 |
Surgical Procedures for Women
Tummy Tuck
(Abdominal reduction or abdominoplasty) - Page 3 |
  |
What are the limitations?
The skin is usually tightened downwards and this does not tighten the waist. If this is desired then one can consider removing skin vertically, but one should bear in mind that vertical scars of the abdomen are less good. The tissue of the abdominal wall is generally fatter than the groin and if liposuction is not carried out a fatty bulge may remain above the scar. The beneficial effects of the operation will last well, however, the effects will be maintained better if the patient keeps exercising the muscles and the weight steady. A further pregnancy will of course stretch the skin again, although probably not to the same degree.
What are the risks?
The standard abdominoplasty is a large procedure requiring two to four days hospitalisation. Drains are removed when they stop draining blood and serum a few days after the procedure. This fluid can reaccumulate after the drains are removed requiring drainage or aspiration. Healing can be slow particularly in the tighter central part of the wound and sometimes dressings are needed for a few weeks. This is more common in patients who are overweight and who smoke. Secondary procedures are sometimes carried out to further improve the results and will involve scar revision and limited liposuction. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus are rare complications of any operation including this one. To further reduce the risk, you will be given special blood thinning medications after surgery, and compressive stockings to reduce blood pooling in the legs.
|
 |
|
