Abdominal wall surgery is surgery that improves the appearance of flabby, stretched-out abdominal (belly) muscles and skin. It is often called a "tummy tuck." It can range from a simple "mini-tummy tuck" to more complicated, extended surgery.
It is not the same as Liposuction, another way to remove fat. But abdominal wall surgery is sometimes combined with liposuction.
Alternative NamesCosmetic surgery of the abdomen; Tummy tuck; Abdominoplasty
DescriptionYour surgery will be done in an operating room in a hospital. You will receive general anesthesia. This will make you unconscious and unable to feel pain during the procedure. The surgery takes 2 to 6 hours. You can expect to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after surgery.
After you receive anesthesia, your surgeon will make an incision (cut) across your abdomen to open up the area. This incision will be just above your pubic area.
Your surgeon will remove fatty tissue and loose skin from the middle and lower sections of your abdomen to make it firmer and flatter. In extended surgeries, the surgeon also removes excess fat and skin ("love handles") from the sides of the abdomen. Your abdominal muscles may be tightened also.
Your surgeon will close your incision with sutures (stitches). Your surgeon may insert small flat tubes called drains to allow fluid to drain out of your incision. These will be removed later.
A firm elastic dressing (bandage) will be placed over your abdomen.
For a less complicated surgery, your surgeon may use medical devices called endoscopes. Endoscopes are tiny cameras that are inserted into the skin through very small incisions. They are connected to a video monitor in the operating room that allows the surgeon to see the area being worked on. Your surgeon will remove excess fat with other small tools that are inserted through other small incisions. This surgery is called endoscopic surgery.
Why the Procedure Is PerformedMost of the time, the surgery is called "elective" or "cosmetic" surgery because it is something you choose to have. It is not usually needed for health reasons. Cosmetic abdomen repair can help improve appearance, especially after a lot of weight gain or loss. It helps flatten the lower abdomen and tighten stretched skin.
It may also help relieve skin rashes or infections that happened under large flaps of skin.
Abdominoplasty can be helpful when:
Abdominoplasty is not used as a way to lose weight.
RisksThe risks for any anesthesia are:
The risks for any surgery are:
Risks of abdominoplasty are:
Always tell your doctor or nurse:
Before your surgery:
On the day of your surgery:
You will have some pain and discomfort for several days after surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medicine to help you manage your pain. It may help to rest with your legs and hips bent during recovery to reduce pressure on your abdomen.
Wearing an elastic support similar to a girdle for 2 to 3 weeks will provide extra support while you heal. You should avoid strenuous activity and anything that makes you strain for 4 weeks. You will probably be able to return to work in 2 to 4 weeks.
You will need to schedule a visit with your doctor to have your stitches removed.
Your scars will become flatter and lighter in color over the next 3 to 6 months. Do not let the sun shine directly on your incision. Keep it covered when you are out in the sun.
Outlook (Prognosis)Most people are happy with the results of abdominoplasty. Many feel a new sense of self-confidence.
ReferencesBurns JL, Blackwell SJ. Plastic surgery. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 73.
Abdominal wall surgery is surgery that improves the appearance of flabby, stretched-out abdominal (belly) muscles and skin. It is often called a "tummy tuck." It can range from a simple "mini-tummy tuck" to more complicated, extended surgery.
Tummy tuck is not the same as liposuction, another way to remove fat. But abdominal wall surgery is sometimes combined with liposuction.
Alternative NamesCosmetic surgery of the abdomen; Tummy tuck; Abdominoplasty
DescriptionYour surgery will be done in an operating room in a hospital. You will receive general anesthesia. This will make you asleep and pain-free during the procedure. The surgery takes 2 to 6 hours. You can expect to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after surgery.
After you receive anesthesia, your surgeon will make a cut across your abdomen to open up the area. This cut will be just above your pubic area.
Your surgeon will remove fatty tissue and loose skin from the middle and lower sections of your abdomen to make it firmer and flatter. In extended surgeries, the surgeon also removes excess fat and skin (a€œlove handlesa€) from the sides of the abdomen. Your abdominal muscles may be tightened also.
