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Incisions
are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as
possible, in the breast crease, around the
nipple, or in the armpit. Breast tissue and
skin is lifted to create a pocket for each
implant. |
Adominoplasty, also
known as a “tummy tuck” is a surgical procedure
to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess
skin and fat from the abdomen. This procedure
can reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen,
creating a flatter, firmer abdomen and a slimmer
waist.
Skin
is separated from the abdominal wall all the
way up to the ribs. |
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Often after
pregnancies or weight loss, the abdominal muscles
and skin loosen. Those
who do not see improvement with dieting and exercise
could benefit from this procedure. Patients who are
planning future pregnancies
should postpone this procedure, due to the vertical
muscles in the abdomen which are tightened would
most likely separate due to the pregnancy. As
well, those planning to lose a large amount of
weight should wait until after the weight has been
lost.
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The
surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue
together and stitches them, thereby
narrowing the waistline and strengthening
the abdominal wall. |
With
every surgery there are possible risks and
complications :
Dr. Yaker performs many abdominoplasties
successfully each year. However; there are risks
associated with this surgery. Possible complications
following surgery include infection, bleeding, poor
healing, and reaction to anesthesia. Smokers will
need to stop smoking 6 weeks before surgery and
continue not smoking until approximately 4 weeks
after surgery. Smoking greatly increases the risk of complications during the
healing process.
Abdominal
skin is drawn down and excess is removed.
with complete abdominoplasty, a new opening
is cut for the navel. both incisions are
stitched closed. |
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About
the Surgery:
If the excess skin and fat deposits are located
below the belly button, a mini-tummy tuck procedure
may be all that is needed. Often liposuction
of the hips is performed in conjunction with the
tummy tuck procedure to obtain the optimum result.
The procedure is performed in our on site AAAASF
certified ambulatory surgery center under general
anesthesia. Dr. Yaker works through an
incision across the lower abdomen just above the
pubic area. An incision around the navel is
made to free it from the surrounding skin. The skin
is separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up
above the rib cage. Muscle tightening is
performed and the excess skin is removed. A
new opening is made for the navel and the incisions
are closed. A surgical garment is placed on
the patient. A full tummy tuck usually takes
between two and 2 ½ hours, and a mini tummy tuck
takes approximately 1 ½ hours.
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After
surgery, the patient has a flatter, trimmer
abdomen. Scars are permanent, but will fade
with time. |
Removing the excess
skin and fat will give you a flatter, firmer abdomen
and a thinner waist. The scars will be
permanent but will fade over time. Within three to
six months the scars will become flatter and lighten
in color. The scars will not disappear
completely, although they should not show under most
clothing, including bathing suits.
Illustrations
above are courtesy of ASPS (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
(The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.)
Pre Operative Instructions For Abdominoplasty
2 Weeks Before Surgery:
- Do not take
aspirin or ibuprofen products (You may take
Tylenol)
- Do not take any
diet pills or similar appetite suppressant
medications, (i.e. Metabolife)
- Do not take any
herbal preparations, (i.e. St. Johns Wart)
- Do no take
Vitamin E
- Do NOT SMOKE –
This will interfere with the circulation and
healing process causing major complications.
Products Needed at Home:
Fill
your prescriptions given to you during your pre-op
visit:
- Percocet,
Lortab, or Dilaudid is for the pain
- Keflex is an antibiotic (you will need to take all
of theses as directed)
- Diazepam is a muscle relaxer
Extra
–strength Tylenol
Benadryl
25mg – For Occasional Itching
The
Night Prior to Surgery:
- Eat a bland meal – Nothing Spicy
- Fleets enema
- Take a Pepcid AC
- If needed take one Diazepam to help you rest
The
Day of Surgery:
**Eating
or Drinking Prior to Surgery Will Result in the
Cancellation of the Surgery**
- Wear loose clothing, something very easy to
put on
after surgery. (Do not wear jeans or tight clothing)
- Do not wear make-up
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
- The person caring for you after surgery will need to
stay with you for at least 48 hours.
Post
Operative Instructions For Abdominoplasty
Medications:
- Take your pain medications for the pain. Do
not take it on an empty stomach.
- Take the antibiotics as directed until they are all
gone.
- Sometimes patients will develop a yeast infection
from the antibiotics, if this occurs call the
office.
- Should you become constipated, you may use an over
the counter stool softener. If you do not have
relief from your stool softener, call the office.
- Remember no aspirin products until 2 weeks after
surgery.
Other Things To Remember:
- If you feel you are in an emergency situation,
please call the office at any time. Our phones are
answered 24 hours a day. These calls include:
abnormal bleeding, abnormal swelling, or a
temperature over 101 degrees. Other calls should be
made during business hours Monday – Friday
9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
- You will have drains, which
are placed to collect excess fluid and blood, these
will be removed 3-5 days after surgery, depending on
the amount of drainage.
- You will wear a surgical
garment or binder around the clock for 3 weeks.
-
Should the incisions have
drainage, place gauze bandages under the surgical
garment over the draining area. Should the drainage
continue, call the office.
-
Try to keep your activities
to a moderate level. You will most likely not be able
to straighten your back completely for 3-7 days.
-
Most patients take 2 weeks
off from work.
Most patients find placing
pillows behind their back and under their knees
helps them to feel comfortable while resting.
- No Smoking.
- We ask that you not drive
for 7-10 days after surgery.
- We encourage you to use
lotions containing Aloe Vera and vitamin E on the
scars to help during the healing process, once all
of the sutures have been removed.
- Keep activity moderate for
the first 4 weeks. After 4 weeks you may ride a life
cycle, take walks, and lift light (5-8lbs) arm
weights. After 6-8 weeks you may resume normal
activities as tolerated.
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