Our Summary

This research paper examines a new technique in abdominoplasty, a surgical procedure often referred to as a “tummy tuck”, which aims to create a normal-looking abdomen with minimal signs of surgery. The new technique involves removing a certain amount of skin from the abdomen at the beginning of the operation, which the researchers call “en block” removal.

The study looked at 540 women who had this procedure between 2004 and 2018. The results showed that this technique made the rest of the surgery easier to perform and didn’t increase the risk of complications. The operation also took less time than traditional abdominoplasty.

Some patients experienced minor skin problems or needed further treatment for fluid accumulation or scar revision, but these complications were similar to those seen with traditional abdominoplasty. The position of the final scar was also found to be acceptable from a cosmetic point of view.

In conclusion, the study suggests that removing a portion of skin at the beginning of a tummy tuck is a safe and practical procedure, and could have benefits in terms of reduced operation time and good aesthetic results.

FAQs

  1. What does the new technique in abdominoplasty involve?
  2. How does the new abdominoplasty technique compare to traditional methods in terms of operation time and risk of complications?
  3. What were the common complications experienced by patients who underwent the new abdominoplasty technique?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about abdominoplasty is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome and minimize the risk of complications. This may include maintaining a healthy diet, quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications, and wearing compression garments as directed. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for abdominoplasty include:

  1. Patients who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that is resistant to diet and exercise.
  2. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area.
  3. Patients who have experienced changes in their abdominal area due to pregnancy or aging.
  4. Patients who have abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) that cannot be corrected with exercise alone.
  5. Patients who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery.

It is important for patients considering abdominoplasty to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure and to discuss their goals and expectations.

Timeline

Before abdominoplasty, a patient will typically schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations for the procedure. They will undergo a physical examination and discuss their medical history to determine if they are a good candidate for surgery. Pre-operative instructions will be provided, including guidelines for medications, diet, and smoking cessation.

On the day of the surgery, the patient will arrive at the surgical facility and undergo general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon will make incisions in the abdomen to remove excess skin and fat, tighten the abdominal muscles, and reposition the belly button if necessary. The procedure can take several hours to complete.

After abdominoplasty, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room before being discharged home. They will be prescribed pain medication and instructed on how to care for their incisions. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common after surgery, and the patient will need to wear a compression garment to support the abdomen during the healing process.

Over the following weeks and months, the patient will attend follow-up appointments with their plastic surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns. It can take several months for swelling to fully resolve and for the final results of the abdominoplasty to become apparent. With proper care and maintenance, the patient can enjoy a flatter, more toned abdomen that enhances their overall body contour.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Is abdominoplasty the right procedure for me?

  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with abdominoplasty?

  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?

  4. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the recovery process?

  5. Will I have visible scarring after the surgery and how can I minimize it?

  6. What are the realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery?

  7. How many abdominoplasty procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?

  8. What is the cost of the procedure and will it be covered by insurance?

  9. Are there any alternative treatment options for achieving similar results?

  10. How should I prepare for the surgery in terms of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes?

Reference

Authors: Sutcu M, Keskin M, Karacaoglan N. Journal: J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2022 Jun;56(3):160-166. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2021.1953040. Epub 2021 Jul 29. PMID: 34323657