Abdominoplasty Surgery
Tummy Tuck Miami Florida - The Operation
This cosmetic procedure is performed in our state-of-the-art outpatient facility. The actual procedure generally takes between two and three hours plus an additional time for liposculpture if performed. The line of incision and areas for liposculpture are outlined. After speaking with the anesthetist/anesthesiologist the patient is brought to the operating room. After asleep with a general anesthetic, local nerve blocks combined with a medication that shrinks blood vessels and capillaries to reduce any bleeding are instilled. This surgical procedure always results in a transverse scar completely across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. The exact location of the incision will depend upon several factors, which include the "bikini" line (french cut or high waisted vs. the traditional cut), as well as each person's individual requirements. There will also be a scar around the belly button (umbilicus) as this is made free from the surrounding skin to allow removal of the excess and loose skin. The skin and fat are separated from the abdominal wall, from the transverse incision across the lower abdomen to the lower portion of the rib cage. The underlying abdominal wall and muscles are tightened with sutures (stitches), which provides a firmer and flatter abdominal wall as well as a narrower waistline. The elevated skin is then lowered and the excess removed. The belly button (umbilicus) is then repositioned back to its normal location. Prior to closure, a long acting anesthetic is administered along the muscle wall and incision, which dramatically reduces post-operative discomfort. The incision is closed with sutures predominantly below the level of the skin to avoid cross-hatching and suture marks. A drain is exited below the incision to eliminate fluid build-up. A light dressing and elastic binder is then applied.
Tummy Tuck Miami Florida - The Recovery Period (Post Operatively)
After the surgery, patients will experience swelling, soreness/pain in the upper and lower abdomen region, which may be relieved with the prescribed pain medications. Recovery may be seen as similar to that of a C-section or hysterectomy for those whom have had these types of procedures. The drain is removed usually within two to four days and any sutures are generally removed in one week. Although able to move about, the first week is generally limited to bed-rest with knees bent and the back elevated. It generally takes two to three weeks before beginning activity that is more strenuous and exercise can usually resume between four to six weeks post-operatively. The patient will continue to wear an abdominal binder for two to four weeks following the surgery.
Recovery and healing will vary from patient to patient and depend on the extent of surgery. It must also be remembered that complete healing takes time and patience, taking up to 12 months before realizing the final results of the surgery.
Tummy Tuck Miami Florida - Complications
Abdominoplasty is an exceedingly popular and common procedure. As with most cosmetic surgical procedures complications are unlikely when performed by a skilled and competent surgeon. Complications include, but are not limited to anesthesia risks, bleeding, infection, and fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma), which may need to be drained. Complications also include tissue loss, poor wound healing, numbness, unsatisfactory scars, asymmetry and the need for revisional surgery. Also rare but possible are blood clots or emboli (blood clots which dislodge and travel in the blood stream to distant sites) which can be fatal.
At Aventura Center for Cosmetic Surgery, Venodyne calf compression devices are used for every abdominoplasty surgery (as well as many other surgeries). Venodynes are pressure cuffs that fit over each lower leg from the ankle to the knee circulating every one to two minutes to reduce the pooling of blood in the lower extremities and further reduce the possibility of blood clots or emboli. Also smokers must stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Smoking seriously decreases blood circulation in the skin, which increases the risk of complications and poor healing.
Prospective abdominoplasty patients are encouraged to speak with previous patients about their surgery and results. Dr. Gershenbaum and his staff are always available for questions about abdominoplasty at our center. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment today!