Mini abdominoplasty is performed when there are areas of fat pockets (love handles). It can be done with much smaller cuts.
Your surgeon will close your cut with sutures (stitches). Your surgeon may insert small flat tubes called drains to allow fluid to drain out of your cut. These will be removed later.
A firm elastic dressing (bandage) will be placed over your abdomen.
For a less complicated surgery, your surgeon may use a medical device called an endoscope. Endoscopes are tiny cameras that are inserted into the skin through very small cuts.
They are connected to a video monitor in the operating room that allows the surgeon to see the area being worked on. Your surgeon will remove excess fat with other small tools that are inserted through other small cuts. This surgery is called endoscopic surgery.
Why the Procedure Is PerformedMost of the time, the surgery is called "elective" or "cosmetic" surgery because it is something you choose to have. It is not usually needed for health reasons. Cosmetic abdomen repair can help improve appearance, especially after a lot of weight gain or loss. It helps flatten the lower abdomen and tighten stretched skin.
It may also help relieve skin rashes or infections that happen under large flaps of skin. It can improve your image and self-esteem.
Abdominoplasty can be helpful when:
Tummy tuck is major surgery. It is important to read about the procedure before having it.
Abdominoplasty is not used as an alternative to weight loss.
RisksThe risks for any anesthesia are:
The risks for any surgery are:
Risks of abdominoplasty are:
Always tell your doctor or nurse:
Before your surgery:
On the day of your surgery:
You will have some pain and discomfort for several days after surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medicine to help you manage your pain. It may help to rest with your legs and hips bent during recovery to reduce pressure on your abdomen.
Wearing an elastic support similar to a girdle for 2 to 3 weeks will provide extra support while you heal. You should avoid strenuous activity and anything that makes you strain for 4 to 6 weeks. You will probably be able to return to work in 2 to 4 weeks.
You will need to schedule a visit with your doctor to have your stitches removed.
Your scars will become flatter and lighter in color over the next 3 to 6 months. Do not expose the area to sun, because it can worsen the scar and darken the color. Keep it covered when you are out in the sun. You may have to apply a special cream until the cut is completely healed.
Outlook (Prognosis)Most people are happy with the results of abdominoplasty. Many feel a new sense of self-confidence.
ReferencesBurns JL, Blackwell SJ. Plastic surgery. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 73.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 01/24/2011
Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
An abdominal wall is the layer of muscles which surrounds the abdominal cavity and contains the abdominal organs.
it is a handheld instrument used to retract abdominal wall and other soft tissue during surgery.
aims to return the abdominal organs back to the abdominal cavity, and to repair the defect if possible. It can also be performed to create a pouch to protect the intestines until they are inserted back into the abdomen
This is due to placement of the stoma where the abdominal wall is weak or creation of an overly large opening in the abdominal wall. The use of an ostomy support belt and special pouching supplies may be adequate.
A hernia. It is an organ or tissue that sticks out through a weak area in the muscle or other tissue that usually contains it such as the abdominal wall. The cause is usually a weakness in the wall. The first symptom is a bulge in the wall. Treat by wearing a supportive garment or truss. In severe cases, surgery is performed.
This varies according to your individual case but around $3,000 to $8,500, according to The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.
Incisions are made through the mother's abdominal wall. Using ultrasound as a guide. A narrow tube is placed through a tiny hole in the uterine wall to drain and collect the amniotic fluid.
A groin hernia is a protrusion of the intestine through the abdominal wall. It leaves a noticeable lump in the groin and can only be fixed by surgery.
the pediatric surgeon enlarges the hole in the abdominal wall in order to examine the bowel for damage or other birth defects. Damaged portions of the bowel are removed and the healthy bowel is reconnected with stitches
Can hernia occur again after surgery? Yes, a hernia can occur after surgery. Hernias are caused by a weakness or defect in the abdominal wall muscle or groin due to strain, injury or weak muscle tone.
loops of the intestines the intestines and other abdominal organs or the abdominal wall abdominal organs such as the liver or bladder and the abdominal wall tissues of the uterus
They'll encourage you to walk at first. You've got to heal the abdominal wall before anything stenuous is allowed. Figure two weeks to get back to a normal ife style.