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Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck", is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men and women who are in relatively good shape, but are bothered by large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved. PLANNING YOUR SURGERYDr. Burt Greenberg will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. A full medical history will be obtained. Dr. Burt Greenberg will determine, whether a a partial abdominoplasty (a "mini tummy tuck") or a full abdominoplasty will be performed. Additionally, Dr. Burt Greenberg will determine whether liposuction in the hip, waist, and love handle region will help improve the overall result of your body contouring. THE SURGERYGeneral anesthesia is used and provided by board-certified anesthesiologists who work exclusively with Dr. Burt Greenberg. Abdominoplasty surgical time ranges from one to two hours. The procedure is performed in Dr. Burt Greenberg's plastic surgery facility, The Great Neck Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Facility, which is accredited at the highest level ("C" level) by the American Association of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF). Hospitalization is not necessary unless additional procedures are performed concomitantly, such as a large abdominal hernia repair or reconstructive procedures of other areas of the body. The incision extends from the area of one hip bone to the other, curved within the hair bearing aspect of the pubic region. The skin is elevated to the region below the rib cage, the navel is temporarily disconnected and then replaced at the conclusion of the procedure. Two small drain tubes are introduced through pubic hair bearing skin which are removed in several days. The rectus muscles are tightened and sutured into their new position, resulting in a firmer abdominal wall and a narrowing of the waistline. AFTER YOUR SURGERYFor the first few days, your abdomen will be swollen and you are likely to feel pain and discomfort. This can be controlled with medication and the use of an abdominal binder. It is critical to understand the need to walk in the "bent-over" position to avoid tension on the suture line, which may then result in separation and/or infection. Patients are required to sleep in a flexed position, using a large pillow behind the upper back and beneath the hamstring area. Assistance will be needed in using the bathroom and getting out of bed. You will not be able to stand straight for at least one week. It is recommended that you not lift heavy objects, bend over, sit straight up in bed, or tie your shoes are during post-operative care. It may take several weeks to months to feel like "your old self" again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to near-normal activities in two weeks and others take longer. Generally, pre-operative exercise will help you heal better. Post-operative exercise, however, should be avoided until Dr. Greenberg states you may do so. Edema, or swelling, in the abdominal flaps, numbness, and dry skin generally dissipate somewhat over the first weeks to months following the procedure. In some patients, abdominal skin numbness is permanent. The final outcome is apparent approximately three months following the abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures.
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BURT GREENBERG,
MD. FACS
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