Abdominoplasty surgery is one of the popular plastic surgery procedures since it highly promotes flattening of the abdominal area. Also known as tummy tuck, abdominoplasty surgery is an enhancement procedure to help give patients the leaner look.
Contrary to what most patients seek, abdominoplasty surgery is not a total weight loss solution. This procedure can enhance and help contour the body after losing excessive fat and weight. For women who gave birth/s, an abdominoplasty can help repair their bulging tummies.
A typical abdominoplasty surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours for minor procedures, while 2 to 5 hours for major procedures. Patients who undergo minor abdominoplasty surgery require local anesthesia; while a major procedure requires general anesthesia.
The plastic surgeon removes the excess fat and loose skin on the abdominal area. The muscle and skin will be stitched and the abdomen is bound with a special garment to help reduce the swelling and pain of the patient.
Swelling, pain and bruising usually follow after an abdominoplasty surgery. Patients that underwent a major procedure are usually required to stay longer in the hospital or clinic. For patients that underwent minor procedure, an overnight stay in the hospital/clinic will suffice the initial recovery after the abdominoplasty surgery.
Medications that are recommended by the plastic surgeon should be taken as prescribed. Pain killers and antibiotics are the usual prescription drugs that help ease the pain and swelling of the abdominal area. A post-op special binding garment is also prescribed to help reduce the swelling and pain of the operated abdomen.
The first 2 weeks after an abdominoplasty surgery are crucial for recovery. Lying down and immobility are common with patients that underwent this procedure. In a few more weeks the patient can gradually reduce his/her lying-in-bed time and should start practicing sitting down and walking slowly to allow circulation in the abdominal area.
The stitches on the surface of the abdomen can be removed in a week or two after surgery. Deeper abdominal stitches can be removed a few weeks more after the abdominal surgery.
Strenuous exercises, lifting weights or loads and brisk walking should be avoided during the first few months after the surgery to allow the muscle tissues and nerves to repair properly. There can still be some pain and swelling in some areas of the abdomen even after a couple of months.
It is advisable to follow the instructions and cautionary recommendations of the plastic surgeon to be able to recover and benefit fully from an abdominal surgery.
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