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Definition
Abdominal
wall surgery is voluntary surgery that improves
the appearance of flabby, stretched-out abdominal
muscles and skin. Excessive fatty tissue and
loose skin are removed from the middle and lower
sections of the abdomen. The abdominal muscles
may be tightened. Note that this is a different
procedure than liposuction.
Indications
Abdominoplasty
can be helpful when:
- Diet
and exercise have not corrected severe muscle
weakness, for instance, after multiple pregnancies
- Skin
and muscle cannot regain its normal tone,
which can occur with obesity
Abdominoplasty
is not used as a substitute for weight reduction.
In
a complete abdominoplasty procedure, a long
horizontal incision is made in the natural fold
under the belly, the "bikini line".
Skin is also cut around the umbilicus, and the
fat and skin are pulled away from the muscle
in a large area.
Risks
The
risks of bleeding and infection are present
for all surgeries. Additional risks of blood
clots and infection also exist.
Expectations
after surgery
The
patient can expect to feel some pain and discomfort
for several days after surgery, which can be
managed with pain medications . Resting with
the legs and hips bent may reduce pressure
on the abdomen during the recommended 1 -
3 day hospital stay.
Convalescence
An
elastic support similar to a girdle, worn for
2 - 3 weeks, provides extra abdominal support
while healing. Strenuous activity and straining
should be avoided for 4 weeks.
The
scars will become lighter in color and flatter
during the next 3 - 6 months.
Skin
is stretched downward, excess skin and fat trimmed
away, and a new hole is cut for the umbilicus.
The incisions are stitched closed.
The
patient can expect to feel some pain and discomfort
for several days after surgery, which can be
managed with pain medications. Resting with
the legs and hips bent (flexed) will reduce
pressure (tension) on the abdomen during the
recommended 2 to 3 day hospital stay. The remaining
scar will fade with time
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