A flat stomach is one of the most desired attributes.  Unfortunately for some, no diet or exercise can reduce sagging or excess skin and bulge of the abdomen.  Sometimes events such as pregnancy or weight gain combined with weight loss cause the skin and sometimes the underlying muscles to stretch to an extent that they never return to their original shape.  Abdominoplasty, also called tummy tuck, can restructure the stomach area by decreasing the excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles.

Risks Involved with Abdominoplasty
As with any surgical procedures, there are some risks involved. With an abdominoplasty procedure complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, each patient varies greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable.  Some of the complications that may occur include bleeding, infection, and reactions to the anesthesia.

Pre-operative Preparation for Abdominoplasty
Specific instructions will be given to you by Dr. DiTredici on how you should prepare for your surgery.  The most important guideline is that you should stop smoking at least a week or two before and after surgery, this restriction is highly recommended because smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin and can greatly affect the healing of your incision areas. For your safety on the day of your surgery you should make arrangements for someone to escort you home. 

Abdominoplasty Surgical Procedure
A horizontal incision is made on the lowest point of the abdomen, in the undergarment region.  The length of the incision is determined by the size of the protruding portion of the lower abdomen called the pannus.  The aim is to keep the incision as small as possible.  The skin and fat is then elevated all the way to the ribs.  This dissection occurs above the abdominal wall and never enters the abdominal cavity.  A circular incision is made around the umbilicus and this is left attached to the abdominal wall.  Later a new umbilicus will be made utilizing this original stalk.  Next, the separated abdominal muscles are sutured back together.  The skin is then pulled down and the excess is removed.  The tissues are sutured closed and a circular incision is made to accommodate the newly positioned umbilicus.  An abdominal support binder is placed and the surgery is complete.  Approximate length of time for the procedure is two to three hours.

Abdominoplasty Post-Operative
After the procedure you may experience some minor discomfort, in which, Dr. DiTredici will prescribe some medication to help alleviate. For the first few days you will be in a slight hunched position; however you are encouraged to walk.  There is an abdominal binder that will be provided to you. It will be placed right after surgery, and you are expected to wear it for at least 2-3 weeks after the procedure. The doctor will see you within 2-3 days to check on the incision, and to remove the drains that were placed.  After this visit he will see you once a week for about a month.  Any heavy lifting and quick movements should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.  Most of our patients return to work within 1-2 weeks after surgery, but some may need additional time to heal and recuperate.