Reasons for needing abdominoplasty include multiple pregnancies in women,
excess weight loss, multiple past abdominal surgeries that have left the
abdomen weakened and fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that will not
respond to regular diet and exercise.

During your consultation, Dr. Khanna will discuss with you the goals and
limitations of the surgery, as well as the risks associated with it. Although
abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and increase your confidence
and self-esteem, it is important to be realistic about the outcome of your surgery
as it relates to your specific needs and body type.

There are two types of abdominoplasty procedures. The first is a full or complete
abdominoplasty, which addresses problems regarding the whole of the
abdominal area. This surgical procedure ranges in length from 2-5 hours
depending on the extent of the repair. The second procedure is a partial
abdominoplasty or mini-tummy tuck, which deals primarily with fat deposits and
skin that are limited to the area below the navel. This procedure can take 1-2
hours, again depending on the extent of the repair. In both cases liposuction
may be performed in conjunction with the abdominoplasty to achieve an optimum
body-contouring outcome.

Whether it is a full or partial abdominoplasty, it involves an incision than can
extend from hip to hip and is located as low as possible but above suprapubic or
pubic hairline. A second incision is made around the navel (belly button) and the
skin is then loosened and freed from the abdominal wall. The abdominal muscles
are pulled together and stitched into the new position to provide a firmer
abdominal wall, which in turn flattens the appearance of the abdomen and makes
the waistline narrower. The skin is then pulled down and the excess is removed.
A new hole is cut for the navel and stitched into place. The remaining skin is
then stitched back together.

When the surgery is complete, one or two drains may be stitched into position
along the main incision. This allows for drainage of excess fluid from the surgical
site and will help with healing. Generally the drains are removed 2-3 days post
surgery. A special tight-fitting garment is worn for the first 6 weeks after surgery.
It gives compression and support to the healing abdominal area and is worn 24
hours per day, except during showering which is allowed after the drains are
removed. Wound dressing and care instructions are given to the patient and it is
recommended that someone be with the patient for the first 2-3 days to aid in
self care and daily activities.

For the first few days, swelling and pain is normal and can be controlled with
medication prescribed by Dr. Khanna. Average healing time is 4-6 weeks
however some people heal faster or slower than others. Previous exercise
regimens may be resumed slowly after approximately 4-6 weeks, however
abdominal exercises should be avoided for up to 3 months. It may be quite some
time before you feel back to your old self. It is important that you walk around as
soon as possible after your surgery to encourage circulation and prevent post
surgical complications such as blood clots or pneumonia. These are risks
associated with any surgery however following your post operative instructions
carefully will help aid in your healing process going smoothly.










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