgery cost is also shown.
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery. Portions of the lower abdominal tissues have been removed and the navel repositioned. The remaining skin flaps will be sutured. (Photography by MM Michele Del Guercio. Reproduced by permission.)
In an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, an incision is made in the abdomen (usually from hip bone to hip bone). Excess skin and fat is removed (B). The muscles may be tightened (C). The navel will be placed into the proper position (D), and the major incision closed beneath it. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
Other Information
Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reshape and firm the abdomen. It involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. This type of surgery is usually sought by woman (who are not considering having any or more children) and individuals who have abdominal fat deposits which do not respond well to diet and exercise.
From http://www.doctorslounge.com/surgery/procedures/abdominoplasty.htm
Find a Qualified Specialist
Looking for a specialist?
Please enter your zip code.