Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Is An Abdominoplasty For You?

By Andrew W John

Also called a "tummy tuck", Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure for the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. This surgery is done for two reasons: to reduce the protrusion of the abdomen and to improve the muscle tone of the abdomen by tightening these muscles.

Who opts for an abdominoplasty?

Anyone who has an abdomen which simply sticks out too far and which does not respond to exercise or to other lifestyle factors may consider an abdominoplasty. Loose skin around the abdomen is another reason that some seek out this procedure. Women in particular will elect for an abdominoplasty due to loss of the tightness of the skin of the abdomen due to multiple pregnancies when neither diet nor exercise can remedy the situation.

The Risks of Abdominoplasty

when performed by a qualified surgeon, trained for the job, Abdominoplasty is quite successful. However, as with all surgical procedures, this one too, has its own risks and complications which must be clearly understood before going in for surgery.

Infection and blood clots are possible, though very rare complications sometimes seen from an abdominoplasty. These complications are treatable, but will result in a longer hospital stay following the operation. Healing is better in some patients than in others, with scar formation happening in a small number of patients. If the scars are prominent, a second operation may be needed. If you are considering undergoing this procedure and you smoke, quit! Smoking can exacerbate any complications from the operation.

Hoe To Plan and Prepare for an Abdominoplasty Procedure

First, your surgeon will make an assessment of the extent of the fat deposits in your abdominal region. He will also assess your skin tone. He will recommend either partial abdominoplasty or complete abdominoplasty, depending upon the area that is covered in fat deposits. If they are limited to the area below the navel, he may recommend and partial abdominoplasty. Or he may recommend a combination of abdominoplasty (partial or complete) along with liposuction, for a better body contour.

Your surgeon will give you a list of rules for drinking, smoking and diet to follow in the time leading up to the surgery. If you are sick or have an infection, your surgery will be rescheduled. A Complete abdominoplasty will require anywhere form two to five hours to perform, with a partial abdominoplasty taking between one and two.

In a complete abdominopplasty, an incision is made from one hip to the other, directly above the pubic area. A second incision is made just below the navel to make removal of fat deposits easier. In a partial abdominoplasty procedure, a much shorter incision is made, with the second incision often not needed at all. - 16083

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