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Abdominoplasty is one of the
commonest procedures performed at plastic surgicentre
Doha in Qatar. Abdominoplasty, known more
commonly as a "tummy tuck" is a surgical procedure to remove
excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten
the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically
reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it
does produce a permanent scar-which, depending on the extent of the
original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend
from hip to hip.
If you're considering abdominoplasty, the
following information will give you a basic understanding of the
procedure - when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you
can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends
on the individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask your surgeon
about anything you don't understand.
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An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin
and fat from the middle and lower abdomen.
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The best candidates for abdominoplasty
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are
men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a
large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or
exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through
multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin
beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin
elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight
obesity, can also be improved.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the
surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as
vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can
separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous
abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against abdominoplasty or may caution you that scars could
be unusually prominent.
Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance
and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to
match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently.
Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your
expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
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Skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs.
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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 surgery and specific complications associated
with this procedure.
Postoperative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare,
but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics,
but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood
clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.
Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a
second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may
increase the risk of complications and delay healing.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's
instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to
when and how you should resume physical activity.
Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, Dr. Makki will evaluate your health,
determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and
carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you
smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr. Makki. He should be
equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and
limitations of each.
If, for example, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the
navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also known as a mini-tummy tuck,
which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the
other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty
done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the
hips, for a better body contour. Or may be liposuction alone would
create the best result.
In any case, Dr. Makki will work with you to recommend the procedure
that is right for you and will come closest to producing the desired
body contour.
During the consultation, Dr. Makki will also explain the anesthesia he
will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and
the costs involved. In most cases, health insurance policies do not
cover the cost of abdominoplasty, but you
should check your policy to be sure.
Preparing for your surgery
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The surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches
them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal
wall.
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Dr. Makki will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for
surgery, 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
surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery.
Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, 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
surgery will probably be postponed.
Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or in patient basis, you
should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to
help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.
Where your surgery will be performed
Many surgeons perform both partial and complete abdominoplasties
in an outpatient surgical center or an office-based facility. Others
prefer the hospital, where their patients can stay for several days.
Types of anesthesia
Dr. Makki may select general anesthesia, so you'll sleep through the
operation.
In some cases he may use local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to
make you drowsy. You'll be awake but relaxed, and your abdominal region
will be insensitive to pain. (However, you may feel some tugging or
occasional discomfort.)
The surgery
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Abdominal skin is drawn down and excess is removed.
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With complete abdominoplasty,
a new opening is cut for the navel. Both incisions are stitched closed.
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to
five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.
Most commonly, Dr. Makki 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, although
it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and
stitched.
Next, Dr. Makki separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way
up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical
muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened 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.
In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is
separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap
is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back
into place.
After your surgery
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After surgery, the patient has a flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are
permanent, but will fade with time.
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For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be
swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be
controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you
may be re leased within a few hours or you
may have to remain hospitalized for one to three days.
Dr Makki will give you instructions for showering and changing your
dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first,
you should start walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures,
with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three
weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support
garment.
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.
Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never
exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling,
lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise,
however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
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.
Your new look
Abdominoplasty, whether
partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with
weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the
results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise
regularly.
If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the
consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.
The information on this web site is only intended as an
introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine
whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the
result.
The best method of determining your personal options is to schedule a
personal consultation with Dr. Makki. He will be able to answer
specific questions related to your situation.
Please don't hesitate to call for any questions that you might have
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