Abdominoplasty Surgery After Weight Loss
If you decide you need abdominoplasty surgery following your weight loss, you'll be in very good company. Also known as tummy tuck surgery, abdominoplasty suits a large portion of the post-bariatric population. It's not surprising when you think about it. Stretching and shrinking of the abdominal area, even in pregnancy or minor weight gain and loss, often has lasting impact on the midsection. Abdominoplasty improves the look of the lower and mid torso by correcting saggy skin, excess fat and stretched muscles.
Unlike a panniculectomy, which removes just skin and fat, abdominoplasty surgery following massive weight loss also tightens up loose muscles and effectively rejuvenates the look of the belly button area. The procedure does not affect the back, flanks, thighs or buttocks.
If you've lost significant amounts of weight and need help reshaping your midsection, this very well could be the procedure for you. You'll be glad to know that other procedures — such as liposuction and breast surgery — can often be combined safely with a tummy tuck. Dr. Kaufman is experienced in knowing which combinations are safest and most effective for weight loss patients from Crescent City to San Diego, California. Request an appointment with him soon. He'll assess your condition, listen to your priorities and work with you to develop the optimal surgical plan.
Candidates for Abdominoplasty in Sacramento
The best candidates for abdominoplasty surgery following weight loss are patients whose excess skin and fat primarily rests in the front of their body, although an extended abdominoplasty can reach around and improve the look of the sides as well. Patients who would benefit from additional lift for the outer thighs and buttocks should consider a procedure called a torsoplasty, or lower body lift.
Risks associated with tummy tucks are those common to most abdominal procedures, including blood clots in the legs, pulmonary embolism and problems with anesthesia. Other potential minor complications are wound healing problems, fluid collection after surgery and numbness in the area of the incision. You should also be aware that the ultimate appearance of your scar will be difficult to predict.
Abdominoplasty Surgery and Recovery
Abdominoplasty usually takes about three hours and is normally performed in Kaufman & Clark's state-of-the-art private surgery center under the care of a board certified, M.D. anesthesiologist. The procedure can be done with conscious sedation and an epidural block, but most tummy tuck patients have general anesthesia.
The exact length and placement of the incision depends on how extensive your procedure will be. Most incisions run from hip to hip. Your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat and tighten the internal abdominal muscles with permanent stitches. This technique will markedly improve the contour of your middle and lower abdomen. Your belly button will actually stay in position, but will emerge through new surrounding skin.
You'll have a pain pump for about three days after surgery which will deliver local anesthesia continually throughout the area of the muscle repair. After the pump is removed you'll be able to shower. Most patients also have one or two drains for the first week. You'll wear a compression garment for about six weeks to support and contour the abdominal wall and any areas where liposuction is performed. Most people are able to discontinue prescription pain medication and resume light daily activity in about a week. You'll be able to gradually add in more activities over the next several weeks, until about two months after surgery when you should feel fully recovered.
To discuss abdominoplasty and other plastic surgery after weight loss options, call 916-983-9895. Conveniently located on East Bidwell Street in Folsom, Kaufman & Clark Plastic Surgery serves the entire greater Sacramento area.
