URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002978.

htm
AbdominaI waII surgery
Abdominal wall surgery: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002978.htm
1 oI 4 10/8/2013 7:33 PM
PDF Creator - PDF4Free v3.0 http://www.pdf4free.com
Abdominal wall surgery is surgery that improves the appearance of flabby, stretched-out abdominal (belly) muscles
and skin. t is often called a "tummy tuck." t can range from a simple "mini-tummy tuck" to more complicated,
extensive surgery.
Abdominal wall surgery is not the same as liposuction, which is another way to remove fat. But abdominal wall surgery
is sometimes combined with liposuction.
Description
Your surgery will be done in an operating room in a hospital. You will receive general anesthesia. This will make you
sleep and keep you pain-free during the procedure. The surgery takes 2 to 6 hours. You can expect to stay in the
hospital for 1 to 3 days after surgery.
After you receive anesthesia, your surgeon will make a cut across your abdomen to open up the area. This cut will be
just above your pubic area.
Your surgeon will remove fatty tissue and loose skin from the middle and lower sections of your abdomen to make it
firmer and flatter. n extended surgeries, the surgeon also removes excess fat and skin (love handles) from the sides
of the abdomen. Your abdominal muscles may be tightened also.
Mini abdominoplasty is performed when there are areas of fat pockets (love handles). t can be done with much
smaller cuts.
Your surgeon will close your cut with sutures (stitches). Your surgeon may insert small flat tubes called drains to allow
fluid to drain out of your cut. These will be removed later.
A firm elastic dressing (bandage) will be placed over your abdomen.
For less complicated surgery, your surgeon may use a medical device called an endoscope. Endoscopes are tiny
cameras that are inserted into the skin through very small cuts. They are connected to a video monitor in the operating
room that allows the surgeon to see the area being worked on. Your surgeon will remove excess fat with other small
tools that are inserted through other small cuts. This surgery is called endoscopic surgery.
Why the Procedure is Performed
Most of the time, the surgery is called elective or cosmetic surgery because it is an operation you choose to have. t is
not usually needed for health reasons. Cosmetic abdomen repair can help improve appearance, especially after a lot
of weight gain or loss. t helps flatten the lower abdomen and tighten stretched skin.
t may also help relieve skin rashes or infections that happen under large flaps of skin.
Abdominoplasty can be helpful when:
Diet and exercise have not helped improve muscle tone, such as in women who have had more than one
pregnancy.
Skin and muscle cannot regain its normal tone. This can be a problem for very overweight people who lost a lot
of weight.
Tummy tuck is major surgery. t is important to read about the procedure before having it.
Abdominoplasty is not used as an alternative to weight loss.
Risks
The risks for any anesthesia are:
Reactions to medicines
Breathing problems
Heart attack or stroke
Abdominal wall surgery: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002978.htm
2 oI 4 10/8/2013 7:33 PM
PDF Creator - PDF4Free v3.0 http://www.pdf4free.com
The risks for any surgery are:
Bleeding
nfection
Bruising
Swelling
Scarring
Blood clots in the legs or lungs
Risks of abdominoplasty are:
Damage to internal organs
Excessive scarring
Having a very low body temperature during surgery
Loss of skin
Nerve damage that can cause pain or numbness in part of your belly
Poor healing
Before the Procedure
Always tell your doctor or nurse:
f you could be pregnant
What drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription
Before your surgery:
Several days before surgery, you may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin
(Coumadin), and any other drugs that affect blood clotting.
Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.
f you smoke, try to stop. Ask your doctor or nurse for help. You must stop smoking for at least 2 weeks before
surgery. Smoking significantly increases the risk for complications.
On the day of your surgery:
You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.
After the Procedure
You will have some pain and discomfort for several days after surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medicine to help
you manage your pain. t may help to rest with your legs and hips bent during recovery to reduce pressure on your
abdomen.
Wearing an elastic support similar to a girdle for 2 to 3 weeks will provide extra support while you heal. You should
avoid strenuous activity and anything that makes you strain for 4 to 6 weeks. You will probably be able to return to
work in 2 to 4 weeks.
You will need to schedule a visit with your doctor to have your stitches removed.
Your scars will become flatter and lighter in color over the next 3 to 6 months. Do not expose the area to sun, because
it can worsen the scar and darken the color. Keep it covered when you are out in the sun. You may have to apply a
special cream until the cut is completely healed.
OutIook (Prognosis)
Most people are happy with the results of abdominoplasty. Many feel a new sense of self-confidence.
Abdominal wall surgery: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002978.htm
3 oI 4 10/8/2013 7:33 PM
PDF Creator - PDF4Free v3.0 http://www.pdf4free.com
AIternative Names
Cosmetic surgery of the abdomen; Tummy tuck; Abdominoplasty
References
McGrath MH, Pomerantz J. Plastic surgery. n: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston
Textbook of Surgery. 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 69.
Update Date: 1/29/2013
Updated by: John A. Daller, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Chester, PA. Review
provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, nc., Editorial Team:
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
A.D.A.M., nc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission
(www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous
standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online
health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy.
A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation
(www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all
medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other
sites. Copyright 1997-2013, A.D.A.M., nc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.
Abdominal wall surgery: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002978.htm
4 oI 4 10/8/2013 7:33 PM
PDF Creator - PDF4Free v3.0 http://www.pdf4free.com