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The Pros and Cons of an Abdominoplasty

By: Andrew W John Also called a "tummy tuck", Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure for the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. This surgery is done for two reasons: to reduce the protrusion of the abdomen and to improve the muscle tone of the abdomen by tightening these muscles.

Who is a candidate for an abdominoplasty procedure?

Anyone who has an abdomen which simply sticks out too far and which does not respond to exercise or to other lifestyle factors may consider an abdominoplasty. Loose skin around the abdomen is another reason that some seek out this procedure. Women in particular will elect for an abdominoplasty due to loss of the tightness of the skin of the abdomen due to multiple pregnancies when neither diet nor exercise can remedy the situation.

The Risks of Abdominoplasty

When performed by a skilled, qualified surgeon, there is very little risk of complications and is a total success in most patients. However, it should be understood that any surgical procedure does come with some risks of complications. The patient considering an abdominoplasty procedure must of course be aware of these risks before having the surgery.

Infection and blood clots are possible, though very rare complications sometimes seen from an abdominoplasty. These complications are treatable, but will result in a longer hospital stay following the operation. Healing is better in some patients than in others, with scar formation happening in a small number of patients. If the scars are prominent, a second operation may be needed. If you are considering undergoing this procedure and you smoke, quit! Smoking can exacerbate any complications from the operation.

Planning and preparation for surgery

First, your surgeon will make an assessment of the extent of the fat deposits in your abdominal region. He will also assess your skin tone. He will recommend either partial abdominoplasty or complete abdominoplasty, depending upon the area that is covered in fat deposits. If they are limited to the area below the navel, he may recommend and partial abdominoplasty. Or he may recommend a combination of abdominoplasty (partial or complete) along with liposuction, for a better body contour.

You will be given specific guidelines with respect to diet, drinking, smoking and medications before the surgery. If you develop an infection or cold, your surgery will likely be postponed. Complete abdominoplasty usually takes about 2-5 hours while partial abdominoplasty may take 1-2 hours.

A complete abdominoplasty entails an incision being made from hip to hip, right above the pubis. A second incision will be made near the navel to facilitate the procedure. A partial abdominoplasty requires a much smaller incision, with a second incision often not being needed.