ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)

Overview

Laxity of skin in the abdomen can occur as a result of aging, post pregnancy, post massive weight loss or after large volume liposuction of the abdomen. Sometimes it is also associated with weakening of abdominal musculature causing protrusion of the abdomen. Stretch marks may appear in the abdominal skin. These problems cannot be solved by diet, exercise or liposuction alone.

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure to remove and tighten excessive abdominal skin and the underlying abdominal fascia amusculature. Tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction to remove excess abdominal fat at the same time. The skin of the lower abdomen that contains stretch marks and unsighty scars from previous surgery can be removed as well. The result is a well-contoured abdomen with an attractive and slimmer waistline. The scar from tummy tuck is located low in the abdomen where it is well hidden by the underwear.
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Before 2 months post surgery
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                        Before                               2 months after surgery. The scar color
                                                                  will lighten with time

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Before 2 months after surgery. The scar color
will lighten with time
Scar from tummy tuck usually heals very well few months to one year after surgery. As shown in the top right picture of a case recently did tummy tuck, the scar is well hidden when the patient is wearing underwear.
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Objective
To restore the slim shape and contour of the tummy by removal of loose skin and and tigthening of abdominal wall structures

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Preoperative Preparation

• Treat and stabilize all existing medical conditions, if any.
• Stop smoking at least one week before surgery
• Stop one week before surgery the following:

all supplements that contain vitamin E, ginseng, ginko, garlic, fish oil and other ingredients that encourage bleeding during surgery
medicine that exacerbate bleeding during operation such as aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin. You may need to consult the physician who prescribed the medicine before stopping them

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Surgery abdominoplasty

Duration of Surgery: 3-4 hours
Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
When to Go Home after Surgery: One to two nights stay in hospital
Back to Work: 7 to 10 days
Technique:

A horizontal incision is made just above the pubic area. The abdominal skin is mobilized and the excess skin is removed. The abdominal muscle is tightened. Umbilicus may need to be released and relocated after the abdominal skin is pulled down so that it appears in the normal position after the operation. The scar of tummy tuck is located in the position that is hidden by underwear.

The extent of tummy tuck may be varied depending on the severity of the abdominal wall laxity:

1.Mini abdominoplasty: tummy tuck focused on the centre of the abdomen
2.Standard abdominoplasty: Tummy tuck on the centre and lateral aspects of the abdomen.
3.Extended abdominoplasty: Abdominoplasty extends to the flanks of the abdomen

Tummy tuck may be combined with liposuction to provide optimal results

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Recovery

• Swelling and bruises may persist for one to two weeks
• Drains may be placed under the skin and is usually removed after one to two days if there is no excessive discharge
• Compression garment is required for at least one month
• Patient to finish the oral antibiotics prescribed
• Light exercise may start after one week
• Heavy exercise may start after one month