Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. Abdominoplasty also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.

Consultation

Dr. Stewart will examine your abdominal area and take photographs for your medical record. He will consider such factors as your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in the abdominal region. He will also evaluate the amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles.

If you think that you may want to become pregnant in the future, you should mention this to Dr. Stewart. Pregnancy can alter your abdominal area in an unpredictable way and could affect the long-term results of your procedure.

Understanding Risks
The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr. Stewart, or with a staff member in our office.

Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. Tissue loss along portions of the horizontal incision is a possibility when the abdominoplasty is very extensive. This complication, which delays healing and prolongs recovery, is more common in patients who smoke or have medical conditions such as diabetes. Revisionary surgery is sometimes helpful in certain instances where incisions may have healed poorly.

Following surgery, occasionally, fluid may accumulate under the skin. Removal of this serum is a painless process but may require several visits to the office. You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice and instructions of Dr. Stewart, both before and after surgery.

How Should I Prepare?
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Dr. Stewart will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.

Abdominoplasty may be performed on an outpatient basis; however, we prefer you stay overnight for observation. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the next day or two. When abdominoplasty is performed in conjunction with medically necessary procedures such as hysterectomy or hernia repair, a short hospitalization will be required.

Will my Insurance Pay for my Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, as an aesthetic (cosmetic) procedure, is not covered by insurance. In some instances, however, a patient may have a hernia and not just a spreading of the abdominal muscles. Insurance reimbursement may be available for that portion of the procedure that is not cosmetic. Many factors determine your eligibility for coverage, including the specific terms of your insurance policy. If you have a hernia, a letter of predetermination may be required by your insurance company prior to surgury.

Return to Work
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. Depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty and your general physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work anywhere from one to three weeks after surgery. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after a few weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during this time, but such feelings are normal. Severe pain should be reported to the office.