Body Plastic Surgery Procedures in Philadelphia

Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Surgery

Women frequently ask themselves, "what happened to my body?" after the birth of their second or third child. Despite dieting and exercise, women notice their abdomen does not look as good as it once did. Stretch marks may be present across their lower abdomen, and no matter how many "crunches" are done, muscle tone just cannot be recovered.

For these reasons, many women consider an abdominoplasty, ("tummy tuck"). Through this surgery, excess lower abdominal skin is removed. Muscles which have been displaced by pregnancy are tightened and returned to their anatomic position. This procedure can be tailored to the individual—short incisions for limited skin excess and longer incisions as needed. Liposuction of the hips is frequently performed to enhance the surgical result. Some patients may also choose to have other cosmetic procedures in the same operative setting, thereby allowing for a combined recovery. Alternatively, abdominoplasty can be performed at the same time as a hysterectomy.

Liposuction can remove excess fat from the lower abdomen and, if excess fat is the only concern, then it is the preferred treatment. However, when skin excess and muscle looseness are significant, an abdominoplasty can be the better choice.

The ideal patient for an abdominoplasty is in good health, reasonably close to their ideal body weight, and plans to have no further children. An abdominoplasty is not a treatment for obesity nor is it a substitute for proper diet and exercise.

Abdominoplasty Surgery and Recovery

Due to the scope of this surgery, it is performed under general anesthesia. While it may be done as an outpatient, we prefer to have the patient stay in the hospital after their surgery. Postoperative pain is more easily managed in this manner. Furthermore, family members or friends can be relieved of the nursing responsibilities which are usually the greatest during the first 24 hours following surgery.

After discharge, most patients can return to work in as little as a week or two. Those whose job requires lifting or strenuous type work can usually return to work in 2-3 weeks. Abdominoplasty is a significant procedure and involves risks common to similar surgeries. Bleeding and infection, although possible, should be very uncommon.

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