TUMMY TUCK

General Information

DEFINITION-Removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED-Fat between skin and muscles in abdomen; skin.

REASONS FOR SURGERY-Improved appearance.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Stress; smoking; alcoholism.
• Poor nutrition.
• Previous abdominal surgery.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-Plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED-Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA-General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• A large, elliptical incision is made in the abdomen.
• Excessive skin and the underlying apron of excess fat are cut free and removed. The naval is left in place.
• Drains are left under the operative site to prevent accumulation of blood and fluid from tissue drainage.
• Both edges of the skin are gently stretched and carefully sewn together with sutures.
• Sutures can usually be removed in 10 to 14 days.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Wide scars.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Blood or serum collection beneath the flap where fat was removed.
• Necrosis of surgical flaps.
• Wound breaking open.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-6 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME-Expect complete healing without complications and improved appearance. Allow about 10 weeks for recovery from surgery. Excess abdominal fat will return if caloric intake is not controlled.

Postoperative Care

† Apply non--prescription antibiotic ointment to the wound before applying new bandages.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Resume sexual relations when able. > Exercise will help maintain improved appearance. Consult your doctor about an exercise program after recovery.

DIET--No special diet, but diet must be controlled to maintain improved appearance.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal swelling.