San Diego Abdominoplasty

The most commonly used term for Abdominoplasty is 'tummy tuck', a major cosmetic surgical procedure where excess skin and fat is removed from middle and lower abdomen to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Though this procedure reduces the appearance of a protruding abdomen, it leaves a permanent scar which may fade in due course depending on both, the extent of the problem and the surgery to solve the same which extends from hip to hip.

Obese men and women and women who suffer loose abdominal muscles as a result of pregnancies can opt for this treatment.

Like any other treatments, even Abdominoplasty has its own risks. A couple of them are mentioned below along with the remedies or precautions:

1. Post-operative Infection and Blood clots: Though these are rare, they may be treated with drainage and antibiotics if they occur.
2. Poor healing: This might result in prominent scars which may require a second operation. Also, if the patient is a smoker, which is also a reason for delay in healing, he should be told to stop it.

If the patient is a smoker, he/ she should quit it for sometime before and after surgery. Also, the operative area should not be exposed to sunlight and any diet should be avoided. Care should be taken as to the patient not to catch any type of infection or cold during the treatment period.

The Procedures

A long incision is made from hipbone to hipbone above the pubic area. The naval is freed from the surrounding tissue with a second incision following which the skin from the abdominal wall is separated up to the ribs where the vertical muscles in the abdomen are pulled close together and stitched to tighten the abdominal wall, excess fluid is drained and extra skin is removed.

Medication will be given to control the post-operation pain and discomfort and the abdomen may be swollen for a few days. The results of abdominoplasty may be long lasting if a balanced diet and exercise is followed.