Abdominoplasty
Tummy Tuck (also known as abdominoplasty or dermal lipectomy) is a procedure that can remove the "pooch" of excess skin that lies below your navel. It can get rid of stretch marks and turn a very visible vertical C-section scar into a small bikini line that's easy to conceal. For most women, this procedure can be done on an outpatient basis with a one night stay at a nurse-supervised surgical recovery facility. Dr, Brenner can also perform this operation at the same time as a tubal ligation, labial rejuvenation or hysterectomy, in conjunction with a patient’s obstetrician. This combination of procedures may require a short in-patient hospital stay.
The abdominoplasty procedure most commonly involves a curved
incision in the bikini line that extends from hip to hip. The length of
the incision depends greatly on each individual’s body shape and
habitus. The excess skin that exists between the bikini line and the
belly-button (umbilicus) is removed. The skin and fat of the abdominal
wall is then carefully separated from the underlying muscle. This
requires a circular incision around the belly button (umbilicus). The
underlying muscle is then sewn together to tighten it and flatten the
abdominal contour. The skin and fat is then pulled snugly down to the
bikini line and a new hole is created for the belly-button in order to
keep it located centrally. Frequently, Dr. Brenner will be able to conceal a portion of the umbilical incision so that it is less visible to observers.
Two plastic tube drains are placed underneath the abdominal wall to
help remove any fluid that normally would accumulate after this
operation. The drains are usually removed after one or two weeks
following the operation. After surgery, you will be sore, but the discomfort can be controlled
with oral pain medications. Some patients will require an overnight stay at a nearby surgical recovery center following their abdominoplasty. Your activity will be limited for the first two or three days after surgery, but by the
end of the week you should be able to resume most of your regular activities.
To help support the abdomen and reduce swelling, you may have to wear an abdominal binder
for a couple of weeks. For women who have a hernia through their navel (umbilical hernia), this can usually be repaired at the same time as the abdominoplasty procedure. Umbilical hernias can lead to serious health risks
if left untreated (chronic pain, bowel obstruction, small intestinal
damage), so they should be repaired. A hernia repair is a medically
indicated procedure and is usually covered by most health insurance
plans. Dr. Brenner will work with your insurance carrier to help you
learn if this operation is a covered benefit within your plan. Click on photos below for an enlarged view:
