Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Prior to procedure (Abdominoplasty)
Loose abdominal wall skin which is often associated with excess fat is of concern to most women especially after
pregnancies. With each pregnancy, the rectus abdomini muscles which are visible as "six packs" on the abdominal wall,
stretch apart and loosen. With this loosening comes increased bulging of the abdominal contents leading to a
"protruding abdomen." An abdominoplasty procedure, otherwise known as a “tummy-tuck,” addresses the excess fat and
skin, as well as the weakness and spreading apart of the rectus abdominis muscles.
In preparation for this procedure, we ask that you clear your gastrointestinal tract with Fleet's. This medication
will make it more comfortable to go to the bathroom, while minimizing surgical risks. The day prior to your surgery,
we ask that you only consume a clear liquid diet to maintain your intestines clear of any residue.
You can otherwise perform your regular activities and work until the day of surgery. Be certain to drink plenty of
fluids to remain well hydrated. On your last appointment prior to the day of surgery, we ask that you wear your
favorite bikini bottom. This will be used by Dr. Sayah to mark the surgical incisions to assure your final abdominal
scar will be well hidden by the bikini.
Background
Dr. Sayah prefers light general anesthesia for his procedures. With this anesthetic technique, you will breathe on
your own, completely unaware of the surgery. While you sleep, a local anesthetic is injected into the surgical site to
minimize post-surgical pain.
Using markings made prior to procedure, incisions are made at the bikini line and around the umbilicus
(belly button). The abdominal skin and underlying fat are then raised surgically. The loose abdominal muscles which
have spread apart with time are sutured together in a special manner to bring them back to their anatomically correct
position. This technique will also tighten the abdominal wall and give you an improved figure. Liposuction is
performed to remove any excess fat which remains on the sides. The skin is then re-draped over your abdomen and the
excess skin and fat are excised. Multiple layers are used to close the skin in order to minimize scarring, and to
ensure that the final scar will remain within the "bikini region."
Before the completion of the surgery, a long-acting anesthetic is injected into the surgical sites to minimize
pain post-operatively. Silastic drains are typically placed to collect any oozing that may occur during the few days
after surgery. The drains are typically removed during the first week. An abdominal binder is applied at the
completion of the procedure. You are asked to take the binder off every 4 hours until your first visit.
Post procedure (Abdominoplasty)
Following your procedure, you will be asked to walk with your back flexed forward at the hips in order to minimize
tension on the abdominal. When getting into and out of bed, turn onto your side and get up sideways to minimize any
straining of the wound. Do not attempt to sit-up in bed. Lie down in bed only with your back elevated with a few
pillows. You should not lie flat for the first 2 weeks after surgery. It is also recommended to not sit perfectly
upright for longer than one hour per day during the first week.
On the day of surgery you should drink fluids; but if you experience discomfort, please advance your diet slowly.
Take your medications as prescribed including your antibiotics and pain medicine. You should sleep restfully on this
evening.
On first day after surgery, get out of bed by first rolling onto your side. Dr. Sayah encourages you to walk around
as much as possible, and to not lie in bed for prolonged periods. When in bed, move your calves regularly to keep
blood circulating in your legs. Take plenty of deep breaths to maintain your lungs well aerated and to avoid collapse
of certain portions of your lungs. You may be aided with your deep breaths by holding a pillow against your abdomen
to minimize abdominal motion with deep inspiration. Refer to your “general instructions” sheets which were provided
to you for further information as necessary. Remember to remove your compression garment (girdle) every 4 hours while
you are awake. Empty the drains and record the time and amount whenever the “bulb” appears to be about ½ full. The
bulb must be fully collapsed in order to function properly.
During the following week, you are encouraged to walk as much as comfortably possible. The office staff will be
contacting you regularly to ensure your comfort, and to answer any questions. In order for the swelling to resolve
more rapidly and to improve your final results, we ask that you wear your compression garment (girdle) for 6-8 weeks.
|