A protruding abdomen as a result of weak abdominal muscles, weight gain, or pregnancy is a condition that causes distress to thousands of people. This condition does not respond well to diet or exercise because the skin and underlying muscles have been stretched.
Today, a remarkable procedure called, abdominoplasty has been designed to flatten a protruding abdomen through the tightening of abdominal wall muscles and removal of excess fatty tissue and skin.
Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss. The objective of the surgery is to improve the contour of the body by flattening and narrowing the abdomen. The best candidate for the surgery is the individual who is of normal weight but who has weak abdominal muscles and excess skin and fat.
Age, obesity and smoking habits are some of the factors the physician considers when evaluating a candidate for this procedure.
Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A careful examination is also conducted. Your discussion with a plastic surgeon can help you udnerstand the realistically be expected. Photographs will be taken before surgery.
The type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, and possible risks and complications are also discussed. Pre-operative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs that contain aspirin in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding.
Antibiotics will be prescribed prior to surgery to prevent infection. The patient will also be advised to bathe with an antiseptic soap for several days prior to surgery.
Abdominoplasty is usually performed in the outpatient facility, under general anesthesia with the patient asleep. Pre-medication may be administered to relax the patient. Although there are several procedures from which to choose, the one most frequently used by physicians involves a horizontal incision made below one hipbone and across the pubic area to under the other hip bone.
A second incision is made around the navel. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up to the breastbone exposing the loose tissue that covers the abdominal muscle. Lax abdominal muscles are sutured in order to tighten loose or stretched out muscles. The skin is then lowered over the abdomen and excess skin and fat is removed.
Before the incisions are closed with small sutures, the navel is reconstructed, and usually drains are inserted to eliminate fluid buildup. A compression garment is applied, we routinelly use a pain pump for 3-4 days.
This procedure is done as outpatient surgery. Patients often go home within one hour to 1.5 hours after surgery. Drains may be removed three to four days after the procedure when fluid levels decrease. Pain or discomfort from the surgery is controlled with oral medication. Any retained sutures are removed approximately three weeks after surgery.
The abdominal support garment, is worn for several weeks. During this time, patients must refrain from heavy lifting, straining or over-activity. Although patients are usually up and around the day of surgery, the physician decides when normal activities may be resumed.
This decision is based upon the extent of surgery and the patient's progress. Bruising and swelling which occur around the treated area will disappear within a few weeks. Scars from the procedure remain but fade significantly in time.
Author Resource:-
Dave Stringham, the President of LookingYourBest.com writes about plastic surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada and cosmetic surgery procedures such as las vegas tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, facelift, liposuction, and arm lift.
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