Prior to Procedure

You may have:

• A physical exam
• Blood tests

Your doctor will talk to you about what you expect from the surgery.

Leading up to the procedure:

• Talk to your doctor about your medicines.
• Certain medicines may need to be stopped up to 1 week in advance.
• Let your doctor know of any allergies you have.
• Arrange for a ride home.
• Arrange for help at home.
• Don’t eat or drink after midnight, unless told otherwise.

This surgery is not for everybody. Talk to your doctor if your future plans are for:

• One or more pregnancies
• Continued weight loss

Smoking interferes with wound healing, making the chances of scars higher. If you smoke, you will need to stop smoking before and after the procedure. Most surgeons advise stopping smoking for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.

Talk to your doctor about how you can quit for successfully.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is often used. Some doctors use sedation. Sedation will help you relax. It may also put you to sleep.

Description of the Procedure

The exact steps of the procedure will depend on your goals. Common steps:

• A cut made in the lower belly. The length depends on the how much surgery is needed. The largest cut can go from hipbone to hipbone.
• Sometimes the belly button is separated out. Once the skin is adjusted, a new hole for the belly button is made. The belly button is pulled through the new hole and stitched into place. In a mini abdominoplasty, the belly button’s not moved.
• Stitches may be placed down the middle of the abdominal muscles. They will go from the breastbone to the pubic area. This helps bring the muscles back together. In some cases, they may be placed inside the body.
• 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 belly. These tubes will work to drain fluid from the site.

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

Liposuction of the Abdomen Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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. Medicines will help with pain after.

Average Hospital Stay

In some cases, abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure. You will be able to go home after you wake up from anesthesia. In other cases, an overnight stay is needed. You will need to stay longer if there are problems.

Post-procedure Care