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The Plastic Surgery Center
Sin El Fil - Horsh Tabet
Mkalles - Main Road
SAR Center- Al Rifaii Bldg
2nd Floor
Tel/Fax: +961-1-481512
Email: info@dreliegharios.com Mobile: +961-3-820103
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Dr Elie Gharios about
Abdominoplasty
| By:
Dr Elie F. GHARIOS
 Even
people who aren't fat sometimes have a lot of extra skin, especially after pregnancy
or weight loss. The skin can be tightened up with a procedure called an abdominoplasty,
popularly known as a "tummy tuck." |
What
happens during the procedure?
 The
procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia and 3 to 4 days stay
in the hospital.
In many patients the excess skin is all below the belly button.
By making a short crosswise incision just above the pubic area and extending out
toward the hip bones, it is easy to take out the excess and tighten up what is
left. This technique is a minor tummy tuck and it take only an hour or two of
operating room time.
When the extra skin is above the belly button as well
as below it, all the abdominal skin must be pulled down and tightened. To avoid
dislodging the belly button, it is left in its original position on the muscles
and brought out later through a new hole in the skin. If the abdominal muscles
are loose or separated, they can be repaired at the same time. This is called
a standard tummy tuck or abdominoplasty and usually takes two to five hours, depending
on the extend of work required.
What to expect post-procedure
The
tummy tuck is an excellent operation with a low complication rate.
Drains
are removed on the 3rd or 4th day and sutures 10 to 14 days after the operation.
The
main potential problems are the scar around the belly button, which is usually
minor but can be conspicuous, and the scar across the lower abdomen, which tends
to widen but is usually concealed by a reasonable bathing suit.
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How
soon does normal life resume
 For
the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you are likely to
feel some discomfort which can be controlled by medication.
Recovery to feeling
like your normal self varies from patient to patient. If you start out in top
physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty
will be much faster. Some people return to work after one to two weeks. Others
take three to four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help you heal
better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program
to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous
exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
 Your
scars will evolve over the next six months to a year. Most of the changes will
happen during the first few months. Tissue folds will tend to flatten. The scars
will start out reddish in color and lighten over time. You will be given long
term scar care instructions in our office to optimize their softening and improvement.
Your active participation in this scar care will improve your chances to minimize
these scars.
Your new look
Abdominoplasty, whether partial (mini
tummy tuck) or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened
abdominal muscles or excess skin. In most cases, the results are long lasting,
if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you are realistic in
your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a
lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you. |
| Dr Elie
GHARIOS
Plastic Surgery Center - Lebanon
Horsh-Tabet - F. Chehab Av.
SAR
Center (Al Rifai Bldg)
2nd Floor | | info@dreliegharios.com |
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