Procedures

Abdominoplasty

Patients who have an excess of abdominal skin and loose or bulging abdominal muscles
Excessive weight loss
Pregnancy leaving excess skin and stretch marks
Individuals with fatty deposits of the abdomen and hips, resistant to diet and excercise
Patients with small hernias or muscle separation (rectus diastasis)

To remove the excess skin and fat, and in certain patients, tightening the abdominal muscles
A flatter abdomen with a more shapely appearance
A narrowed waistline

The procedure is done under general anesthesia and the patient is admitted to an overnight nursing care facility for one day after surgery
An incision is made in the lower abdomen from the hips to the pelvic area
Limited liposuction of the hips may be part of the procedure in healthy individuals
Weak or separated abdominal muscles are sutured, narrowed, and tightened
Excess skin is removed, and a newer, more youthful belly button is made
A "mini-abdominoplasty" with a limited scar may be appropriate in select patients

Patients usually spend one night in a nursing care facility. Walking is encouraged immediately
Pain will be controlled with a pain pump (involves constant and slow drip of numbing medication) for 3 days as well as oral pain medication and muscle relaxers. Drainage tubes are usually removed in one week
An abdominal binder is usually worn for one month
You will be uncomfortable for the first 2 weeks, most patients return to work 2-3 weeks after surgery
A total of 6 weeks of reduced activity, no heavy lifting, aerobic excercise or straining of abdominal muscles
It takes several months for all of the swelling to subside

Additional procedures that may be performed at the same time include breast procedures or hernia repair. Liposuction of other areas at the same time is not recommended