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Tummy
Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Overview
An abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and may:
1. Be reconstructive
in that it attempts to correct abdominal
abnormalities caused by pregnancy, obesity
or weight loss.
2. Correct weaknesses
in the
underlying abdominal muscles and therefore
improve their function.
3. Create a more normal
appearance
of the abdomen.
4. Repair any abdominal
hernia that
may be present.
5. Remove any large
apron of fat (also called a pannus) that
may cause dermatitis, skin infection, back
pain, difficulty in walking and difficulty
with hygiene.
The operation involves a long incision to excise the lower half
of the abdominal skin and fat. There is an incision around the naval
(tummy button, umbilicus) as it needs to be moved to a normal position
after the lower abdominal skin and fat has been removed. The underlying
stretched abdominal muscles are surgically tightened with stitches.
The skin is stitched together with dissolving sutures under the
skin. Drains will be placed and these remain for usually one to
two days. Please note that it should NOT be considered a weight
loss procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What type
of anaesthetic is used?
• What
are the risks?
• What
happens after the surgery?
• What
are the costs involved?
Please contact Mr Banwell’s office where his staff can answer
any questions you may have. A quote as well as information regarding
the procedure may be sent to you on request.
What type of anaesthetic is used?
Mr Banwell recommends the surgery be performed under a general anaesthetic
undertaken by a specialist anaesthetist.
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Abdominoplasty
Tummy Tuck
What
are the risks?
There are both general and specific risks and Mr Banwell will
talk to you in detail regarding these. General risks include bruising
and swelling, bleeding, wound infection, deep infection, delayed
healing, problems with general anaesthetics, abnormal scarring
and keloid scarring. Specific risks include asymmetry of scars
and umbilicus (belly button) uneven skin contours, fat necrosis
(dead fat), skin loss/necrosis at the umbilicus (belly button/naval),
wound breakdown, severe infection (necrotizing fasciitis), intra-abdominal
organ injury, fluid accumulation (seroma) under skin flaps, permanent
numbness of lower abdominal skin and/ or lateral thighs and ‘dog-ears’.
Please note that smoking and obesity (and BMI >30) significantly
increase the risks of post-operative complications.
Subsequent alterations in body contour may occur as the result
of ageing, weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, or other circumstances
not related to abdominoplasty. Chronic pain may also rarely occur
from nerves becoming trapped in scar tissue.
What happens after the surgery?
It will be necessary for you to stay at least one night in hospital.
You will have two drains. The drains are usually removed the when
drainage is minimal and you will have dressings over your abdomen
for at least one week. You will need to wear a support garment
(abdominal binder) around your abdomen for six weeks. Further
postoperative visits will be scheduled. Mr Banwell recommends
post-operative massage to aid outcome.
What costs are involved?
+ Surgical fees
+ Abdominal binders
+ Hospital fees
+ Specialist anaesthetist fee
+ Post-operative massage therapy
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