Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may do the following:

• A physical exam, which includes an evaluation of the skin and abdomen
• Blood tests

Your doctor will talk to you about your expectations from the surgery.

Leading up to the procedure:

• Talk to your doctor about your current medications. Certain medications may need to be stopped up to one week before the procedure.
• Let your doctor know of any allergies you have.
• Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
• Arrange for help at home.
• Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight, unless otherwise instructed.

Abdominoplasty is not advised for everyone. Talk to your doctor if your future plans include:

• One or more pregnancies
• Continued weight loss

Smoking interferes with wound healing and increases the risk of scars. If you smoke, you will need to stop smoking for a period of time before and after the procedure. Most surgeons recommend smoking cessation for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery and 4 weeks after surgery.

Talk to your doctor about ways to successfully quit.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is often used. Some surgeons may perform this procedure under sedation. Sedation is a medication that will help you relax and probably sleep throughout the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

The exact steps of the procedure will depend on the goals of each surgery. Some common steps include:

• An incision will be made in the lower abdomen. The length of the incision depends on the extent of surgery needed. The largest incision can extend from the hipbone to hipbone.
• Sometimes the belly button is separated out. Once the skin is adjusted a new hole for the belly button is created in the area of skin now over the belly button. The belly button is then pulled through the new hole and stitched into place. In a mini-abdominoplasty, the belly button unaffected and not moved.
• In certain situations, internal stitches may be placed down the center of the abdominal muscles from the breastbone to the pubic area to help bring the muscles back together.
• When underlying tissue work is completed, your body will be flexed, or bent, at the hips and the skin is pulled down and any excess skin is removed.
• Liposuction may be done during this surgery to remove excess fat under the skin.

Once the work is complete, drainage tubes will be placed in the abdomen. These tubes will work to remove excess fluid from the abdomen.

The incisions are closed with stitches, adhesive, tape, or clips and covered with a bandage.

Immediately After Procedure

You will be taken to the recovery room and monitored.

How Long Will It Take?

2-5 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

In some cases, abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure. You will be able to go home after you recover from anesthesia. In other cases, an overnight stay is required. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

At Home