Abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and unwanted fat from the middle and lower abdomen. The abdominal muscles are also tightened, resulting in a flatter, smoother and firmer abdomen. There are multiple reasons for undergoing an abdominoplasty, including:

• To enhance your appearance and self-confidence.
• To remove excess fat and tissue that has not responded favorably to diet
  and exercise.
• To contour the abdominal wall after childbearing is completed.
• To assist bariatric patients in removing excess tissue following weight loss.

Surgical Candidates

• Good physical and mental health.
• Maintain realistic goals for surgical results.
• Have completed their childbearing or reached their weight loss goal.

Procedure

• Performed under anesthesia within a hospital or surgery center.
• Abdominoplasties are required to spend one night within the hospital.
• Actual surgical procedure depends on amount of tissue needing to be removed.
• A mini-abdominoplasty involves a c-section type incision on the lower abdomen. It will improve only the appearance of the area from the belly button to the pubic region. The abdominal skin and fat is then lifted up to the belly button and the abdominal muscles are then tightened with permanent sutures. Liposuction may be performed above the belly-button area. The excess skin and tissue is then removed and the incision is closed with dissolving stitches. Two drain tubes are placed below the incision to assist in the evacuation of fluid.
• A full-abdominoplasty involves a longer lower-abdominal incision in which the skin and tissue is lifted all the way to the base of the ribcage, above the belly-button area. The excess skin is pulled down and the belly button is popped through the skin, in a new skin opening. The excess skin and tissue is then removed. Liposuction may be done on the sides of the body, at waist level. Drains are also placed and removed in the clinic when the fluid level has reached an acceptable amount.

After Surgery

• Oral pain medications are prescribed to control discomfort following surgery.
• The following medications are also prescribed to assist in your recovery:
  Antibiotics, a muscle relaxant, ibuprofen and stool softener.
• The doctor or her assistant will visit with the patient the day following their surgery.
• It is imperative to avoid any strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks, but may resume non-strenuous work with 2-3 weeks.
• Dr. Burgess will follow your healing process closely throughout the weeks and months following surgery.

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