Our Summary

This research paper discusses the various ways in which general/abdominal surgery and plastic surgery can work together. The authors draw on their own experiences, as well as other studies, to give examples of how these two fields can collaborate. They discuss various medical conditions and procedures, including pressure ulcers, soft tissue defects, weight loss surgery, rectal surgery, hernia surgery, severe skin infections, tumor removal, liposuction, lymphedema treatment, nerve surgery, and sternum infection. In each case, they explain how plastic surgery can improve the outcome, by either enhancing the aesthetic result, or by improving function and reducing complications. The authors stress that this is not an exhaustive list, but they hope to encourage more cooperation between these two fields. The goal is to use the best techniques and tactics from each field to improve patient outcomes.

FAQs

  1. How can plastic surgery improve the outcome of general/abdominal surgeries?
  2. What are some specific medical conditions and procedures where general surgery and plastic surgery can effectively collaborate?
  3. What is the main goal of combining techniques and tactics from both general/abdominal surgery and plastic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about a tummy tuck is to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet both before and after the procedure. This can help to maintain the results of the tummy tuck and promote overall health and well-being. Additionally, following the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as avoiding strenuous activities and wearing compression garments, can help to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. It is important to communicate openly with the surgeon about any concerns or questions throughout the process to achieve the desired outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, are those who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that cannot be improved through diet and exercise alone. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are individuals who are in good overall health, close to their ideal body weight, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.

Some common reasons why patients may seek a tummy tuck include:

  • Individuals who have undergone significant weight loss and have excess skin and tissue that hangs loosely around the abdomen
  • Women who have experienced changes in their abdominal area following pregnancy and childbirth, such as stretched abdominal muscles and loose skin
  • Individuals who have lost skin elasticity due to aging and are unable to achieve a toned appearance through diet and exercise
  • Patients with a protruding abdomen due to weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)

It is important for patients considering a tummy tuck to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure. The surgeon will assess the patient’s overall health, medical history, and aesthetic goals to determine the best approach to achieve a more toned and contoured abdominal area.

Timeline

Before a tummy tuck procedure, a patient typically goes through a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations. They may also undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a good candidate for the surgery. The patient will be advised on how to prepare for the procedure, including any necessary lifestyle changes or medications to avoid.

During the tummy tuck procedure, the patient will be placed under general anesthesia and the plastic surgeon will remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, tighten the underlying muscles, and reposition the belly button if necessary. The surgery can take several hours depending on the extent of the procedure.

After the tummy tuck, the patient will experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. They will need to follow post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include wearing a compression garment, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period of time. The patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing.

Over time, the swelling and bruising will gradually subside, and the patient will start to see the final results of the tummy tuck. They may experience improved self-confidence and body image, as well as a more toned and contoured abdomen. It is important for the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain the results of the tummy tuck for the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a tummy tuck?
  3. What type of tummy tuck procedure do you recommend for me and why?
  4. What kind of results can I expect from a tummy tuck?
  5. How long is the recovery period after a tummy tuck?
  6. Will I have visible scarring after a tummy tuck and how can it be minimized?
  7. Are there any non-surgical alternatives to a tummy tuck that I should consider?
  8. How much experience do you have performing tummy tuck procedures?
  9. Can you show me before and after photos of previous tummy tuck patients?
  10. What post-operative care instructions should I follow to ensure optimal results?

Reference

Authors: Kraus A, Damert HG, Meyer F. Journal: Innov Surg Sci. 2023 Sep 21;8(2):103-112. doi: 10.1515/iss-2023-0042. eCollection 2023 Jun. PMID: 38058780