Our Summary

This research paper discusses the common practice of combining abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck) with other surgeries. In fact, tummy tucks rank as the fifth most popular cosmetic surgery in the U.S., and they’re often paired with liposuction, breast surgery, lower back lifts, and thigh lifts. Other procedures can include hernia repairs and gynecologic procedures. The aim of combining these operations is to improve the overall appearance while keeping patients safe from complications. This requires considering individual health factors and the increased risks tied to lengthy surgeries and prolonged exposure.

FAQs

  1. What is abdominoplasty often combined with during surgery?
  2. What is the aim of combining abdominoplasty with other operations?
  3. What are the potential risks of combining abdominoplasty with other surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about abdominoplasty is to carefully follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This can include maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and getting regular exercise to ensure a successful outcome and minimize the risk of complications. It’s also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for abdominoplasty are those who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. This can be a result of factors such as pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Candidates for abdominoplasty should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery, and be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the procedure.

Patients who have undergone significant weight loss and have loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area may also benefit from abdominoplasty. This procedure can help improve the contour of the abdomen and enhance the overall appearance of the body.

It’s important for patients considering abdominoplasty to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s medical history, current health status, and aesthetic goals to determine if abdominoplasty is the right option for them. Additionally, patients should be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty, such as infection, bleeding, and poor wound healing, and be prepared to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions to minimize these risks.

Timeline

Before abdominoplasty:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals, medical history, and expectations for the surgery.
  2. Pre-operative preparation: The patient may need to undergo medical tests, adjust medications, and quit smoking to reduce the risk of complications.
  3. Surgery day: The patient arrives at the surgical facility and undergoes the abdominoplasty procedure, which typically takes 2-5 hours depending on the extent of the surgery.

After abdominoplasty:

  1. Immediate recovery: The patient wakes up from anesthesia and is monitored closely for any complications.
  2. Hospital stay: Some patients may need to stay overnight in the hospital for observation and pain management.
  3. Post-operative care: The patient will need to follow specific instructions for wound care, activity restrictions, and pain management.
  4. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have several follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  5. Long-term results: Over the following weeks and months, the patient will see the full results of their abdominoplasty as swelling goes down and scars fade.
  6. Maintenance: Patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise to ensure long-lasting results.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after abdominoplasty involves thorough preparation, careful monitoring, and ongoing care to achieve the desired outcome while minimizing risks.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty and are there any alternative treatments I should consider?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty?
  3. How many abdominoplasty surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  4. Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital after the procedure?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  6. How long is the recovery process and what restrictions will I have to follow during this time?
  7. What results can I realistically expect from abdominoplasty and are there any limitations to the outcome?
  8. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments in the future to maintain the results of abdominoplasty?
  9. How much scarring can I expect and what can be done to minimize its appearance?
  10. What post-operative care instructions should I follow to ensure a successful recovery?

Reference

Authors: Shermak MA. Journal: Clin Plast Surg. 2020 Jul;47(3):365-377. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2020.02.001. Epub 2020 Apr 2. PMID: 32448473