Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) - More Information

The first consultation

In Xetica Argentina the first consultation is free of charge and is always a doctor who makes it, analyzing the conditions of the patient and the best way to correct the defect.

Therefore, will be the doctor whom will recommend the best solution with respect to the intervention to be made and the best form to perform it. He will also answer all the questions that you have and tell the reasonable expectations that you can have regarding the final result.

Planning Your Procedures

In your initial consultation the surgeon will evaluate the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region and your skin tone, be frank in discussing your expectations with him.

If our fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also know as a mini-tummy tuck, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, need a complete abdominoplasty for a better body contour. Associated liposuction may contribute to a better result.

In any case, the surgeon should work with you to recommend the procedure that is right for you and will come closest to producing the desired body contour. He will also explain the anesthesia he will use and the type of facility where the Procedures will be performed.

Preparing For Your Procedures

The surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for Procedures, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, and medications.

If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your Procedures and not to resume for at least two weeks after your Procedures. Avoid overexposure to the sun before Procedures, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your Procedures will probably be postponed.

Where Your Procedures Will Be Performed

The Procedures will take place in a clinic with high complexity services where you will stay overnight .

Types of Anesthesia

The surgeon will select general anesthesia in most cases, so you'll sleep through the operation. In some cases epidural anesthesia combined with sedation can be indicated.

The Procedures

Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to four hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.

Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved.

The muscles can be tightened, if it is necessary, by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

Risks of the abdominoplasty

Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with Procedures and specific complications associated with this procedure.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the Procedures, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

Getting Back to Normal

It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.

Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.

Post Op Follow up

In our organization the strictest norms of quality are followed, that go beyond the intervention. For that reason detailed postoperative controls are made, so the patient feels safe and accompanied. There are a number of consultations, to check that the process follows the natural course.

The first postoperative consultation usually is made on the following day and in her the first cure takes upon maturity. As of that day, the recovery process is followed in detail and the definitive discharge does not occur until a year after the intervention.

Note: The information offered in this Web site is directed to support and not to replace the relation between you and your doctor .

Last Update: 26/02/2007