Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Pros and Cons of an Abdominoplasty

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 is a candidate for an abdominoplasty procedure?

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.

Possible complications include the formation of blood clots and infections. These are very rare and are treatable, but these complications will mean a longer stay in the hospital for the patient after the procedure. Some patients heal more effectively than others - scars can develop. If these scars are very large, a second surgery may be necessary to correct them. Smoking should be avoided as it can increase the risks of complications and worsen their severity should they occur.

Planning and Preparation for an Abdominoplasty Procedure.

First, the surgeon must evaluate the skin tone of the patient and the size and location of fat deposits in the patient's abdomen. After having looked at these factors, the surgeon will recommend either a partial or full abdominoplasty based on their findings. If fat deposits are to be found only below the navel, then a partial abdominoplasty will likely be their recommendation. If they are more extensive, or simply to result in a better end result for the patient, the surgeon will recommend either a full abdominoplasty or a partial abdominoplasty in tandem with liposuction.

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.

A complete abdominoplasty entails an incision being made from hip to hip, right above the pubis. A second incision will be made near the navel to facilitate the procedure. A partial abdominoplasty requires a much smaller incision, with a second incision often not being needed. - 15995

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