If you are considering an abdominoplasty, recovery and the steps involved in the procedure are likely top of mind. Abdominoplasty, commonly called a “tummy tuck”, consists of flattening and reshaping the abdomen by removing skin and fat. The goal of this procedure is to tighten the treatment area. For those people who have recently lost a lot of weight, given birth or simply want to cut a slimmer figure in their clothing, this cosmetic procedure can help. Before you make any decisions that involve your health and surgery, you should speak to a medical professional. A plastic surgeon will be able to answer questions, set your expectations for the procedure, and ensure that you are a good candidate.
How is an abdominoplasty performed?
There are several steps when performing an abdominoplasty.
Administering Anesthesia
First, your medical care team will administer anesthesia. The type of anesthesia will be pre-determined between your doctor and a specialist. It can be administered intravenously or breathing it in through a mask.
Placing Incisions
Once you are comfortably asleep, your surgeon will make the necessary incisions. Typically, a small incision is made below the navel. A good cosmetic surgeon will be able to place the incision so the remaining scars are not as visible.
Tightening Weak Muscles
Through the incisions, your surgeon will then separate the abdominal skin from the abdominal walls. The muscles will be pulled closer together and stitched into a position that yields a more toned look, trimming your waistline.
Tightening or Removing Loose Skin
The skin is then pulled downward, tightening it over the repositioned muscles. Any extra skin is removed.
Repositioning the Navel
In some cases, repositioning the patient’s navel is necessary. The surgeon may detach it and place it in a better area on the abdomen. Sometimes, the old navel will not be reattached, but a new navel area will be sculpted. This type of cosmetic procedure should only be performed by a surgeon with extensive experience.
Closing the Incisions
When the surgery is over, the surgeon will suture the skin together with surgical stitches. This will help the wounds close naturally over time. The surgeon will then insert a surgical drain below the skin at the site of incisions to collect excess fluid and minimize the risk of infection.
What does abdominoplasty recovery look like?
Typically, abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure. This means that the patient goes home the same day. Usually, the patient goes home with drains in place as well as a Foley catheter. This only remains in place for the first night at home. Any lingering pain post-operation typically resolves within 48 hours. After one week, patients are usually walking upright and by the second week, driving is permitted.
The risks of abdominoplasty are rare. Possible risks include the following.
- Infection
- Blood clots
A healthy and speedy recovery depends a lot on the health of the individual patient, as well as following any and all rules your doctor gives you post-operation.
Questions you should ask your doctor
Before undergoing abdominoplasty, there are several questions you should ask your doctor.
- In your opinion, am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty? If not, why aren’t I a good candidate?
- What is your experience with this procedure? How many times have you performed it previously? What were the outcomes?
- What are the benefits? What are the risks?
- Which board certifications do you have?
- Where will the surgery take place?
- Does the surgical facility have an accreditation?
- Do you have hospital privileges? If so, where?
- What type of anesthesia will the surgeon administer for this procedure? Who will administer it?
- How would you respond if an emergency were to occur during surgery?
- Have you helped patients with similar physical qualities and concerns? Can you show me before and after photos of their results?
Dr. Berlet Can Help You
Your abdominoplasty will only be as successful as the medical care team that performs your procedure. Working with an experienced cosmetic surgeon who has experience with the procedure is important. He or she should be able to show you before-and-after photos from past clients. Most importantly, your surgeon should be able to answer any lingering questions you may have about abdominoplasty recovery, the procedure, and your options. Your choice of surgeon should put your mind at ease. Dr. Anthony Berlet has been serving patients in the northern NJ and New York City areas for over 20 years. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us!