Cosmetic Procedures - Tummy Tuck - Operation

Abdominoplasty is performed either in a hospital or outpatient surgery center setting under general anesthesia. There are essentially two basic types of abdominoplasties which are from a more minor to major type procedure dependent upon the patient's abdominal problem. In the more limited mini-abdominoplasty, which is suited for loose abdominal muscles with minimal excessive skin and fat, an incision is made within the pubic hairline. This permits a small amount of overlying skinand fat to be removed and the rectus muscles sewn together. In the more extensive abdominoplasty, a u-shaped incision is made from one hip bone to the other crossing the pubic area. The skin is then undermined up to the ribs. This wide exposure permits the abdominal muscles to be tightly sewn together. The abdominal skin is then lowered and stretched out to reach the lower incision. Excessive skin and fat is removed and the incision closed. The navel is reconstructed by bringing it up through the lowered abdominal skin. Plastic drains will exit from the ends of the closed incision over the hip bones and prevents fluid buildup postoperatively. In most cases, liposuction of the waistline and flanks is performed to obtain the best result. A soft gauze dressing is then applied over the abdomen and a compression garment is applied.