Abdominoplasty
Learn More About Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty is a procedure that corrects protruding, loose or sagging skin on the abdomen in both women and men. It is commonly performed after pregnancy, massive weight loss, or to treat areas that just won’t respond to diet and exercise. The surgery also removes excess fat from the lower and central abdomen. It can be combined with liposuction to help reduce the overall size of the tummy and waist. Abdominal muscles weakened by pregnancy are repaired in this procedure.
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for proper diet and exercise, and a significant fluctuation in weight after surgery can reduce the benefits of the surgery. The best candidates are men or women who have reached a sustainable, safe body weight.
The Procedure
Both men and women choose this surgery, and different options are available for all sizes of tummies and areas of concern. These options will be discussed in your consultation with Dr. Oxley, including full abdominoplasty, mini-abdominoplasty, or full body contouring. The surgery is performed as a day-care surgery which means an overnight hospital stay is not required.
Recovery
Simple activities are possible within a few days, but heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks, so parents of young children may want extra help during this time. Patients wear a special garment for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to help reduce swelling and improve the final result. When muscle repair is performed, full exercise programs should not resume until at least 6 weeks have passed. Any scarring is hidden in the waist line under clothing and swim suits.
What to Expect
The results from abdominoplasty can take up to six months to be fully appreciated and produce a dramatic but natural look that most patients find extremely satisfying. People with loose skin and stretch marks need to be more careful with weight fluctuations postoperatively as their skin has less ability to “snap back” afterwards.