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Sometimes after multiple pregnancies or
large weight loss, abdominal muscles weaken, and skin in the area becomes
flaccid. Abdominoplasty can tighten the abdominal muscles and, in some instances,
improve stretch marks. In men and women who have fat that is concentrated
in the abdomen, the procedure will remove excess skin and fat. The surgery
will not eliminate minor wrinkling or take the place of dieting, but it can
improve a loss of skin elasticity in combination with localized fat accumulation.
This operation may be performed on an outpatient basis or
during a brief hospital stay. To smooth out the abdomen, the surgeon works
through a low abdominal incision that spans the hips. Because sagging skin
will be pulled down over the abdomen before it is removed, it may be necessary
to release the navel from its surrounding skin and bring it out through a
new skin opening. Resulting scars across the public area and around the navel
are permanent but flatten and lighten in color over time.
Sometimes, abdominoplasty may be combined with liposuction
to achieve the best result. In some instances, when skin laxity and muscle
weakness are limited to the area below the navel, a modified abdominoplasty
may be recommended. This procedure usually leaves a shorter scar and no scarring
around the navel.
Following abdominoplasty, you will be advised to wear a
light support garment during the recovery period and to avoid strenuous activity
for a few weeks.
Dr. Worland has lectured and written abdominoplasties utilizing
the tumescent technique, thereby obviating the need for general anesthesia
and its associated increased risks.
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